Home Depot and Lowe’s Q3 2025 results are in, giving us a clearer sense of how the home-improvement market is holding up as we head into 2026. Sales were steady, digital use continued to climb, and both companies leaned heavily on their Pro strategies, even as consumers remained cautious about big-ticket projects. There is plenty of nuance behind the topline numbers, and Kevin … [Read more...] about Home Depot and Lowe’s Q3 2025 Results: What Their Numbers Tell Us About the Year Ahead
Lantern’s AI Forecasting: A New Era for Distributors
I had the chance to sit in on a demo of Lantern’s AI forecasting platform recently, and it was one of the more compelling tools I have seen in a while. The team is tackling a problem every distributor knows too well. Distributors are carrying more inventory than they want, chasing fill rates they cannot afford to miss, and leaning on ERP rules that were written when the … [Read more...] about Lantern’s AI Forecasting: A New Era for Distributors
AI Adoption in Distribution: How Leadership and the Right Partner Drive Lasting Change
The distribution industry is at an inflection point. Tariffs, labor shortages, and margin pressure are reshaping how companies compete, while AI adoption in distribution is changing how work gets done. The challenge is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to implement it in a way that delivers immediate results and builds lasting competitive advantage. In this article, … [Read more...] about AI Adoption in Distribution: How Leadership and the Right Partner Drive Lasting Change
Watsco’s Q3 2025 Results: Better Than Feared, but Not Out of the Woods Yet
Watsco’s Q3 2025 results offered a sigh of relief for HVAC distributors and manufacturers watching the A2L refrigerant transition unfold. Earnings per share of $3.98 missed Wall Street consensus by about 6 percent but came in ahead of buy-side expectations. That mix of mild disappointment and cautious optimism perfectly sums up where the HVAC channel sits today: weathering … [Read more...] about Watsco’s Q3 2025 Results: Better Than Feared, but Not Out of the Woods Yet
How Far Off “Typical” Are Your Processes? And What Is It Costing You?
Last week I had the opportunity the Infor Velocity Days event held in Orlando. Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of the information presented and the knowledge that the guest speakers brought to the table. Two sessions that really resonated with me dealt with the question How far off of typical are your processes, and The Hidden Cost of Customizing Your ERP … [Read more...] about How Far Off “Typical” Are Your Processes? And What Is It Costing You?
Midyear Course Correction: “Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth”
TL; DR: To paraphrase the inestimable words of “Iron” Mike Tyson, plans rarely survive contact with the market. Like a sailboat tacking into the wind, the best distributors keep course-correcting until they reach their goal. The best distributors do not throw them out when things change. They adapt. Midyear reviews turn assumptions into action by checking what the market … [Read more...] about Midyear Course Correction: “Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth”
Mingledorff’s Caffeine and Coils Podcast: How an 86-Year-Old Brand Stays Fresh
Jenny Brown and Deanna Lassiter explain how Mingledorff's Caffeine and Coils became both a creative outlet and a living symbol of their transparency, innovation, and people-first culture. By Chuck Labow | HVACRtrends.com When Mingledorff's Caffeine and Coils first launched, it wasn’t just another company podcast—it was a natural continuation of something Mingledorff’s had … [Read more...] about Mingledorff’s Caffeine and Coils Podcast: How an 86-Year-Old Brand Stays Fresh
William Blair HVAC Survey 2025: Demand Cools, Repair Rises
The third quarter of 2025 has been a rough ride for the HVAC industry. According to the William Blair's 2025 HVAC Survey, distributors and manufacturers reported softening demand, persistent sticker shock, and an unusually cool summer—all combining to create what the firm called a “rough out there” environment. The William Blair HVAC Index fell 3% year over year, one of the … [Read more...] about William Blair HVAC Survey 2025: Demand Cools, Repair Rises
What Happens When the Market Moves: Scenario Planning for HVACR Distributors
TL;DR: Most leading forecasts point to slower growth or a mild recession in 2026. Scenario planning gives HVACR distributors a way to prepare for that reality. The goal is not to predict the downturn’s depth, but to be ready for it. Good plans bend before they break. Economic Outlook for 2026 Forecasts from the IMF, Deloitte, OECD, and the University of Michigan … [Read more...] about What Happens When the Market Moves: Scenario Planning for HVACR Distributors
Danfoss acquires Palladio Compressors
Danfoss’ announced their acquisition of Palladio Compressors today. This would seem to signal more than portfolio expansion—it plugs a real gap in the HVAC/R market. By bringing non-captive screw technology under its roof, Danfoss adds supply to a segment where options have been limited, while positioning itself to accelerate adoption of natural and low-GWP refrigerants. The … [Read more...] about Danfoss acquires Palladio Compressors
