Schmidt’s Wholesale powers up with Buderus for working solar display
Monticello, N.Y. — Schmidt’s Wholesale announced the completion of the first phase of the panel installment of a new Buderus Solar Heating Systems Display outside its Monticello headquarters.
“The work was done at no charge by Combined Energy Services and Small’s Plumbing & Heating, both Monticello-based companies,” said vice president Chris Schmidt. “Now that the panel is installed, we’re working on the second phase of making it a fully functional live solar water heating & storage system.”
Buderus Solar Heating Systems are comprised of key components that effectively convert the sun’s free energy into practical heat for domestic hot water and space heating applications.
“We are very excited to say we’re now in the solar business and that we will be selling the Buderus line for dhw Solar,” said Schmidt. “Dan Woodruff, our hvac manager, was key in the decision to offer Buderus’ solar heating line. We’re responding to the demand for more efficient and environmentally conscience heating alternatives for our customers.”
Established in 1954 in Monticello, N.Y., Schmidt’s Wholesale is local, family owned distributor of plumbing, heating, pump, electrical, hvac and water work equipment and supplies. While still operating at its original location, Schmidt’s now operates two additional branches in Florida and Newburgh, N.Y., to service the lower Hudson Valley.
For addition information, visit www.schmidtswholesale.com.
Davis & Warshow renovates its A+D Building showroom
New York, N.Y. — Transformations can be a beautiful thing. In the case of the Davis & Warshow kitchen and bath showroom at 150 East 58th Street (the Architects & Designers Building), the makeover not only is beautiful, it is a mathematical wonder.
Architect Emanuela Frattini Magnusson has ingeniously and exquisitely managed to create from a modest 3,600-square-foot space — double the former area, thanks to addition of two neighboring spots that had been vacated — a resource center representing literally scores of crème-de-la-crème brands of sinks, tubs, vanities, faucets, toilets, showers and accessories. In fact, nearly 150 brands are in the d&w portfolio, yet Magnusson has tamed the extraordinary range into a presentation and environment that are calming, tranquil, functional and inspiring. What’s more, the leed-accredited architect has incorporated construction and design features to help make this location one of Davis & Warshow’s greenest and most eco-responsible at a time when it has embarked on a company-wide sustainability initiative, “Practically Green.” To this end, she was careful to specify low-voc paints and coatings, fsc-certified woods, locally sourced materials and fabrication, and high-efficiency/low-consumption lighting.
Green, by the way, in a fresh tint reminiscent of sea glass, adds just the right punch of color to the space that is light and airy in predominant shades of white and cool grays. The concrete tile floor contributes to the neutral palette that allows product to be king.
From the moment one enters, it is a candy shop filled from front to back with fixtures and fittings, purposeful and minus clutter or confusion. Magnusson allowed for a touch of whimsy and emotion in the most innovative and artful way. For the bath area she chose a selection of photographs of mirrors — some baroque and ornate, some classic and simple — and juxtaposed them against colorful materials such as red brick, polka dotted fabric and other colorfully patterned materials. Six of these abstract photo compositions were enlarged to 30-x-45 poster size and silk-screened onto panel facades that have been fabricated into light boxes. Suspended from the ceiling, they inject an inspirational note and a unique decorative touch. The kitchen area also features this original art concept, crowned by a single 45-x-72 horizontal still life of a teapot and other cookware icons.
“The main challenge was to design a practical space that could adapt and grow with the vast array of collections,” said Magnusson. “Plus, the design needed to properly reflect the status that the kitchen and bath have ascended to in our current culture.”
Bath occupies the greatest amount of real estate within the long expanse of the showroom, and products are organized and showcased by type. Tubs are in front, followed by vessel sinks then under-mount sinks, and each sink genre is displayed within custom cabinetry built to accommodate triple tiers of product. The vessel styles are shown in open shelving while the under-mounts are featured in drawers. The top levels of these display units are reserved for best sellers. Continuing along this impressive design avenue one finds combination sinks and vanities. What you don’t find, however, is any kind of vignette or staged environment.
Running on a parallel track with all of the sinks is a display of faucets mounted on acrylic pods. These units smartly hook onto a floor-to-ceiling rail and translucent panel system and can easily be lifted off so a client can see how it pairs with a sink, tub or other accessories. This faucet display system obscures the workstations but still allows the sales staff to keep an eye on the showroom. They enjoy, as well, the benefits of having the bank of windows at their back, and the natural daylight also helps illuminate the entire space. The full stretch of the bath display is interspersed with toilet models, and near mid-point there is a build-out of a square-shaped private cube where face-to-face shower displays are positioned.
