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Throughout the 1970s-1980s there were four main industry buying groups - AD, Embassy, Omni and WIT & Co. Often referred to as “legacy buying groups,” these groups existed and operated for decades before consolidation began. Here's a quick history lesson on buying group mergers in the sector.

Social media posts for jobseekers reached 2.7 million views, up 194%. Clicks to SupplyIndustryCareers.com increased to 38,000 (up 155%). Additionally, 77 ASA-member companies have activated the “Now Hiring” flag on the site.

The tour will provide a peek behind the curtain of the stocking efficiencies and abilities of Winsupply, and insight into opportunities to grow with them. After the tour, key people from Winsupply will present on their unique approach and entrepreneurial spirit, which enables local Winsupply companies to be successful in their respective markets.

Passing your business to a successor may seem easy, but researching potential candidates is essential. Evaluate their fit with your company’s values and strengths. Consider training a promising member of your management team early.

Our trip was focused on promoting policy solutions that address these growing concerns—ensuring that every community, regardless of geography or income, has access to safe and sustainable water. We also were there supporting the trades who install and service this critical infrastructure as well as the manufacturers and wholesale distributors that keep the supply chain full.

The new generation of contractors, engineers, estimators, and procurement officers is digital natives. They expect information to be available, clear, and accessible online—not buried in a PDF. With AI, you can produce content that speaks to this new buyer: FAQs, how-to articles, responsive website content, comparison charts, and more.

Today’s marketplace is flooded with content. Traditional marketing of product and price isn’t enough—supply houses must craft narratives to stand out and be memorable. You do more than stock and sell products, and it’s time to share that with the world.

Industry Insights Senior Vice President Greg Manns notes data from the 2025 report shows 2024 was a challenging year compared to a few recent ones. However, Manns cautions that he is not painting a picture of gloom and doom because ASA wholesaler respondents still reported a fairly solid year when looking from a historical perspective over the last 5-10 years.

Without a dedicated point person—the CEO for CRM—guiding the project from planning to post-launch, it can quickly go off track. Additionally, following a clear roadmap that breaks goals into manageable segments is essential.

Social media seeks authentic, real-time content. Many businesses miss this because on-site workers often overlook the value of their perspective.