The November 2021 issue of Supply House Times features our cover story on Bill Condron, incoming ASA President, advocacy in action, wearing many hats, and much more!
Heading into his year as ASA President, CEO of New England PHCP distribution giant The Granite Group, Bill Condron, plans to continue the upward trajectory that both ASA and his company are on.
Condron began his career in the industry stocking shelves in the warehouse of the family business. While he never intended to join the industry, his plans changed as he worked his way up through the company over the past 20 years.
Skaggs talks engagement with wholesale-distribution channel, state of the supply chain and the company’s new product division.
November 8, 2021
GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions carries a line of electric tank and tankless water heaters, with plans for the introduction of a gas line early next year. Supply House Times recently caught up with Jim Skaggs, vice president of sales for GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions.
Although lack of available product and labor are ongoing factors within the residential plumbing sector, there is certainly no lack of opportunity. According to the 2021 North American Plumbing Fixtures Market Report, compiled by Grand View Research, the plumbing fixture market ended 2020 with a $22.4 billion value and it is expected to grow at a rate of 7.5 percent from 2021 to 2028.
The word “essential” has taken on a bit of a new meaning since the onset of 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic. When talking about how business behaved throughout the ups and downs of the past 20 months, many mention how thankful they were to be an essential business, and how this title allowed doors to remain open and business to continue.
Steve Rossi, director of government affairs at ASA, along with more than 1,800 engaged ASA members, are largely to thank for that.
The days of manufacturers’ reps hitting the pavement making sales call after sales call are long gone. Today, reps are often taking on reporting, marketing, training, data analytics and through times of disruption, damage control.
The American Supply Association’s Fred V. Keenan Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor that can be given to a member of our industry’s national trade association.
As I’ve been back out attending in person events this Fall, I’ve noticed the conversation surrounding what we’re doing as an industry to bridge the labor gap and recruit more talent has a common theme.
Dr. Seuss wrote a beautiful book by that title. It’s probably been the main focus of most high-school valedictorian addresses ever since. But I don’t think Dr. Seuss ever spent much time in unusual mechanical rooms or famous buildings.
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.”
The DPHA conference actually shuts down its exhibit hall during the speaker and roundtable meetings, allowing every attendee the ability to participate and network. The vendors know the conference schedule offers ample time for their customers to see their new products. They also understand that face-time away from others outside the exhibit hall is important in building stronger vendor-distributor relationships.
Nashville, Tennessee — home of country music, hot chicken and Johnny Cash. Along with those prominent illustrations depicting the city at face-value, this year it was also the home of the ASA Emerging Leaders’ annual forum EMERGE.
By Sally Boyer, Manager of Marketing Communications — NIBCO
November 11, 2021
The recent chaos and gloom that we’ve experienced during the global pandemic has taught us several important lessons, including resilience and strength.
The Southwest Pacific Distributors, a regional affiliate of the American Supply Association, recently held its annual awards dinner in Long Beach, California.
On Oct. 15, the American Supply Association submitted public comments opposing two Tentative Interim Amendments (TIA) that if passed, would remove the use of press-connect and mechanical joints in refrigeration systems under the 2018 and 2021 versions of the IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC).
However, month-to-month sales numbers warrant watching going forward.
November 3, 2021
Respondents to ASA’s monthly sales report enjoyed a median sales increase of 19.3% for September 2021 vs. September 2020. Worth watching going forward, in comparison to the previous month — September 2021 vs. August 2021 — respondents reported a decline in median sales of -3.0%.
Codes and standards veteran executive recognized for commitment to sustainability.
October 14, 2021
American Supply Association Director of Codes and Standards Jim Kendzel, MPH, CAE, was named the recipient of the IAPMO Joseph Kneidinger Sustainability Professional of the Year Award. The Joseph Kneidinger Sustainability Professional of the Year Award is presented to the professional that best fulfills or symbolizes the commitment to environmental sustainability. The nominated professional must be an IAPMO member.
Critical legislation represents a victory for wholesalers, distributors and Californians alike.
October 13, 2021
After months of negotiation and intense work on the part of the California legislature, American Supply Association and its coalition partners, AB 100 has been signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom. This is a positive result that provides manufacturers time to get compliant products into the supply chain and provides wholesalers/distributors a reasonable amount of time to reduce inventory.
Klein Tools Digital Level measures 0 to 90°, 0 to 180°, or dual-axis bullseye ranges with preprogrammed, commonly used target pitches for efficiency and ease-of-use.
The Makita XPH14 hammer drill has a full 1,250 inch-pounds of torque (highest torque in its category, Makita notes) and can drill 2 9/16” self-feed bits with ease
The new XTREME 12V MAX* 1 3/4 “ brushless bandsaw (DCS375B) is lightweight at 6.54 pounds with an integrated guard making it ideal for overhead and one-handed cutting jobs
Milwaukee Tool’s new Streamline ACR press jaws and ring made in partnership with Mueller Streamline is an addition to the company’s FORCE LOGIC line of press solutions