The May issue is an exciting one. The first order of business is Supply House Times’ annual Premier 150 distributors list. As you can predict, sales skyrocketed for many PHCP-PVF distributors throughout fiscal year 2021.

CONNECT offers a solution that provides professionals in 10 vital job functions an ability to meet online in monthly peer-to-peer-facilitated sessions led by The Distribution Team’s Jason Bader and Marshall Jones to discuss common challenges, gain insight and practical solutions, and learn from peers on critical topics. Available CONNECT communities include: accounts receivable managers, finance managers, human resources managers, operations managers, technology managers and training managers. These six communities are open to all ASA member companies (distributors, manufacturers, reps and master distributors).

I’m happy to see the PHCP-PVF industry taking every chance it gets to shout the importance of what you do, work together for the greater good, and give back in numerous ways.

It’s not fun to list these losses, but hearing from peers, competitors and loved ones of these men reinforces the true family-like atmosphere the PHCP-PVF industry embodies, and that is something to be honored and celebrated. It is an industry where even the toughest of competitors share mutual respect and care for one another. This is certainly the case when it comes to Mr. Ed Nierman, or “Eddie Nierman” as many were used to calling him. 

Given today’s rapidly changing business environment, strengthening your company’s ability to compete requires you to think about your businesses like never before.

The environment requires new levels of strategic vision and a growth mindset that prioritizes strategic planning and investment. We are all challenged every day to stay relevant and enhance our ability to compete, and this is true now more than ever.

Throughout 2022, the focus of this column will be on strengthening your network. Don’t worry, this isn’t about cybersecurity, and you won’t need an information technology degree to make the most of these articles. We are not talking about that kind of system. Instead, we’re going to cover the basic nuts and bolts of building strong networks of people within your company and with outsiders. 

Since diving into the wholesales-distribution corner if the PHCP-PVF industry, I’ve spent a lot more time thinking and learning about family-owned businesses, small-to-mid-sized businesses and all of the behind-the-scenes that goes along with building a career in one of these businesses. I’m proud to say that from learning from you all, I’m much more aware of the importance of supporting the independently-owned businesses within my community. And I don’t think I am alone in this attentiveness.

The topic of labor has been front and center for quite some time now inside and outside of this industry. But it wasn’t until the recent Thanksgiving holiday break that it really hit home as to just how bad the current situation is. While waiting for my daughter to finish a recent fitness class, I decided to run a quick errand to mail a package. While driving down this road in an industrial park setting, business after business had roadside signs looking for labor — virtually every business on this busy road.

It’s easy to rest on your laurels when things are going well. Some may not think to stretch your organization out of fear that you will get in the way of a “good thing.” Remember the old adage — “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”