As we enter the final 4 months of 2024, I am having many conversations with HVACR distributors and manufacturers about their into stock inventory positions. HVACR growth rates have slowed from the 20's% from April 2021 to April 2023 days and now are relatively flat (2023 vs 2024). Inflation and price increases have continued to climb since early 2023. So, that means that … [Read more...] about Inventory Planning Approaches for 2025
Distribution Strategy
Capitalize on the Data Center Boom: AI for HVAC Distributors
The data center market, as many know, continues to boom. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 33% of the new construction office spend in May was by data centers! There are data center industry reports of 100 data centers scheduled to be built for the next 10 years ... and this may be conservative. The driver of the need for all of this … [Read more...] about Capitalize on the Data Center Boom: AI for HVAC Distributors
Inventory Management a Foundation for Growth
As an HVACR distributor or manufacturer having strong local inventory near the end customer and where they work, is the most important factor for growth. As a long-time distributor, I know we all talk about "our people" as being the driving factor for growth, and that is true. We could not service our customers without our great people, but I have worked for distributors … [Read more...] about Inventory Management a Foundation for Growth
Driving Share and Sales with Customer Loyalty Reward Programs
HVACR distributors and manufacturers are fighting to retain market share and seek growth in a challenging market. Typically, the most profitable strategy to strengthen, deepen and broaden opportunities within existing customers. An effective tool to achieving this is also a time-tested strategy for many HVACR distributors and some manufacturers ... contractor incentive and … [Read more...] about Driving Share and Sales with Customer Loyalty Reward Programs
Improving Pricing and Inventory Knowledge with HARDI Certification
I believe one of the biggest challenges as distributor is managing pricing and inventory effectively because you can be handicapped by your own internal viewpoints. Your culture as a distributor is crucial to your success, but it can be limiting you in terms of new ideas and approaches in two crucial areas - Inventory and Pricing. I’ve been fortunate to work for six great … [Read more...] about Improving Pricing and Inventory Knowledge with HARDI Certification
Driving Distributor Profitability Through Operational Efficiency
The “go-go” days of post-Covid are gone. We’re back to pre-pandemic industry growth rates. Maintaining, and improving, net profitability in the face of slowing growth, increased cost structure, and stagnant (if not decreasing) margins, requires improved operational efficiency, inventory management, strategic price management, appropriate implementation and utilization of … [Read more...] about Driving Distributor Profitability Through Operational Efficiency
Opinion: What is the future of “Rebate” programs for HVACR Distributors and Manufacturers?
Rebates, Backsides, End Customer Cash Back Programs, etc. whatever you call them are going to be growing in importance every year for the Channel. As I was preparing to head up to Boston this week to speak at the Enable Catalyze Conference, I was reviewing the current state of rebates in the channel. For reference - Enable is partnered with Affiliated Distributors and Net … [Read more...] about Opinion: What is the future of “Rebate” programs for HVACR Distributors and Manufacturers?
