Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- DDI System. DDI System’s inform distribution software is deeply-integrated, industry-specific software that transforms the performance of PHCP, HVAC/R wholesalers and Stocking Manufacturer’s Reps. See why DDI's inform users are getting measurable results, stronger profits, and achieving success.
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Wholesaler sales rep by visiting www.thewholesaler.com.
Converting Analytics into Sales: Distributors Take Action
Today’s top businesses are utilizing “up to the day” business performance information and turning them into sales. Converting data into actionable steps is not a new idea however; it can be difficult if the data is not readily available in an easy-to-analyze format.
DDI System’s inform software provides the information necessary to make faster and smarter decisions throughout leading PHCP and HVAC/R organizations. Understandable dashboards display top-level overviews with immediate drill-down capabilities allowing for quick access. When used consistently, this data directly leads to increased cash flow, lean inventory levels, stronger gross margin return on investment and more.
Leveraging inform’s purchasing and sales information increases cross-sell opportunities, allows for effective management of advertising, and highlights pipeline potential. Anytime, anywhere access to this information provides your sales team with the necessary tools to recognize and remedy challenge accounts and take immediate action.
“DDI’s inform was a terrific choice for us! Starting with a seamless transition, it has exceeded our expectations in every possible way. The information needed to run our business is now complete and can be ascertained in mere seconds. Inform’s thoughtful design has made it the window to our world.”
With the strongest technology and exceptional user-driven reporting available today, DDI System ‘s comprehensive approach to distribution software increases profitability and drive sales. Call 877-599-4334 or visit ddisys.com.
New owners join Texas Plumbing Supply
Texas Plumbing Supply Company Inc., a Houston-based independent plumbing supply wholesaler established in 1962 and an A-D (Affiliated Distributors) member since 2004, has announced changes in ownership. The Snyder family is excited to welcome the addition of the Fullers into their family business. Following are the changes that have recently been made:
• Terry Snyder will remain as CEO/owner
• J. Lance Snyder, former president/owner, has retired after 34 years of service
• Ethan Flowers and Nathan Jarmon will remain as vice-presidents/directors
• Glenn Fuller joins the company as president/owner. He brings 31 years of experience in the Houston wholesale plumbing supply industry, managing sales, purchasing, and accounting while developing all aspects of the business. He has forged outstanding relationships with vendors and customers alike, and has served as president of the Responsible Plumbers and Associates (RPA), a local industry trade group, since its inception in 2002. He also brings buying-group experience with both C.L. Watt and more recently WIT, where he served on the plumbing manufacturers vendor committee. He will office in the FM 529 location.
• His twin sons, Jeremy and Joey Fuller ,join as directors. They each possess seven years of comprehensive industry experience in operations, sales, purchasing, and customer service. Jeremy will be branch manager of the company’s headquarter location and Joey will be in outside sales.
Texas Plumbing Supply Company Inc. has three locations in Texas. Corporate headquarters located at 7586 Morley Street, Houston 77061 713-643-0637 Branch locations: 14025 FM 529, Houston 77041 281-858-8833 and 2240 S. Market St., Brenham 77833 979-830-5544 www.texasplumbingsupplyinc.com
ASAEF revises Fixtures and Faucets course
The ASA Education Foundation has completed its revision of the popular Fixtures and Faucets© certificate course. The improved version is now available in ASAU Online as an interactive, online course. The project began with a full content review, with the assistance of ASA’s new Plumbing Division Council. Revisions include an updated and expanded section on the Americans with Disabilities Act and many new and upgraded course illustrations.
Fixtures and Faucets© is now a three-hour, interactive, online program divided into eight modules. Each module is 20 minutes or less and includes definitions of common industry terms, descriptions of the major types of fixtures and information about the supply and DWV fittings most commonly specified for the installation of these fixtures. The course includes graphics, interactive activities, self-grading quizzes, a glossary, a 100-question final exam and a certificate of completion for those who pass the exam.
Visit www.asa.net.
Ferguson reports revenue growth
Ferguson’s parent company Wolseley plc announced its first-half results for the 2011 fiscal year, reporting revenue increase of 5% on a like-for-like basis.
Ferguson’s like-for-like revenue growth for the first six months was 9%, with a further 4% of growth due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. All of Ferguson’s major business units generated growth, driven principally by stable new residential and repair and remodel markets. As well, all major businesses continued to gain market share in the first half. Ferguson sales accounted for 40% of Wolseley’s total revenue.
“We are very pleased with our performance for the first half of our fiscal year,” explained Ferguson CEO Frank Roach. “It was nice to see year on year growth and out-performance in all of our businesses.”
Ferguson’s blended branches, which service residential and commercial customers, had a strong first half with solid growth, as the remodel markets held up well. The industrial PVF and HVAC businesses were also strongly ahead. The commercial fire and fabrication business, which provides fire protection products and services, returned to like-for-like revenue growth in the period, although commercial markets generally continue to lag residential markets. Ferguson’s trading margin was 5.5%, up from 4.1% in 2010.
Visit www.ferguson.com or www.wolseley.com.
Thomas J. Swan Jr., Swan Group chairman, passes away
Thomas J. Swan Jr., chairman of The Swan Group, passed away on March 5 in Palm Beach, Fla., after a long battle with several health problems. He died peacefully with family by his side and leaves his wife Carroll, son Tom III (TJ), his brother Joseph E. Swan and family.
Swan attended St Sebastian’s School, Harvard College and the University of Chicago Business School. He began his career at Emerson-Swan on October 21, 1967, after leaving law school in order to assist his ailing father who needed his help in running the family business. A momentous occasion, as over the years Tom’s vision, along with the assistance of his brother, Joe, who joined the company two years later, set Emerson-Swan on a transformative path that has made the agency one of the most successful manufacturers’ representative firms in the U.S.
Tom’s vision, industry knowledge and his unique ability to put people together lead to the formation of the Swan Group. Under his leadership, the Swan Group has become an international company involved in manufacturing and the distribution of plumbing, heating and well water products. These companies — Flexcon, GWS, Skidmore, Vent-Rite Valve and Smith’s — do business in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, including approximately 90 countries at the present time.
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Movers & Shakers
Anvil International made the following announcements: Sylvain Perreault was promoted to national sales manager for Anvil International Canada (AIC). He has been with Anvil more than 30 years. After beginning his tenure with the company in inside sales, he has held several positions in outside sales and management, most recently as director of sales for eastern Canada.
Rick Laviolette joined the company as VP and GM of Anvil Engineered Pipe Supports (EPS). Laviolette will be responsible for all aspects of the EPS operation, with a particular focus on expanding the division globally. His background includes 29 years of diversified management experience in sales, manufacturing and applications engineering, including president of Resolute Composite Technologies.
M&G DuraVent Inc. CEO and president Stephen Eberhard made the decision, with the board of directors’ acceptance, to resign his positions, effective May 31. The board of directors will oversee the process for the identification and selection of a new CEO and president. The company does not expect to make any additional structural changes or executive leadership changes in the near future.
Roy Harris has been named regional sales manager for MTI Whirlpools, with responsibilities for the Southwest and Northwest. Harris has been with MTI for 17 years, most recently serving as sales manager for major accounts in the Southeast, including Georgia, Florida and Louisiana. |