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Mary Jo Martin

Editorial Director Mary Jo Martin gives you an inside look at the year's hottest industry events through unprecedented coverage of shows like Network ASA, PVF Roundtable, HARDI and more! Visit our new On the Road convention videos page for more footage.

 



What's in Print!

The Front Page

In Houston, Ferguson and Tipton Company are working to change the mindset of contractors and consumers when it comes to tankless water heaters. And it’s paying off. Among the benefits they cite are energy savings, water conservation and the versatility to be used in a broad range of applications. Read more from their perspective and that of a local contractor in a feature in this month’s issue.

     

   

In The News

  • Ardente Supply’s WaterSpot covers 10,000 sq ft    
  • PVFShare.com launches in December      
  • NIBCO offers improved warranty   
  • Industry forecast for 2010
  • Peter Schor: Better days ahead for showrooms     
  • Morris Beschloss: PVF sector sees light at the end of the tunnel        
  • Talbot Gee: HVACR recovery flat to mild; stimulus dollars might tip the balance       
  • Jack Hester retires after 41 years at F.W. Webb    
  • A. O. Smith hosts star-studded rep party and golf extravaganza      
  • Long-time rep Richert passes away          
  • HARDI convention in pictures; association elects first woman president       
  • Affiliated Distributors awards top performers          
  • Long-time industry personality and publisher Jack Bittner dead at 86           
  • Product review
All of this and more is available in our digital edition! 

What's Online!

Updated for January on 01/06/2010

A.O. Smith hosts rep contest winners for memorable ...

During the past 18 months, A. O. Smith has unveiled a new logo, color scheme and branding campaign designed to support their ramped-up efforts to bring the most energy efficient and environmentally ... >> More

HVACR’s 2010 fate may rest with stimulus

I wrote a piece for another publication last year urging HARDI members and their contractor customers to learn fast what it means to be part of a subsidized industry. Much like heavy equipment distributors ... >> More

Navien turns up the heat in Texas

Consumers are more involved than ever in the selection of products and appliances for their homes. With a seemingly endless amount of information at their fingertips thanks to the internet, consumers have ... >> More

Weldbend continues winning tradition despite

With the U.S. industrial sector under assault by both government restrictions and globalization, it’s a matter of pride that PVF giant Weldbend stands as a distinguished example of American ingenuity and success ... >> More

Resolutions for a successful 2010

Here’s wishing everyone a happy and prosperous 2010. Many wholesalers have told me that they are glad that 2009 and the worst of it is over. There certainly has been an improvement in the economy and ... >> More

The 2010 economic forecast – partly sunny, cautiously ...

I am hoping that you read my November 2009 monthly column, “How are you doing in the current economy?” and my December 2009 column “Turning problems into opportunities.” I received a lot of e-mail ... >> More

Overall economy, PVF sector anticipate cautious ...

While the general economy is taking its initial steps into the unknown factors comprising the post-recovery 2010 year, what is primarily worrying all facets of business, as well as consumers, is the ultimate direction ... >> More

An easy way to maximize your investment income

This article continues my quest to lead the education parade for my readers in the areas of “How to make it” and “How to keep it.” Today’s subject matter — a little-known strat­egy — goes to the head of the class ... >> More

Cheap (and highly effective) market research for you

Entrepreneurs wonder all the time what the market really wants. What products will sell? What services are people ready, willing and able to pay for? The wrong approach — which is unfortunately used a lot — is for a ... >> More