Natalie Forster: From the Editor

Natalie Forster: Impatient homeowners

As lead times increase, focus on offering alternate solutions for customers.

October 8, 2021

Over the past 18 months, I have been in the unique position to hear first-hand how the booming remodel market, supply chain disruptions and material costs are affecting plumbing distributors and showrooms while simultaneously being the end-user customer who’s remodeling her kitchen.

Natalie Forster: Work from home culture

Culture remains important to your next gen pool of recruits.

Natalie Forster

August 30, 2021

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We’ve all discussed work from home in terms of productivity, and how some employees want to stay working at home, others are itching to get back into the office, and many companies have adopted a hybrid approach. But I hadn’t thought too much about how company culture can be affected in this new work from home world.

Natalie Forster: A noble calling

We Supply America tour works to tell the true story of independent distribution.

Natalie Forster

July 28, 2021

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Since Memorial Day this year, Dirk Beveridge, distribution expert and founder of UnleashWD — a design, innovation and strategy firm that helps distributors become market leaders — has been touring the U.S. in his 38-foot RV visiting independent distributors across various industries.

Natalie Forster: A busy contractor

Lumber price and real estate availability challenges drive construction industry focus to remodels.

Natalie Forster

July 9, 2021

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If you’ve talked to a contractor recently, chances are they told you how busy they are.

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

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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%.

Natalie Forster: Flashback

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

Natalie Forster

May 10, 2021

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

Natalie Forster: Meet ELEVATE2021 speakers

ELEVATE goes virtual, impressive lineup of speakers tackle relevant topics.

Natalie Forster

April 9, 2021

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ASA’s Women in Industry division annual event will take place virtually April 20 to 23. Since its inception in 2016, ELEVATE has grown to bring more than 200 women from the PHCP-PVF industry together each year for an event full of inspiring educational sessions, networking and fun.

Eastern Industrial Supplies social media

Natalie Forster: Social media success

Eastern Industrial Supplies uses social channels to promote company culture, connection and employee retention.

Natalie Forster

February 25, 2021

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I’m always curious to hear about how distributors and others within our industry are utilizing social media. For some, it’s a new territory that they’ve yet to fully explore because there’s no internal team member with the time and knowledge to do so.

Natalie Forster: Screen time

Making the most of your increased blue light exposure.

Natalie Forster

February 15, 2021

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Anyone else cringe a little when you get the weekly iPhone notification: “Your weekly screen time report is available?” I for one, am always hoping to see, “Your screen time was down by X%,” but that’s not often the case.

Natalie Forster: Flipping the script

While work-from-home is the norm for many, NYC rep invests in innovative office space for staff.

Natalie Forster

January 6, 2021

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According to Standford News, approximately 42% of Americans are currently working from home. Businesses have been working tirelessly to keep employees safe, many by setting up the needed technology to work remotely.