Comfort Supply opens fourth location
Clarksville, Tenn. — Comfort Supply Inc., a wholesale distributor of Ruud HVAC products, opened a fourth location in mid-April. The new warehouse/ showroom at 1460 New Ashland City Road in Clarksville joins Comfort Supply’s stores in Nashville, Murfreesboro and Cookeville.
The 8,000-square-foot Clarksville location of Comfort Supply offers everything that residential and commercial contractors need to install and service HVAC equipment. Comfort Supply hosted an open house for contractors at the new location on May 12.
“Clarksville is a particularly good location for Comfort Supply because the residential construction industry has fared much better here than in most other Tennessee cities during the economic downturn,” said Jimmy Shelton, sales consultant for the new store. “We see a great potential for growth in this market.”
In November of last year, CNNMoney.com ranked Clarksville fourth in the nation in terms of mid-sized cities in which to start up a new business. The article cited an influx of manufacturing jobs, including the new Hemlock Semiconductor plant, which is expected to employ up to 800 people.
“We have been wanting to expand to Clarksville for a some time now,” said Clay Blevins, Comfort Supply CEO. “We look forward to working with the contractors in the community and being a part of this great city.”
Like Clarksville, Comfort Supply has grown at a rapid rate in recent years, expanding into Murfreesboro in 2006 and Cookeville in 2008. The company’s revenue has grown at an annual rate of approximately 15% for the past four years.
“We are grateful to have experienced success during these challenging times,” Blevins said. “People will choose to do business with you, we believe, if you provide great service and an outstanding product at a fair price. This is what we have built our business on, and we look forward to bringing the same customer-focused approach to our Clarksville store.”
In additional news, Comfort Supply has announced a “Certified Green Contractor” program to recognize HVAC contractors who make special efforts to be environmentally friendly with respect to the equipment installed and practices on the job site and in the office. Homeowners who hire these green certified contractors can be assured that the work will be done professionally and with an eye toward environmental friendliness.
HVAC contractors will earn points by executing green tasks. Once contractors generate 100 points, Comfort Supply will verify certification and award successful contractors with special graphics for uniforms, vehicles and correspondence. Comfort Supply will list certified green contractors on their web site and blog and in their newsletter.
“We’ve found that little steps can add up and we wanted a way to recognize these efforts for our customers,” said Blevins. “The Certified Green Contractor program is just our step in reducing the impact on the environment. We hope through simple, responsible behavior shifts from our customers, we can do our part to make the world a better place to live.”
Master Group opens new branch in Ontario
Boucherville, Ont. – The Master Group L.P. has expanded in the Ontario territory with the opening of a branch in Kingston on May 3.
“The opening of our 15th branch, our third in Ontario, represents an important step in the development strategy of The Master Group. With regards to choosing a location, Kingston was identified for its economic advantages and its growth potential,” noted Alain Fournier, executive vice president for The Master Group.
Strategically located at the crossroads of main streets and major access roads, this new 7000-square-foot location will specialize in refrigeration, cooling and heating with the distribution of the largest brands such as York, Fujitsu, KeepRite, Refplus, Reznor, A.O. Smith, Rinnai and Weil-McLain, just to name a few.
The Kingston branch is located in the industrial district of Cataraqui and can be reached at 613/634-2552.
Franke creates partner loyalty program
Hatfield, Pa. – This spring, Franke Luxury Products Group launched a unique brand integrity program called the Franke Authorized Reseller program. Its goal is to protect Franke wholesalers, showrooms, dealer partners and their customers, leveling the playing field and ensuring that each and all will get what they pay for when acquiring products bearing the Franke name.
According to FLPG general manager Charles Lawrence, “Consumers are all familiar with brand loyalty programs that serve the brands; but we were determined to create a partner loyalty program that protects and rewards our partners who share our commitment to the creative design, quality and heritage that define 21st Century luxury. We think it’s fitting that as the brand nears its 100th birthday, Franke Authorized Resellers forms a quality-assured network of support reaching seamlessly from manufacturer to consumer.”
