Some recent client engagements have brought to mind Einstein’s quote – “Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results, is insanity.” Whether forced to, or by choice, some major ... >> Click to download this article

Reliable Alaska heating performance proof that Baxi Luna...

To excel with a boiler installation in North America’s most demanding heating market is admirable. Mastering 100 reliable installations of a brand over a decade can best be described as exemplary ... >> More

Plenty of food and fun on hand as Coburn’s shares thanks...

The roots of Coburn Supply Co. are in Louisiana, and it seems that the spirit of New Orleans — “Let the Good Times Roll” — is embodied throughout its leadership and management team. It is simply ... >> More

Total return on inventory investment

Are you a buyer of product or an investor of company money? This is the question I invite all purchasing professionals to ask themselves. Those of you who are familiar with my inventory ... >> More

Omni’s Bob Hoff steers Omni through sea of changes...

It’s only fitting that the man at the helm of the Omni ship is a former sailor, serving in the U.S. Navy and then graduating from Old Dominion University in finance. Thirty-six years later, Bob Hoff laughs as ... >> More

Reasons to let a supplier manage your inventory

As a wholesaler considering participating in a supplier’s Vendor Managed Inventory program, you might be asking yourself, “Why would I let a supplier manage my inventory?” It may seem counter-intuitive ... >> More

Walworth focuses on U.S./Canada in 2010 global expansion

Walworth, Crane, Lunk­en­heimer, Powell! When first entering the valve industry 53 years ago, I quickly became aware that the flourishing flow control sector had four significant full-line valve companies that... >> More

Take time to manage your pricing

Price objections are a way of life in the distribution business. I don’t know where this all started, but it is a curse that we all endure as we try to run profitable hard-goods wholesale businesses. There are... >> More

Professional trade group partnerships for 2010

If you are going to be successful in 2010, a tough economic year, you will need to reach a greater portion of potential buyers and influencers. Knowledgeable trade partners can help create a conduit ... >> More

Government hostility considered #1 risk by business leaders

As we intensify our contact with business leaders throughout the U.S. to gain a more comprehensive outlook for 2010, we are struck by the intense hostility against pending Admin­istration initiatives. ... >> 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