A few weeks back my colleague David Gordon wrote a column on Ferguson's Q4 numbers. Ferguson added to that release with additional information that was contained in their full annual report. I wanted to see what the Ferguson Annual report had to share to our recent analysis in HVACRtrends, and the distributor series on Ferguson that I wrote for MDM. Did anything major … [Read more...] about Ferguson Annual Report Analysis … HVACR and Plumbing Dual Trade focus continues
Distribution Strategy
Watsco growth highlighted in MDM Series
Watsco's Growth over the past 20+ years has been driven by a core buy and build philosophy and an investment in digital customer self service tools and services. I eagerly anticipated writing the Case Study series on Watsco for Modern Distribution Management, as I consider its strategic approach unique in the North American B2B distribution. Watsco operates as a … [Read more...] about Watsco growth highlighted in MDM Series
Managing inventory is the key to driving sales and gross margin
Managing your inventory is the key to driving both top-line sales and gross margin performance in 2025 – I had a discussion last week with my colleague Brent Johnstone from ACTvantage about ways distributors can increase gross margin without hurting top-line sales. When we first both got into distribution, the prevailing thought of most distributors and manufacturers in the … [Read more...] about Managing inventory is the key to driving sales and gross margin
Prokeep Helps Capture the Text and Turn it Into Dollars
As distributors seek cost-effective ways to improve customer experience, improve productivity and have a cost-effective sales tool, while doing all of these digitally, HVACRTrends is pleased to welcome our newest partner, Prokeep. Prokeep offers a unique solution to distributors, which can also cost-effectively and easily be used by manufacturer representatives, which … [Read more...] about Prokeep Helps Capture the Text and Turn it Into Dollars
Is Your Team Curious? Are You Investing in “Ventures?”
Recently I was talking with a client about strategic planning as they are beginning their journey to define their path forward to 2030. They’ve set a goal, identified values, have a vision of their purpose, and currently have a strong business. The executive management team is being brought together to share insights and build the “framework” of the plan. After that, others … [Read more...] about Is Your Team Curious? Are You Investing in “Ventures?”
What HVACR end customer trends are crucial for 2025?
In 2015 when I was on the HD Supply Power Solutions team, I started some research with the goal of getting feedback to make better pricing decisions with direct surveys for our associates. We were roughly a $2 billion dollar business trying to improve our GM% and profits. Over the past ten years that survey has grown in size and scope to include end customers, distributor … [Read more...] about What HVACR end customer trends are crucial for 2025?
Auer Steel, investing for customer and the next generation’s success
As I was going through my story idea notebook on what to write for this week's column, I saw a LinkedIn notification on a posting from Jon Hirsch. I started following Jon's work as Director of Business Development for Auer Steel & Heating Supply Company (HVACR distributor with locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and North Dakota) about a year ago. What jumped … [Read more...] about Auer Steel, investing for customer and the next generation’s success
