Data centers are perceived as a “huge” market opportunity by almost every manufacturer. Many distributors believe that they should be able to win some business there. Reps are expected to win business there. And yes, there are lots of data centers in the country, and in most markets, but the data centers gaining visibility today, the mega projects, are for AI and are being … [Read more...] about Data Centers – an HVACR Distributor Opportunity
New Product Introductions – Why they Fail
Recently we did a project for a manufacturer to help them prepare for a sales meeting. They wanted to understand what their staff was thinking but they wanted a 3rd party to gather the insights to ensure their team that there would be anonymity. They questions related to how the “go to market team” (Sales, Marketing, Product Development / Engineering, Customer Service) … [Read more...] about New Product Introductions – Why they Fail
AI for HVACR Reps
From a tech viewpoint, AI is what companies talk about. Distributors are implementing it or at least discussing it. Not much gets shared within the manufacturer environment but it is well in use. Reps have asked the question. Some have dappled. Few are advanced. Most are intrigued but lack expertise and/or are concerned about expense. The challenge for many reps is the … [Read more...] about AI for HVACR Reps
Digital Order Profitability Metrics in HVACR
Digital commerce, whether through your website, via eProcurement, direct connections (EDI or tools such as Remarcable, Kojo, and others), via apps, email to ERP, or other vehicles is increasing. Our recent State of eCommerce research, which gathered input from 350 Contractor buyers, highlighted that 62% are buying some material electronically and, based upon their feedback, … [Read more...] about Digital Order Profitability Metrics in HVACR
Chuck Labow Joins Channel Marketing Group / HVACRTrends
I launched HVACRTrends in 2021 as an initiative to serve the HVAC industry, similar to ElectricalTrends, which I launched in 2007. The goal then was, quite frankly, to slowly expand, and diversify, Channel Marketing Group. The intent for the site is to share ideas, offer observations about the business, and bring insights from a different perspective which is informed from a … [Read more...] about Chuck Labow Joins Channel Marketing Group / HVACRTrends
Solving the HVAC Labor Crunch
Fieldedge's Jessie Barrack shares candid insights on the HVAC labor crisis, the role of technology, and the need for coordinated action across the HVACR distribution channel. How FieldEdge Helps Contractors Do More with Less When we spoke with Jessie Barrack, it is clear that he is carrying the weight of decades in the HVAC space, having worn every hat from call center rep to … [Read more...] about Solving the HVAC Labor Crunch
Preview of HVAC Contractor eCommerce Research Findings
As HVAC distributors continue on their journey of digitization, BigCommerce sponsored research to uncover insights from contractors on their usage of eCommerce to support their material purchasing needs. The forthcoming white paper (you can reserve your copy of the full report) provides a snapshot of the valued features and functionality of online sites, how much is … [Read more...] about Preview of HVAC Contractor eCommerce Research Findings
Seal-Tite Celebrates 125th Anniversary
Seal-Tite is celebrating a milestone that few companies achieve ... it's 125th anniversary. Consider, the company opened its doors in 1900 and has survived the Great Recession, multiple World Wars, survived the test of time and saw Y2K while also seeing the advent of computers and the transition from when business was dominated by phone and mail, through the transition to the … [Read more...] about Seal-Tite Celebrates 125th Anniversary
Is an ESOP A Growth Strategy for Your HVACR Business?
Over the past few years the HVAC industry, like other construction trades, has experienced much consolidation. I know, it’s a “b*tch” to get old. It even happens to the owners of companies! After analyzing hundreds of acquisitions in the HVAC and electrical distribution industries, my conclusion is that 90-95% of the acquisitions over the past four years have been driven by … [Read more...] about Is an ESOP A Growth Strategy for Your HVACR Business?
HVACR April Earning Results – Watsco and Lennox
We take a deep dive on the latest earning results from Lenox and WATSCO in this column. HVAC manufacturer Lennox (light commercial equipment) and Watsco (distributor), and industrial manufacturer ABB, reported quarterly earning this week. Tariff discussions dominated the commentary both from the companies being proactive as well as questions from stakeholder … [Read more...] about HVACR April Earning Results – Watsco and Lennox