“For 25 years, our 58th Street showroom has been the face of Davis & Warshow for the a&d community in New York,” said Sheldon Malc, the company’s director of showrooms. “Aside from the fact that we had outgrown the original footprint and were able to finally add-on, we’re proud that this renovation allowed us to create a space that is much more user-friendly, aesthetically compelling and inspirational, and reflective of the vitality of our business.
“We’re excited to invite architects and designers to explore and experience for themselves why we’ve earned our reputation as the go-to source for the best in kitchen and bath.”
The Davis & Warshow 58th Street showroom is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information contact 212/688-5990 or visit www.dwny.com.
Gustave A. Larson Company announces PEAQ award winners
Pewaukee, Wis. — Winners of Gustave A. Larson Company’s Annual Supplier Evaluation were recently announced. Honored were Advanced Distributor Products, J.B. Industries, Crystal Distribution Inc., DuPont Fluoroproducts, and Heatcraft Refrigeration Products. All received the 2008 Partners in Excellence and Quality (peaq) Award at a dinner on May 5.
The winners are chosen through an evaluation of data collected throughout the year considering various measurements of the quality of partnering in business. Factors considered in the evaluation process are product quality, profitability, marketing, sales support, electronic commerce capabilities, on-time deliveries, basic credit terms, policies and procedures.
The Larson Company held another awards dinner on May 4 honoring the top supplier salespeople for 2008. The top three supplier salespeople in each of Larson’s four regions were selected and the winner in each region announced at the awards dinner. Dan Thompson, representing Lennox Hearth Products, was named the Outstanding Sales Person in the Great Lakes Region, Roy Heimbrock, representing Endres & Associates, in the Great Plains Region, David Barnson, representing g&s Sales, in the Mountain Region, and John Saufferer, representing Saufferer & Associates, in the North Central Region. The criteria used to evaluate the sales personnel include quality of sales call, product knowledge, communication skills, and accountability.
Sue Sinclair, senior vice president/chief inventory management officer, administers the peaq program. “Our peaq program continues to strengthen our partnerships with our suppliers helping us to provide better service to our customers,” she said.
Murray Supply hosts Counter Day, participates in Home Show
Winston-Salem, N.C. — Murray Supply Company’s Raleigh, N.C., location held a counter day with the assistance of Milwaukee Tool, A.O. Smith and Moen on April 16. Luke Hutchins from Milwaukee Tool, along with Len Bowden from Moen and Al Listrum with A.O. Smith, displayed a wide selection of products during the event. The customers enjoyed hotdogs as they discussed the features of new products in the marketplace with the sales associates from Murray Supply.
Listrum, an A.O. Smith representative, donated two tickets to the Darlington Raceway Southern 500. Ted Gaster with Welding Specialties and Mech Services won the tickets.
Murray Supply Company Kitchen and Bath Showroom recently participated in the Triad Home and Garden Show at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. This three day event featured vendors and builders who showcased exhibits and participated in seminars focused on giving the consumer a better understanding of the available home and garden products in today’s marketplace.
Murray Supply Company displayed a variety of products in the 60-foot booth space at the show, which included an American Standard flushing station, Aqueous faucets, an Oceania walk-in tub, A.O. Smith water heaters, Wellborn cabinets and many other items from a number of high quality vendors.
Murray Supply Company is a family owned and operated company that was founded in 1965 by Mr. C.V. Murray in Charlotte, N.C. The company is engaged in the wholesale distribution of residential and commercial plumbing, pvf, hvac, industrial along with maintenance, repair and operations products. Murray Supply Company serves their customers from one showroom and six branch locations in North Carolina.
Acadia system to be offered through HVAC Distributors
Bangor, Maine — Energy-minded homeowners and businesses throughout Pennsylvania now have easier access to the Acadia: Combined Heating and Cooling System from Hallowell International through its new distribution partnership with hvac Distributors Inc.
The Acadia is a revolutionary new green technology used for residential heating and cooling. It provides a significant cost savings to the consumer by outperforming conventional fossil fuel-based heating systems, such as natural gas, by up to 300%.
The Acadia is a single system engineered to comfortably heat and cool homes in all weather conditions, even temperatures as cold as minus 30°F. When traditional heat pumps are put in colder climates such as the Northeast, a back-up heat source is usually required; this uses additional energy, resulting in a higher energy bill for the homeowner. The Acadia, through patented boosted compression technology, operates much more efficiently than a traditional heat pump, and also eliminates the need for an additional heat source.
