Heather Ripley has released an updated edition of her book, Next Level Now, at a time when brand perception plays an increasingly central role in how home service companies compete. Every contractor builds a brand, whether intentionally or by default, yet many businesses leave that process to chance through benign neglect rather than strategy. The Next Level Now book … [Read more...] about Heather Ripley Launches Updated Next Level Now Book for Home Services Growth
Industry News
Voice of the Contractor Data Reveals How HVAC Contractors Really Buy in 2025
Executive Summary Six years of Voice of the Contractor data show a channel that is largely satisfied but increasingly pragmatic. Contractors value relationships and rate their primary suppliers positively, yet loyalty is conditional and share shifts quickly when availability, pricing, or execution fall short. Growth continues, multi-trade businesses are expanding, and … [Read more...] about Voice of the Contractor Data Reveals How HVAC Contractors Really Buy in 2025
APR Supply’s Baltimore Expansion Strengthens the Region’s HVACR Supply Chain
The APR Baltimore expansion marks an important shift in how contractors across the Greater Baltimore region may access inventory, product breadth, and day-to-day support. With APR Supply entering due diligence to acquire McArdle & Walsh, the market is watching what a fourth-generation distributor with strong operational discipline can bring to a region defined by … [Read more...] about APR Supply’s Baltimore Expansion Strengthens the Region’s HVACR Supply Chain
Carrier and Women in HVACR Award $55,000 in Scholarships to Advance Women in the Trades
The HVACR industry is stronger when more people have a real chance to contribute, lead and build meaningful careers. That is why the Women in HVACR scholarships program, in partnership with Carrier, stands out. Their joint effort is not simply another feel-good moment. It is a concrete investment in the next generation of technicians, engineers and business leaders who will … [Read more...] about Carrier and Women in HVACR Award $55,000 in Scholarships to Advance Women in the Trades
Home Depot and Lowe’s Q3 2025 Results: What Their Numbers Tell Us About the Year Ahead
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
