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.
DDI Introduces the Latest Upgrade to their Inform Software
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“When looking at DDI I was aware of their plumbing background. I felt that they covered many areas very well. Not only was the system able to do the accounting and backend, but also handle the plumbing mind on the front end.” - Mark Wolfe, Atlas Plumbing
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American Standard Brands launches online repair parts store
The American Standard Brands online repair parts store is open for business, with 150 American Standard parts available for sale any time, day or night. The easy-to-use site includes a number of features to help customers find and order the parts they need with just a few simple clicks. Once located, clicking on an individual item automatically adds it to the shopping cart where it can be purchased and shipping information entered. For added convenience, user profile information may be stored on the site for future access. The online store also includes a handy repair parts diagram tool to assist users in visually identifying the repair parts necessary to complete the job.
Customer service support for the new store is available at 800-488-8049 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT, and on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. EDT. The Online Store Menu Option can be accessed directly from www.americanstandard.com.
Carrier Enterprise: New name, look, same quality products/service
Carrier Sales and Distribution (CSD) has become Carrier Enterprise. In July, a joint venture was formed between Carrier Corporation and Watsco Inc. to form Carrier Enterprise (CE). The venture consists of former CSD regional offices of Mid-Atlantic, South East, Florida, South Central, and Carrier Caribbean and Puerto Rico, as well as Watsco’s Comfort Products Distributing division.
As part of this transition, a new corporate logo has been introduced. Integrated into the logo is CE’s new tagline: comfort | excellence. The tagline communicates that CE is in the business of comfort and will strive for excellence in serving its customers.
Complementing the changes, CE still has the same great employees serving dealers with the same Carrier/Bryant/Payne and Totaline products, at the same convenient locations. In an effort to better serve customers, CE is in the process of adding more team members in key areas of the business, such as warranty administration, which is being brought back to the local offices in an effort to process dealer claims on a more timely and efficient basis.
Cregger Co. to become Goodman distributor
The Cregger Company, a 31-year-old firm with its roots in plumbing fixtures and a history of double digit growth, is poised to grow its HVAC business, inking a deal to become a distributor for Goodman® brand HVAC products. The pact between a strong, regional distributor and one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of heating and air condition units brings together two brands that are dedicated to exemplary customer service, says Morris Cregger, CEO and president of Cregger Company: “Goodman’s extensive line of air conditioning and heating products – backed by industry-leading warranties – will help us remain the supplier of choice for both residential and commercial contractors.”
An expansion into HVAC two years ago began as a strategy to diversify the Cregger Company’s business and open avenues for growth, explained Cregger. “We believe our partnership with Goodman Manufacturing will enable us to continue our tradition of growth.”
Cregger Company will distribute Goodman brand HVAC products through its South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia locations. All told, the company operates 23 branches and design centers across five states from its headquarters in West Columbia, S.C. Cregger Company also has five new facilities opening within the next few months that will operate as stand-alone HVAC outlets.
In addition, Cregger’s Design on Tap decorative showrooms now sell indoor air quality products alongside upscale plumbing fixtures, and Goodman offers an extensive line of IAQ products. “Demand for IAQ is growing, and we see an opportunity to showcase Goodman’s IAQ products to architects, interior designers and custom home builders,” said Cregger.
New Products
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Intelligent control valve |
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High efficiency toilet |
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Green home heating |
Movers & Shakers
Earle Cohen retired as president and CEO of Kelly Pipe Co. LLC. Cohen has been in the steel pipe distribution industry for 55 years. He was a founding member and served as the first president of the National Association of Steel Pipe Distributors. After over 25 years under Cohen's direction, Kelly has increased in presence and become a nationwide company with 18 branches and sales offices and 27 offsite storage yards. Kelly has also recently extended its reach into the international arena with offices in the U.K., China and Mexico.
Leonard Gross, Kelly’s COO, will continue in that role and assume the position of CEO. Gross has been associated with Kelly and its affiliated companies for 34 years, including many years as EVP and member of the board of directors of Familian Pipe and Supply. Gross established a strong financial footing for the company, enabling it to take advantage of sales and buying opportunities worldwide.
Danze Inc. named Ron Cox regional sales manager servicing the wholesale business for its Midwest Region. Cox will oversee sales in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. He joined the Danze sales team in 2005.
Doug Cohen is now president of GT Water Products. He has spent more than 20 years in the industry, including 10 years as VP at Marco Products , five years as director of sales at Brasscraft/Cobra and three years as national sales manager at Waxman Industry. George Tash will now become CEO and Founder of GT Water Products.
Plumbers Supply Company promoted Jay B. Johnson to president and COO. After starting with the company in 2001 as a senior operations manager, he was promoted to VP in 2002. CEO Bruce Madison stated "under Johnson's leadership the company has implemented strategic initiatives and cultural changes that make Plumbers Supply Co. a markedly different wholesaler serving the plumbing and heating contractor community." In addition, Doug Madison was named VP and CFO Jay Wilson has taken on the additional roles of secretary and treasurer. |