The mutually binding agreement commits the partners to moving beyond simple order taking to the level of assisted sales and service. The AR partners will be distinguished by the willingness to provide proper displays, a trained sales team, pre- and post-sale service. They reaffirm that “a good deal” involves much more than simply offering the lowest advertised price.
Consumers and end users including builders, architects, designers, plumbers and other Authorized Resellers will recognize the authorized marketing partners by their licensed use of Franke trademarks, copyrights trade dress, etc. Resellers operating without the Franke license are prohibited from using these symbols of brand integrity.
Additional tools Franke will use to protect the image and reputation of its branded products will include:
• The strengthening of its selective distribution network
• A Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy
• Elimination of drop shipments for internet resellers
• Graphic standards and trademark guidelines
• Authorized dealer locator at www.FrankeKSD.com
• Unauthorized customer list on www.FrankeKSD.com.
Habegger Corp. thriving thanks to emphasis on green products
Lexington, Ky. – In a year when many in the HVAC industry are paring down, cutting back and laying off, at least one independent distributor is growing – and even building. The Habegger Corporation, a Bryant distributor with 22 locations in the Midwest and Kentucky, attributes its success in part to a burgeoning interest in green heating and cooling technologies.
Habegger just put the finishing touches on its new state-of-the-art training center, showroom and warehouse – a building three times the size of its old digs. According to regional manager Mike Lohbeck, the company is also making two new hires, and will add a third position before the end of the year. “We have weathered the recession so far without a single layoff,” Lohbeck said, “and now we’re pleased to be adding new jobs.”
The company has added a new truck, increased its warehouse space from 85,000 to over 310,000 cubic feet, established a same-day delivery policy within Fayette County, and has plans to expand even more in the next three to five years. The beefed-up training center will make it possible for more technicians to learn the ins and outs of environmentally friendly technologies that have gained popularity since federal tax credits became available for installing efficient equipment. Technicians who broaden and deepen their training now, said Lohbeck, will have a leg up in a very tough market – and that will likely help them keep a more secure foothold as business begins to pick up again.
“There was not a designated classroom space in our old building, so fewer people could be trained at a time, and the atmosphere was not as conducive to learning,” said Lohbeck. The new space features many opportunities for hands-on learning, with three fully functioning comfort systems and a Bryant whole-house standby generator.
Students will be able to “touch and feel” while they learn to install, troubleshoot and maintain a Bryant Hybrid Heat gas furnace/geothermal heat pump, a high-efficiency variable speed Evolution heat pump and a Mitsubishi Mr. Slim ductless heat pump air conditioning system, with two zones.
“We have the geothermal system set up so that we can go out to the wells and they can see how the pipes are fused together and follow the pipes all the way back inside,” said Lohbeck. He said many techs working in traditional HVAC technologies would be interested to witness firsthand how ground source heat pumps use the even temperatures of groundwater rather than outside air as a source of high-efficiency heating and cooling. All Bryant air conditioners, including geothermal heat pumps, use environmentally sound, chorine-free Puron refrigerant.
“Especially in our region, these systems are absolutely essential to know about if you want to remain competitive in the future,” Lohbeck said. “We had 300% growth in geothermal sales last year over the year before. Green technologies are in high demand, and dealers and contractors who know how to install and repair them will be in high demand as well.”
Lohbeck said that Habegger was taking this opportunity to more effectively cover its current territory, by boosting warehouse space and improving its training center, while hiring new inside salespeople. “In the next three to five years, we are planning to expand our territory farther south in Kentucky as well,” he said. “Interest in green technologies has helped us not only survive, but also grow, through one of the hardest periods our industry has ever seen. And we don’t plan to stop growing anytime soon.”
Founded in 1952, the Habegger Corporation’s primary product line is Bryant heating and cooling systems. They also provide a comprehensive line of HVAC parts, supplies, services, training and equipment with 22 locations serving markets in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and Iowa.
Globe Union, Hajoca honored with Crystal Vision Awards
Chicago – The Storehouse of World Vision hosted its 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Crystal Vision Award Breakfast on April 17 during the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. This special event celebrates selected industry leaders for their humanitarian efforts benefiting American families in need.
