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
Market Insights
Ferguson Q4 Earnings Report … Preparing for Increased HVAC Focus
Last week Ferguson shared their FY Q4 earnings and held their analyst call. While not “focused” on the HVACR market, Ferguson is growing in this space and sees opportunity to increase their influence and, more importantly, gain share in the market … and they have the war chest available to make the investments and “buy-in.” From the Ferguson earnings call (words in italics are … [Read more...] about Ferguson Q4 Earnings Report … Preparing for Increased HVAC Focus
Where is the channel headed in 2025 and beyond? Thoughts from MDM SHIFT
I was fortunate to once again be able to attend and present at the NAW/MDM SHIFT conference, and it is interesting to see how the construction and industrial channel continues to evolve. Modern Distribution Management (MDM) has been hosting this annual event for Distribution Leaders called SHIFT (originally MDM Sales GPS) for the last decade. Some of the best and … [Read more...] about Where is the channel headed in 2025 and beyond? Thoughts from MDM SHIFT
Inventory Planning Approaches for 2025
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
The 1st Daikin World Air Survey Results highlight HVAC trends
As we head into the last days of August a recent survey by industry channel leader Daikin (Goodman, Amana, and Daikin Brands in North America) was just released that I thought had some interesting data to share. The survey results were released by Daikin in early August, This first Daikin World Air Survey was comprised of results from 1,200 people in 12 cities from around … [Read more...] about The 1st Daikin World Air Survey Results highlight HVAC trends
ChatGPT Prompts to Drive HVACR Sales
ChatGPT was launched November 30, 2022, but went “mainstream” in Q1 2023 when Microsoft made a significant investment into OpenAI. Since then either “AI is going to take over”, “many will lose their jobs”, “it’s a great tool to use” or somewhere in-between. Further, it amplified the conversation of “what is the opportunity / future” do to AI. Over the past year there have … [Read more...] about ChatGPT Prompts to Drive HVACR Sales
WATSCO digital is driving HVACR business Q2 WATSCO Results
WATSCO highlighted their continued commitment to digital enablement on July 30th in their Q2 results release The latest WATSCO digital update has been released and I eagerly await these results as they share Digital details that the entire channel can learn from. In my opinion WATSCO - has a strong strategy and continues to invest in digital and has the results to show … [Read more...] about WATSCO digital is driving HVACR business Q2 WATSCO Results
nVent Sells Raychem, Tracer, NuHeat and Pyrotenax
Back in May it was reported that nVent was soliciting bids for its Thermal management division. News releases shared that the division’s 2023 revenues were $595 million and that it’s EBITDA was approximately $150 million, for a 25% EBITDA margin. A short three months later, it was announced last week that nVent sold the division to Brookfield Asset Management. nVent Announces … [Read more...] about nVent Sells Raychem, Tracer, NuHeat and Pyrotenax
PHCC Connect – a Tradeshow Opportunity to Connect
Trade shows can be a great way to introduce contractors to new products, solicit voice of customer, initiate (or strengthen) relationships, network and maybe learn a thing or two. A phenom that has occurred much more so post-pandemic is distributors exhibiting at contractor tradeshows, especially regional shows. No longer is the business, "only in my backyard." Contractors … [Read more...] about PHCC Connect – a Tradeshow Opportunity to Connect
AI for Contractors … and the Channel
Manufacturers and distributors have lately been having many conversations about “technology”. But not in the conventional sense of the tools / software, more as it relates to functionality / capability for the future. They are asking "Does their IT department (which could be their ERP / software provider) have a tech roadmap that includes AI?" And sales and marketing management … [Read more...] about AI for Contractors … and the Channel
