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The water heater market is growing steadily as it moves into 2026, with increased demand in commercial and multifamily sectors. Reliability and efficiency are prioritized, influenced by regional policies and regulatory changes that promote informed system selections.

According to a report published by Bluefield Research, a water-focused market research firm based in Boston, Mass., by 2030, yearly investment in water and wastewater management will be more than $62 billion U.S. The firm attributes this to the explosion of AI-powered technology (driving the need for more data centers), the push to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S., energy transition, and national security.

It's critically important for all of us to see ourselves as industry stewards. We are an essential industry for the future of our nation. We are necessary even though we might not always see ourselves that way.

A recent American Supply Association report finds that nearly 75% of companies are experimenting with AI, with 38% exploring use cases, 34% piloting tools, and 19% implementing AI for operations like data forecasting and process automation, reflecting a shift towards technology to meet rising demands.

Distributors must constantly adjust due to pricing volatility, supply-chain disruptions, labor shortages, inflation, and shifting customer expectations, tightening decision timelines. In November, five distributors met at ASA NETWORK in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for Supply House Times’ 16th annual distributor roundtable to assess the market and discuss future success.

Manufacturers exhibiting at AHR Expo 2026 are bringing forward solutions that prioritize intelligence, flexibility and practicality, addressing real-world challenges faced by contractors, engineers, distributors and building owners.

A strong marketing strategy is the bridge between where your business stands today and where you want it to go. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to increase brand visibility, a rep firm aiming to secure more partnerships, or a distributor working to grow market share, success starts with clear, actionable goals and a structured roadmap.

The following list includes the top 10 most-read articles from 2025 based on website traffic at Supplyht.com. If you missed any of these throughout the year, take a few minutes to read what all of the bustle was about.

In wholesale distribution, progress in 2025 rarely came from one sweeping change. It came from smarter forecasting and more accurate data analysis. From incremental improvements in product data that made online searches less frustrating to onboarding processes that got new hires productive faster than before. None of it flashy, but all of it impactful.

The year-end is a time for reflection, and planning for 2026 is already starting. The Gallup Q12 engagement survey measures employees' connection to their workplace through 12 key statements. It highlights aspects such as expectations, tools, valued opinions, and growth opportunities, making it especially valuable in industries where retention depends on clarity, trust, and recognition beyond compensation. The Q12 helps quantify these drivers for better management, which is crucial at year-end.