In response to local contractor requests for the Acadia system, hvac Distributors reached out to Hallowell as a green partner. The partnership has allowed the wholesaler to round out their selection of green products for the residential and light commercial marketplace, while providing Hallowell with an expanded network of training facilities and customer support across Pennsylvania.
“The Acadia combined heating and cooling system is a welcome addition to our green offerings. It gives contractors the ability to offer their customers an energy efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuel systems,” said Dave McIlwaine, president of hvac Distributors Inc.
For details, visit www.HallowellInternational.com or www.hvacdist.com.
Bradley surfaces earn GREENGUARD Certification
Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Bradley’s Terreon® solid surface and Terreon®re recycled solid surface have received greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification and greenguard Children & Schools™ Certification from the greenguard Environmental Institute. This achievement demonstrates Bradley’s long-term commitment to providing innovative restroom products that are environmentally friendly for indoor applications, making a significant contribution to quality indoor air by meeting strict chemical and particle emission guidelines.
The greenguard Certification Program is an industry-independent, third-party testing program for low-emitting products and materials, while the Children & Schools standard evaluates the sensitive nature of school populations combined with the unique building characteristics found in schools, and presents the most rigorous product emissions criteria to date.
A number of Bradley’s handwashing fixtures are available in Terreon solid surface and Terreonre recycled solid surface, including the Express® Lavatory Systems, Frequency® Lavatory System, and the newly introduced Advocate™ Lavatory System, as well as the Multi-Fount and Deep Bowl Washfountains. Terreon is a highly durable material, which resists stains, burns, chemicals and impact, and is easily cleaned and maintained. It also does not support microbial growth, so germs and bacteria are kept at bay. Terreonre, an environmentally friendly alternative, offers the same superior performance as traditional solid surface, but is comprised of 25% pre-consumer recycled content and a bio-based resin, and is one of the greenest product materials on the market.
Achieving good indoor air quality in buildings is important for everyone’s health. According to greenguard Environmental Institute, elevated levels of vocs contribute to poor iaq and cause short- and long-term health issues ranging from triggering asthma and allergy attacks to neurological and respiratory disease. Greenguard Certified products continue to show significant reduction in both the individual chemicals emitting from their products as well as the overall levels of chemicals being released.
For information, call 800/bradley or visit www.bradleycorp.com.
Ferguson opens new showroom in Evansville, Ind.
Newport News, Va. — Ferguson has opened a new showroom in Evansville, Ind. This 6,500-square-foot showroom is located at 600 S. Interchange Road. Ferguson’s showrooms are designed with homeowners, plumbers, builders, remodelers and designers in mind and offer a vast selection of plumbing, appliances, lighting, shower doors and accessories from today’s most recognized manufacturers.
“The Ferguson showroom acts as an extension of our builder/remodeler’s business and provides a beautiful venue for customers to see products and envision them in their homes,” said Andy Cook, manager.
Highly trained consultants are available to help customers create a personalized, custom look in their home. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled by calling the showroom at 812/473-1721.
First Supply hosts water conservation educational event
Madison, Wis. — First Supply teamed with Kohler and the Madison Water Utility in celebration of Drinking Water Week to educate the public about the benefits and necessity of water conservation. The event was held at the Madison Water Utility Open House on May 9.
The First Supply and Kohler tent featured two working displays demonstrating WaterSense rated toilets and faucets. Visitors learned about the importance of WaterSense and water conservation first hand as the displays measured the performance and water savings associated with water conserving products. Also featured were low-flow shower heads.
Kevin Burke, general manager of the First Supply Madison facility, said “I’m happy and pleasantly surprised how many people spent their Saturday learning about water conservation. They are interested and aware of their environmental impact and are eager to learn more about what they can do to reduce it.”
Visitors also enjoyed music from a live remote, free pizza, cookies, Pepsi and a chance to win $300 toward a Kohler get-a-way. The Madison Water Utility hosted several facility tours, informational seminars and offered free drinking water to demonstrate how “Only Tap Water Delivers.” Madison Water Utility customers who purchase a WaterSense rated toilet qualify for a $100 water utility rebate. The rebate program is part of the efforts to reduce the number of 3.5-gpf toilets in the Madison area.
To learn more about water conservation visit www.epa.gov/watersense or local water utility website.
