This week I have been preparing for two excellent conferences that I am speaking at in the next 2-3 weeks (Enable Catalyze and MDM SHIFT) and talking with channel leaders on calls… It’s an uncertain time in the business that has many leaders somewhat paralyzed or in a wait and see attitude on what to do for the balance of 2025. How to Make Orange Juice In this uncertain time … [Read more...] about Why is B2B Distribution like making Orange Juice?
Insights
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
Johnstone Supply Orion Group – Making Training and Programs a Differentiator
We have been featuring leading HVACR distributors in a Spotlight series over the past few months, and I sat down to do an update on the Johnstone Supply Orion Group (JSOG) story. I've been a fan of what JSOG is doing as an organization with their strategic vision and the focus they have on helping their end customers grow and thrive. JSOG's goal is to continue "Our Journey … [Read more...] about Johnstone Supply Orion Group – Making Training and Programs a Differentiator
HVACR Contractor Loyalty Research Survey Results are In
Over the years, many HVACR distributors have launched programs designed to increase contractor sales. These programs may be called frequent buyer programs, loyalty programs, or incentive programs. While there are nuances to the three, the commonality is that contractors are recognized for their support. The concept helps distributors market themselves, and drive … [Read more...] about HVACR Contractor Loyalty Research Survey Results are In
7 Reasons to Use This eCommerce Resource
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been observing the quarterly reports and other communiques by distributors in a number of industries – Watsco, Ferguson and similar – and there has been a recurring trend … growth in their eCommerce business. Admittedly, for most of them, a deeper dive would probably reveal that this is not seismic growth in new customer business but a … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons to Use This eCommerce Resource
Update: Auer Steel & Heating Supply HVACR Advocacy continues in 2025
We started following the Auer Steel and Heating Supply Company in 2024. It was interesting to see on social media a distributor who was committing resources to HVACR advocacy and outreach. The team was going to local high schools, tech colleges and hosting events every month to get the next generation inspired to join the HVACR Channel. Auer Steel's goal (led by Jon Hirsch) … [Read more...] about Update: Auer Steel & Heating Supply HVACR Advocacy continues in 2025
Channel Marketing Group Partners with NAW/MDM SHIFT
Channel Marketing Group is pleased to partner with NAW and MDM on the upcoming MDM Shift conference, scheduled for May 13-15, 2025. I’ve known Tom Gale and MDM since I was at IMARK. MDM has been the preeminent publication sharing best practices and ideas across industries for many years. Since 2017, when they got into the conference business, they have received rave reviews … [Read more...] about Channel Marketing Group Partners with NAW/MDM SHIFT
Mingledorffs Leadership – Caffeine and Coils Update
Last year, I started a series on Mingledorff's after following their content after meeting their team in person at one of their Atlanta locations. I started the series because I follow the Mingledorff's podcast - Caffeine and Coils hosted by Jenny Brown and Deanna Lassiter. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caffeine-and-coils/id1701491521 This podcast was started at … [Read more...] about Mingledorffs Leadership – Caffeine and Coils Update
Why HVAC Distributors Must Prioritize Digital Maturity
The HVAC distribution industry is evolving. Preliminary findings from our recent contractor survey where we asked contractors about their eCommerce usage (reserve your company by clicking here) revealed that they are online, to varying degrees, and are researching products, gathering spec sheets, and buying online (but maybe not from you!) This is driven by shifting … [Read more...] about Why HVAC Distributors Must Prioritize Digital Maturity
Where is the channel headed in 2025 and beyond? Thoughts on MDM/NAW Shift conference in May 2025
I am fortunate to once again be able to attend and present at the NAW/MDM SHIFT conference, and this year it will be interesting to see how the construction and industrial channels 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. At Shift they … [Read more...] about Where is the channel headed in 2025 and beyond? Thoughts on MDM/NAW Shift conference in May 2025
