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Despite the amplification of obstacles strewn in the tortuous path of America’s hundreds of thousands of independent businesses by federal and state fiats, most of such “small” companies continue to inch forward.

I recently did a webinar for a group of kitchen and bath dealers on the subject of marketing. It prompted me to think about the wholesale showroom and independent decorative plumbing and hardware showroom businesses.

There are many things I’d like to tell you about the 2013 AHR Expo held in Dallas in late January, but the message about refrigerants is so urgent that it pre-empts my regular show coverage (which will follow in the April issue of Supply House Times).

In this month’s issue of Supply House Times, you will notice a strong focus on the next generation of leaders in our industry.

I started going to the every-odd-year ISH show in Frankfurt, Germany in 1990 and haven’t missed one since.

Thanks to great efforts on the part of supply houses, customers have become accustomed to getting almost all the items they want, in the ordered quantities, at the right prices and when needed.

“You’re going to like the way you look. I guarantee it.”

I have several big passions. My family, friends, showrooms and sports are way up there on the list.

While the bitter reckoning of the winter months has recently displayed a scattering of warm spots indicating a better spring ahead, mid-January economic improvements also are peeking through the heavy clouds overhanging the late 2012 economy.

Recent dialogue with scores of manufacturers, distributors, mechanical contractors and retailers detects a note of optimism as the year unfolds.