Natalie Forster: From the Editor

From Reporting to Serving

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll be on my way to ASA’s headquarters to hit the ground running on this new journey. I could not be more excited for the opportunity to work for the association I have been fortunate to partner with and admire throughout my time at BNP Media. I truly believe that ASA helps distributors do their jobs better, and I am thrilled to be joining that mission.

Advocacy as a business strategy

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Between tariff rulings, state product bans, federal efficiency standards and mounting workforce challenges, the PHCP-PVF channel is operating in an environment where regulatory shifts can alter inventory planning, product availability and pricing strategy almost overnight.

Built for disruption: Extreme weather, volatile energy markets and uneven construction demand

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Extreme weather is now colliding with already-tight freight capacity, volatile energy markets and a construction economy that increasingly demands speed, certainty and risk sharing. During the recent cold snap, Financial Times and Reuters reported U.S. natural gas prices surged to their highest levels in more than three years, driven by freeze-offs that curtailed production just as heating demand spiked.

The most meaningful progress rarely makes noise

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Measuring what matters at year-end

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Beyond the buzzwords: What your shelves reveal about 2025’s product trends

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

According to the American Supply Association’s most recent sales report, industrywide wholesale trade in mid-2025 was up just over six percent year-over-year, while inventories climbed a modest 1.3%. That balance suggests something healthy — not overheated, but steady growth with wholesalers staying disciplined on stock levels. In other words, people are buying smart.

The Commonwealth Group members meet one last time before officially merging with AD

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Throughout the 1970s-1980s there were four main industry buying groups - AD, Embassy, Omni and WIT & Co. Often referred to as “legacy buying groups,” these groups existed and operated for decades before consolidation began. Here's a quick history lesson on buying group mergers in the sector.

New tariffs on copper: What this means for distribution margins

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In plumbing, wholesalers are reporting price hikes of 15–35% across copper, steel, and PVC since the tariff chatter began. Distributors caught between rising supplier invoices and contractors reluctant to absorb increases face an unenviable choice: raise prices and risk losing volume, or protect customer relationships and watch margins evaporate.

A celebration of American manufacturing: Inside NIBCO's Stuarts Draft foundry

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Stuarts Draft plant is capable of producing 3,085 different SKUs and has a 40-million-pound capacity when fully staffed.

What PHCP wholesalers need to know about 2025 DOE standards

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The 2025 standards are a reminder that regulation is never static. But wholesalers who position themselves as both compliance experts and trusted advisors can turn these challenges into an opportunity to strengthen contractor relationships—and protect their margins in the process.

If you don’t tell your story, someone else will

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today’s marketplace is flooded with content. Traditional marketing of product and price isn’t enough—supply houses must craft narratives to stand out and be memorable. You do more than stock and sell products, and it’s time to share that with the world.

Potential impacts of Iran retaliation on U.S. supply chains

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

While no one is sure yet how Iran will respond, concerns are rising that will directly impact the PHCP-PVF supply chain, specifically markets related to oil and gas. Retaliation could target U.S. forces or allies in the Middle East, especially near the Strait of Hormuz, which would threaten global oil flow.

Elevating employees to grow within your business

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

If everyone sticks to the confines of their role, it limits creativity and denies organizations the benefit of our innate desire as humans to solve problems.

ASA Women in Industry Division wraps 11th annual conference with over 180 first-time attendees

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

My first ASA ELEVATE was in 2019 in San Diego. I had just joined the industry in mid-2017 and had only been to a handful of events. I’ll never forget the welcoming environment that surrounded me and the relationships I was able to begin at that very first event.

Why small-to-mid-sized distributors are at higher risk for cyber attacks

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Cyber criminals often target distributors because they manage large B2B transactions, house valuable financial information, and sometimes use ERPs that are not up to date with modern security protection. Additionally, as infuriating as this is – cyber criminals know that distributors are essential to the supply chain, and are more likely to pay ransom in order to resume business operations quickly.

How will the Trump Administration affect the global supply chain?

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

President Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico may raise prices on plumbing supplies. Stay alert for potential cost increases as trade practices shift.

Bridging the gap between wholesalers and contractors

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In the past five years with Supply House Times, I've gained insights into the supply chain and the challenges faced by PHCP-PVF wholesalers and contractors. Following Nicole Krawcke’s departure from Plumbing & Mechanical, I am now the Editorial Director for both publications, which allows me to connect with everyone in the supply chain to enhance our collaboration.

Distributors are doing more than ever to build loyal contractor relationships

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Distributors are enhancing services to meet contractor needs, with innovations like text ordering, quick deliveries, and specialized training, fostering strong relationships and driving mutual success in a competitive market.

Handling political climates in the workplace

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

As an employer, it is first important that you understand your own and your employees' rights when it comes to Freedom of Speech in the workplace.

Hurricane Helene acts as reminder of water infrastructure importance

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As I am writing this column, thousands of people from the Florida coast up to the Carolinas are still stranded without power, drinking water or a safe way to access basic resources due to the catastrophic flooding brought on by Hurricane Helene. Many of these mountain towns destroyed by Helene are areas that already lacked resources and access.

Artificial intelligence stats for distributors to keep in mind

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a buzzword across industries. The global AI in Warehouse Management Market is projected to reach approximately USD 70 billion by 2033, up from USD 2.6 billion in 2023. Many companies are using AI for tasks like answering calls, generating marketing material, and managing inventory. AI will impact business operations, hiring, budgeting, and consumer behavior.

BNP Media Plumbing Group earns APEX Award for 2023 eBook

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

BNP Media’s Plumbing & Mechanical Media Group has received an APEX 2024 award for publication excellence for its 2023 Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook.

Move quick when it comes to hiring

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Research indicates that in the last two decades, the average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds to 8.25 seconds, with Gen Z's being less than 8 seconds.

First Supply to install Exotec robotic system in new 308,000 square-foot distribution center

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The global warehouse robotics market is expected to reach a value of $12.99 billion by 2030. Warehouse robotic systems automate tasks like picking, sorting, transporting, and packing, offering faster and more accurate operations.

Catching up: Returning to work after maternity leave

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Wed, 08 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I've been away on maternity leave for two months, and I'd like to thank Nicole Krawcke and Dan Ashenden for stepping in as guest columnists. I'm grateful for the support and gifts I received from industry friends. I'm now back and ready to tackle the challenges of being a working mother!

Enhancing the contractor relationship

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

I'm Nicole Krawcke, Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer. I often help edit Supply House Times with Natalie Forster. I've been writing on plumbing and HVAC contractors for nearly a decade. This month, I stress the importance of the supplier-contractor relationship.

Global inflation anticipated to decline further in 2024

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Throughout 2024, the construction industry is anticipating slowdowns in several sectors, and distributors are preparing for a good year, but not one that mirrors the record numbers of 2022 and 2023.

New year, new columnists

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

I’m extremely excited for you to check out our two new regular columnists — Dave Yates and Alicia Branham.

Great conversations at ASA NETWORK2023

forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

One great conversation I got to have while at NETWORK during the "in between" moments was with NIBCO’s newly-promoted President and COO Ashley Martin and Dawn Bloch who is now the company’s chief people officer.