This year’s event honored Globe Union and Hajoca Corporation. Globe Union was selected for its donation of many products to underprivileged families, the support of World Vision’s School Tools program, and for having consistent, long-term involvement with the Storehouse and Crystal Vision Award Breakfast. Hajoca was honored for making World Vision one of its key charities that hundreds of its retail locations in the country support.
These two industry leaders were recognized for their outstanding commitment to displaying vision, leadership and efforts to improve housing and community facilities that support World Vision’s mission of serving children and families affected by poverty.
World Vision’s Storehouse network is comprised of nine warehouses across the U.S. that receives corporate donations of new, top-quality goods made available to local community partners for distribution. Goods that are distributed include building materials, school supplies, personal care items, and clothing to over 1.6 million people in low-income communities annually.
Visit www.worldorganization.org.
Valley Supply opens new W.Va. showroom
Elkins, W.Va. – One of West Virginia’s largest privately owned wholesalers, Valley Supply Co., has expanded its century-old facility in Elkins. Now the company is competing in the bath and home furnishings marketplace – 21st century style – with a new showroom called DreamScapes.
Valley Supply Co. opened at its present location in 1905 as the Baldwin-Chandlee Co. Around 1924, the name was changed to Valley Supply Co., and the firm sold guns, stoves and bicycle parts. At that time, the facility was a kind of general store and also contained a blacksmith shop. Valley Supply continues to change and grow with the demands of the consumer and adapts its products to meet those needs.
The opening of the DreamScapes showroom follows renovations at Valley Supply’s Parkersburg, W.Va., showroom. That location was operated for more than 30 years by Clay Van Voorhis. Altogether, Valley Supply has over 60 years of experience in home gallery operation.
DreamScapes in Elkins, like its Parkersburg counterpart, stocks a variety of products for the bath and home, including brands such as TOTO, Moen, MTI, Mansfield, Empire Comfort Systems and other reputable manufacturers. The central distribution center is located in Clarksburg, which also services the St. Albans, W.Va., store.
“The prospect of modernizing our Elkins facility has long been a priority, and we are excited that we can now offer our many faithful customers a more convenient and pleasant shopping experience, while attracting a wider customer base,” said DreamScapes manager Emily Earl. “Our new facility also satisfies the needs of our contractors, who have requested a modern display area, allowing customers to choose products from a display.”
She added that the company continues the tradition of stocking products made in the U.S., many of which are considered “Green” energy-saving products.
The comfortable, well-lit showroom is similar to a retail store with items displayed in a home-like setting and allows customers to view an expansive new product line. The inventory includes traditional and upscale merchandise, priced from mid-to-high range. DreamScapes carries a vast inventory, including standard and unique fixtures for the bath and home. Bathroom furnishings include tubs and showers, many featured as working displays, toilets, air tubs, whirlpools, indoor spas, vanities and a variety of accessories including programmable shower heads. All are available in custom colors and styles.
Visit www.valleysupply.net.
Noland Company opens HVACR location in Louisiana
Dayton, Ohio — Noland Company has opened its first location in Louisiana to distribute HVAC and refrigeration equipment. The new operation, in Baton Rouge, provides commercial and residential contractors with equipment and supplies in a seven-parish area.
“We’re very pleased to open the Baton Rouge location,” said Jim Adcox, Noland Company chief operating officer. “It’s an area with great potential for Noland and fits in with our strategy to open locations in the right places with the right people leading them to provide quality products and service customers need in local markets.”
The new location is managed by Randy Marcello, who has been in the HVAC industry 13 years.
Among the lines Noland in Baton Rouge distributes are NuTone Heating and Cooling Products, LG air conditioners, Larkin refrigeration equipment, Honeywell and White-Rogers thermostats, and A.O. Smith and Emerson motors.
Noland Company’s more than 70 locations distribute plumbing supplies and HVACR equipment mainly in the Southeast. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WinWholesale, one of the largest distributors in the U.S.