Independent manufacturers rep agencies have become more important than ever as the conduit between manufacturers and local markets. They are the sales professionals, brand builders, products trainers, problem solvers and relationship caretakers that touch virtually every segment of the distribution channel.

General price deceleration seen across most commodity classes.

Member distributors report 6.7% sales increase.

Pacific Northwest-based Hollabaugh Brothers & Associates President Chad Hollabaugh says, “You can’t beat feet on the street,” referencing a phrase commonly used in sales.

As I am writing this aboard a Southwest Airlines plane, I am concluding a 10^th week in a row where I have traveled to at least one industry event.

Pricing efficiency isn’t pricing effectiveness.

Dakota Supply Group recently named Ryan Tracy, Wayne Trosen, Karl Wrobel and Roy Eskro as new regional general managers.

Boasting combined revenue of more than $8.5 billion, 138 members and 1,450 locations across the continental United States, this new group will become, by revenue, the largest plumbing group in the country.

Times continue to be good right now in the PHCP-PVF industry.

Dayton, Ohio-based Winsupply recently named Odessa Winlectric in Texas its 2018 company of the year. Several other Winsupply companies were named winners in their respective industries.