The ‘green’ page on www.1supply.com offers more information about water and energy conservation organizations and products available.
First Supply llc, a WaterSense partner, is a regional wholesale distributor with 27 facilities in the upper Midwest. Founded in 1897, First Supply, employing over 500 people, is a family owned, single source provider of plumbing, heating, cooling, pump/well & septic, municipal, waterworks, builder and industrial supplies.
Interep Systems attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program
Milford, Mich. — Interep Systems has Software Engineering has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with a competency in isv/Software Solutions, recognizing Interep Systems’ expertise and impact in the technology marketplace.
As a Certified Partner, Interep Systems has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and a proven ability to meet customers’ needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the channel.
Interep Systems has been designing customized software for small to medium business partners since 1988. Focusing on the manufacturer representative industry, Interep Systems has been an integral part of many successful agencies by providing them with the right software.
“We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program and obtaining the isv/Software Solutions Competency (Independent Software Vendor) with our isquote, Job Quoting & Tracking Software. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said presidetn Daniel Burke. “The benefits provided through our Certified Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offerings that we provide for our customers.”
Allison Watson, corporate vice president of Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft, added, “Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities. They need to trust in a company that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies.”
As one of the requirements for attaining a Gold Certified Partner status, Interep Systems had to declare a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each Competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry. Within select Competencies, there are Specializations that focus on specific solution areas that recognize deeper expertise within that Competency. Serving as a specialized path to earning those Competencies, Specializations give direct access to the tools and resources that support that specific area of focus.
The isv/Software Solutions Competency recognizes the skill and focus partners bring to a particular solution set. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners that have obtained this competency have a successful record of developing and marketing packed software based on Microsoft technologies.
Interep Systems’ goal is to provide its clients nationwide with the best software product for their needs. Interep Systems specializes in: customized software, database conversions, Microsoft.net applications, website development and Microsoft Small Business Server.
For information, visit www.interepsystems.com.
Haws relies on strategic initiatives to withstand economic challenges
Sparks, Nev. — In these days of economic doom and gloom, it’s refreshing to hear about a company that simply refuses to sink into the abyss. Such a company exists in Sparks, Nev. The 103-year-old Haws Corporation successfully relies on a series of targeted initiatives to mitigate most of the effects of the economic downturn. Their formula includes a clear strategic course aimed at market share expansion: taking advantage of every opportunity that the current turmoil and re-trenching competitors provides. And, that plan is executed at every level of the organization.
Additionally, they stress open and candid communications with their highly empowered employees, as well as focusing on superior product innovation and very aggressive sales and marketing efforts. Their positive, can-do attitude starts at the very top and runs throughout the entire organization. Company president Sallie R. Haws — great-granddaughter of the company’s founder — is the head strategist. “You can call it guile, stubbornness or brilliance, it really doesn’t matter,” she said. “All that counts is that history has shown that companies who are aggressive in the face of economic downturns come out stronger on the other end. We’ve proven it before and we’re proving it again!”
While business is certainly more difficult for every company, Haws included, following the fundamentals is more important (and potentially fruitful) than ever. Sallie said that taking care of your employees and giving them the hard facts, while always important, is critical in today’s markets. “Employees at every level are savvy to the situation and they are always willing to pull a little harder if they know the whole story and what’s at stake,” she added. “We are very proud to have been a finalist in the Reno (Nevada) Economic Development’s ‘edawn Best Places to Work’ program again this year. When your employees vote you into the running for the Best Places to Work in a year like this, you know you’re doing something right.”
Haws is also at the forefront of new product innovation, which has certainly buoyed the company’s revenues. Having launched the ground-breaking axion msr™ eyewash and drench shower line in June 2008 and the exciting new HydrationStation™ this past March, the company is riding a groundswell of very positive press and customer demand. More innovations are in the works to keep the company out in front of its competitors.
Lastly, the company has refined its sales and marketing strategies over the past several years to maximize their reach and effectiveness, while assuring that the value of these efforts is industry-leading as well. President Haws concluded, “We’re acutely aware of the economic circumstances here and abroad, but at the same time, we recognize that those circumstances continue to create many opportunities and we’re really busy taking advantage of them.”
For details, visit www.hawsco.com.
WILO announces plan to unify companies
Melrose Park, Ill. — Wilo has unified its two U.S. companies, Wilo USA LLC and Wilo emu USA LLC, into a single organization that will do business under the name Wilo USA LLC. Effective June 1, Thomasville, Ga.-based Wilo emu USA LLC and Melrose Park, Ill.-based Wilo USA LLC were united throughout all phases of operation, from sales through manufacturing.
