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.
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The countdown is on….
In just a few weeks, you’ll be able to tune into The Wholesaler Radio — a whole new way to gather valuable information for your businesses. During these 15-minute recorded segments, you’ll hear from some of The Wholesaler’s most popular columnists, as well as leading executives from industry manufacturers, wholesalers, reps and associations.
Our first guest the week of January 11 is highly regarded management columnist and consultant Rich Schmitt, who will share his thoughts on a number of key issues facing wholesaling operations today.
The following week, kicking off January 18, don't miss a discussion among HARDI executives and members on the state of the HVACR industry, including forecasting, legislation, standards, production innovation etc. Also sharing his time during that episode will be Taco president John Hazen White Jr., who will discuss a number of timely issues, including potential growth areas for Taco and its customers, product development, lead-free initiatives and branding.
We sincerely thank Bradford White for sponsoring the first four episodes of Wholesaler Radio. Their willingness to embrace and support such a new concept is truly appreciated. So beginning the week of January 11, tune in to www.thewholesaler.com and click on the Wholesaler Radio icon to listen. You can also easily download the program to your iPod or other similar mobile device.
Ardente Supply opens new WaterSpot showroom
The latest in bath, kitchen, heating, cooling, plumbing and lighting systems are on display at the new 10,000-square-foot WaterSpot design center — part of Ardente Supply — in Natick, Mass. Beautifully crafted vignettes feature the latest sinks, door pulls and locks, lighting, faucets, whirlpools, saunas, vanities, towel racks, soap dishes, shower systems and tubs.
The new Natick store, which welcomed over 240 guests to its grand opening event in October, is the largest WaterSpot showroom yet. It is designed to create a vibrant experience, and displays a great variety of products for easy comparison. Visitors can receive planning and design assistance and review top brands such as THG, Visual Comfort and Hinkley Lighting, Porcher, Hansgrohe, Jado, Dornbracht, Toto, Rocky Mountain, Omnia and Baldwin Hardware.
PVFshare.com launches as channel between buyers and sellers
PVFShare.com, a unique distributor-based web solution empowering members to promote and sell excess inventory to other members, launched in mid-December according to president Paul Banville. PVFShare.com facilitates sales of a distributor’s excess inventory of industrial pipe, valves, fittings and specialty products. This creates a stronger cash flow and additional warehouse space for more profitable products and services.
Founders Banville and Raymond Perrotti, with over 60 years of industry marketing and sales experience, established PVFShare.com in response to recent and dramatic market changes that have left many with unbalanced inventories. “PVFShare’s non-restrictive policies and broad market exposure creates a new and robust marketplace for redistribution of excess inventory," said Banville. "Cash is freed up and with additional shelf space; creating profitable opportunities for members. Our site is so intuitive and transaction-friendly, thereby creating a huge pool of distributor members as buyers and sellers. It’s a win-win solution.”
Product searches provide a comprehensive listing of all matching results regardless of warehouse location. The member is provided contact information, and quantities per location. PVFShare.com is distributor centric; it is not a party to the transaction and does not charge a transaction fee. PVFShare.com facilitates the communications channel between member sellers and buyers within an open market environment.
New KC facility opens for Brauer Supply
Brauer Supply, the 129-year-old family owned HVAC, thermal insulation, air filtration and fastener wholesaler headquartered in St. Louis, opened a distribution center in the Kansas City Metro area. The new 24,000-square-foot facility is located at 74 South James Street in Kansas City, Kan., and features a showroom and extensive inventory of equipment, parts, supplies and industrial goods.
The Brauer sales and management team welcomed KC area customers to the new location at a grand opening in October, which featured a NASCAR simulated vehicle experience sponsored by Arcoaire, along with refreshments, drawing prizes and special sales promotions. This is the company's 12th location and brings its unique brand of service to the Kansas City area for the first time. Brauer maintains a staff of seasoned product managers and customer service personnel with many years of trade experience to assist customers.
Among the key brands Brauer carries are Arcoaire heating and air conditioning equipment, Continental registers, Koch air filters, Selkirk vent pipe and Heating and Cooling fittings as well as insulation products from Knauf, Certainteed,IIG, Armacell, Proto, Unifrax, Kingco and others. The company also provides fastener products such as blind rivets, self-drilling screws, and threaded inserts by manufacturers such as Pop, Surebonder, AVK, Parker-Kalon, Atlas, and others.
Nibco offers extended valve warranty
Effective immediately, NIBCO has extended its exclusive 125% pressure-rated metal valve warranty from one to five years from date of service. In addition to replacing the product cost, NIBCO will also pay the owner the greater of 25% of the current published price or $10 dollars for product that was determined to be defective due to material or workmanship.
“NIBCO pressure-rated valves are manufactured with quality that our customers have come to rely upon,” said Phil Liles, senior product manager – valves. “The warranty extension demonstrates NIBCO’s pride and confidence in the material and workmanship that goes into the manufacturing process.”
New Products
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Differential pressure/temp valves |
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Blackflow prevention |
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Light commercial tankless unit www.takagi.com Light commercial version of the popular T-K3, called the T-K3-Pro, uses commercial-grade quality materials. Its heat exchanger is made with heat-resistant HRS35 copper alloy that is stronger and harder than standard copper to resist erosion, leaks. Thermal rating of 84% for liquid propane and 82% for natural gas; starts heating water at 0.5 gpm, generates unlimited hot water at a max flow rate of 7.0 gpm. Can connect up to 4 units together without the need for a system controller. Takagi. |
Movers & Shakers
Jack Hester, a 41-year veteran of F.W. Webb who served as its long-time president and most recently its chairman, announced his retirement effective January 1. In addition to his valuable contributions to F.W. Webb, Hester has been a tireless industry supporter throughout his career. Hester embodies all of the characteristics one wants in a leader In an industry — strength of character, honesty and integrity, loyalty and a strong work ethic. In the January issue, the Wholesaler's editorial director Mary Jo Martin, who has great regard for Hester, will share an exclusive Q&A she conducted with him upon hearing the news of his pending retirement.
Nick Chen, president of Santec Inc., announced the appointment of industry veteran Aaron C. Smith, LEED AP, as vice president-sales and marketing. He will be responsible for all Santec and Visson sales activities in North America, working with the company's network of factory and independent sales representatives. Smith has 15 years of sales and management experience in the plumbing, bath and kitchen fields, with such leading manufacturers such as Kohler, Kallista, Robern and, most recently, Uponor.
Eastern Industrial Supplies Inc. promoted two key associates at its Charlotte, N.C., location. Shelby Jones is now branch manager and Daniel Guthery has been promoted to inside sales manager. |