Natalie Forster

Natalie Forster is the director of communications for the American Supply Association (ASA), where she leads the association's public and media relations strategy, social media efforts, and member-focused online and print communications. Prior to joining ASA, she was the Editorial Director of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. Before that, she served as an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company focused on the PHCP trades and real estate industries. Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Tankless market reaches new heights

Consumer desire for instant, constant hot water drives increased demand.

Natalie Forster

June 30, 2021

According to Coherent Market Insights, the global tankless water heater market is estimated to account for $29.7 billion in terms of value by the end of 2027, witnessing a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% during the forecast period 2020-2027.

Mid-year economic review

Five economic issues to watch, plus oil price analysis and construction outlook from Dr. Chris Kuehl.

Natalie Forster

June 28, 2021

During a webinar in late May, Dr. Kuehl gave his mid-year economic review, focusing on five key issues distributors should be monitoring: Inflation, consumer behavior, “normal” business, the global economy and market reaction.

Supply House Times Profile: QuickDrain USA launches SquareDrain point drain

QuickDrain enters center point-drain market with trending finish options.

Natalie Forster

June 21, 2021

As an extension of the QuickDrain USA total shower solution, aimed to reimagine how drains should look and perform, the company recently launched its new SquareDrain point drain. Plumbing & Mechanical attended the virtual product launch event in April.

ASA MDM program fuels future leaders

Graduates share how MDM program prepares distributors for industry challenges and leadership roles.

Natalie Forster

June 8, 2021

A labor study performed by ASA in 2015 found that 50% of currently employees within the PHCP-PVF industry will retire by 2035.

2021 Rep of the Year: Dellon Sales Co.

Dellon Sales Co. earns Rep of the Year award for continued commitment and service through times of crisis.

Natalie Forster

June 7, 2021

Albertson, New York-based, fourth-generation family-owned Dellon Sales Co. is Supply House Times’ Rep of the Year for 2021 — and it’s quite a fitting year for the company to receive the honor.

Natalie Forster: Armed forces members bring unique skills to supply chain

Veteran population one to consider when searching to fill logistic roles.

Natalie Forster

May 27, 2021

According to the Department of Labor (DOL), the veteran unemployment rate as of November 2020 stood at 5.9% — a significant increase from the 2019 rate of 3.1%.

Premier 150

2021 Premier 150 rankings

Top PHCP-PVF distributors ranked based on fiscal 2020 sales.

Natalie Forster

May 18, 2021

Premier 150 Survey results are in after an unprecedented year.

Institutional insight

Institutional projects resume, product trends provide opportunity even in challenging market.

Natalie Forster

May 10, 2021

As of April 2021, commercial projects are resuming in most parts of the country as public spaces open up and resume operations that are more regular.

Natalie Forster: Flashback

Think back to where you were a year ago and be proud.

Natalie Forster

May 10, 2021

One year ago it seemed as though the term “the new normal,” was flying around constantly.

Technology relations

Contractors and distributors discuss CAD systems, BIM modeling and reliance on eCommerce.

Natalie Forster

May 9, 2021

In an effort the help distributor members better understand the needs and adapt to evolving expectations of contractor customers, the American Supply Association’s D.NEXT Lab team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign conducted research focused on contractor purchasing habits, ordering and receiving preferences at distributors, big-box retailers and online.