The unification of the two companies enhances customer service by allowing customers to access more easily the full product line-from the hvac-related circulator pumps and water supply pumps to submersible sewage pumps and submersible mixers-through a single Wilo contact.
Mike Easterley, ceo and president of the new Wilo usa organization, explained, “We are maximizing the capabilities of all of our resources in the U.S. for the benefit of our customers. This reorganization will facilitate our dramatic growth in the U.S. and accelerate the exchange of timely information to everyone in the industry.”
All production and assembly for the U.S. market will be located at the new fully-equipped Thomasville, Ga., facility, which will be headed up by Terry Rouse. The sales efforts will be headed up by Mark Dagostino, vice president-sales for all Wilo products based out of the Melrose Park, Ill., office.
“Wilo has become an important part of the U.S. marketplace, and we are proud to be able to bring the benefits of Wilo technology to each and every customer and to do so in a manner that is convenient, quick and easy for all,” said Easterley. “We wish to thank our valued U.S. customers that have made this growth possible.”
In other news, Wilo recently completed 2008 year-end reporting and is pleased with the results, including a 150% increase in sales from the previous year, according to Easterley. A start-up company in the U.S. since 2005, Wilo implemented changes during 2008 that have strengthened brand recognition, consolidated and increased representation and increased distribution.
“A heartfelt thanks to our partners, representatives and employees for their dedication and support during 2008 in helping us establish a position of providing end users with some of the most technologically advanced and energy efficient circulators available in the industry,” said Easterley. “And a warm welcome goes out to all of our new partners as well.”
For details, visit www.wilo-usa.com.
Enhanced version of pump course launched
Parsippany, N.J. — Pump Systems Matter and Hydraulic Institute announced that the enhanced version of the one-day course, Pumping Systems Optimization: Opportunities to Improve Life Cycle Performance launched in June.
The course focuses on pumping system optimization, energy saving opportunities and life cycle costing. Topics covered include:
• Introduction and review of the six-step Action Plan
• Why efficient pumping systems are important
• Pump and pump/system interaction
• Screening pumping systems
• Analyzing pumping systems
• Improving the performance of pumping systems
• Life cycle cost analysis
• Developing an Action Plan and where to find available resources and tools
• Case studies and group exercises are an integral part of this course.
PSM has developed a turnkey educational solution, providing full-service training which includes taking registrations, procuring lists, marketing the course, securing locations, handling logistics, hiring instructors, administering course critiques and implementing a follow-up strategy to determine energy improvement successes. Alternatively, psm can also provide just the course content and speakers.
For details about hosting the course, contact Kathy Doran at 973/267-9700, ext. 216, or kdoran@Pumps.org. To learn more, visit www.pumpsystemsmatter.org.
Rheem encourages consumers to make use of new tax credits
Atlanta — Rheem Manufacturing Company is helping homeowners significantly save on upfront product costs, lower monthly utility bills and conserve the Earth’s precious energy supplies with a wide range of products that qualify for the new Federal tax credits. Rheem is able to provide homeowners the expert advice they need when selecting new home appliances and navigating available rebates and tax incentives.
“President Obama’s Federal energy tax credit program increases consumer purchasing power and allows homeowners to obtain Rheem whole-home comfort systems at prices well below the standard market prices,” said Ed Raniszeski, marketing director of Rheem. “From now until the end of the year, there is a window of opportunity for consumers to affordably replace inefficient equipment with energy efficient comfort systems.”
Home heating and cooling equipment, including air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and boilers, may qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the installed cost, up to $1,500. In order to qualify, air conditioners and heat pumps must have a seer of at least 15 while furnaces and boilers need an afue of 95%. Homeowners can view a complete list of Rheem heating and cooling products which qualify for a tax credit at www.rheemac.com/taxcredit/.
Solar water heaters, such as the new Rheem SolPak® active solar water heater, qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the installed cost, with no cap. Virtually all Rheem tankless water heaters meet the .83 ef requirement, qualify for a Federal tax credit of 30% of the installed cost, up to $1,500, and are Energy Star® certified.
In many areas, local governments and utility companies are also offering homeowner rebates or other credits to upgrade the efficiency of their home comfort systems. Homeowners can visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiencies for a listing of state and local government and utility incentives.
For details visit www.rheem.com.