The news that — Midwest distributors Republic Companies, an HVAC and electrical distributor and T.F. Ehrhart, a HVACR distributor caught our attention this week. On a personal note, I have seen the bright red Republic Trucks pass the electrical distributor competitor I worked for too many times to count. A shout out to whomever decided to outfit to Republic Trucks with a … [Read more...] about Merger between Republic Companies and T.F. Ehrhart continues the “Channel Drift” Trend
Market Analysis
Tariff talk – Tips on how to prepare for wherever the talks end up
We have been writing, crossing out, rewriting on the impact of tariff battles between the US, Canada, Mexico and China. We had a number of articles ready to publish then had to hit the stop button to react to another announced change. Late last week it was "Let's get ready to rumble" and now the cage match tariff talk has gone back into a 30-day negotiation talk period at … [Read more...] about Tariff talk – Tips on how to prepare for wherever the talks end up
Why do strong B2B HVACR distributor websites fail?
Your website journey is often the most difficult journey for a B2B Construction focused distributor. By Jason Capshaw and John Gunderson The digital journey for many HVACR distributors started like a race where you psyche yourself up for the 100 Yard Dash. What often starts as what you think is a sprint actually turns into a 110 meter hurdle race. For many distributors … [Read more...] about Why do strong B2B HVACR distributor websites fail?
Digital Commerce Tools Make You, and Demand Generation, Easy
For years I’ve talked to clients and communicated on HVACRTrends that eCommerce is not about buying online via a website. That it is about is doing commerce (business) electronically. It’s not a branch (some used the term eBranch and tried to sell the ROI that way), it’s eBusiness. Because “business” is about interacting with your customers how THEY want to interact with … [Read more...] about Digital Commerce Tools Make You, and Demand Generation, Easy
Distributor Spotlight: Johnstone Supply Orion Group – Part 2
In Part One of our Distributor Spotlight series, we started to share the Johnstone Supply Orion Group (JSOG) Story. The original intent was to edit the article, but the information was so interesting that we decided to share is unedited which meant it needed to be told in two parts. Distributor Spotlight: Johnstone Supply Orion Group - Part 1 - HVACR Trends In Part One - … [Read more...] about Distributor Spotlight: Johnstone Supply Orion Group – Part 2
Distributor Spotlight: Johnstone Supply Orion Group – Part 1
I have been writing a Distributor series for/with Modern Distribution Management this past year where we profile large public distributors (WATSO, Ferguson, WESCO, Fastenal, and MSC Industrial). We write about the available information they release publicly to the market. That has been a fun experience taking a deep dive into the public side, but the independent distribution … [Read more...] about Distributor Spotlight: Johnstone Supply Orion Group – Part 1
Unlocking Online Sales
Watsco and Ferguson's performance has shown HVAC distributors that HVAC contractors are using eCommerce. While they may not be "shopping" like B2C buyers, they are using distributor websites for product research, pricing, inventory research, and consummating transactions. The transactions can be technicians placing orders from the field, and typically on service calls, to … [Read more...] about Unlocking Online Sales
2024 in Review: HVACR Industry Trends from a Danfoss Perspective
With 2024 in the rearview mirror, Vikas Anand, Vice President of Sales, Danfoss Climate Solutions, North America, shares his thoughts on what the trends were (and some, if not all, will continue into 2025 as they become part of the “fabric” of the industry) and shares thoughts on what 2025 will bring. 2024 in Review: HVACR Industry Trends "In 2024, the North American HVACR … [Read more...] about 2024 in Review: HVACR Industry Trends from a Danfoss Perspective
Watsco and Ferguson growth highlighted in MDM Podcast and Series
We wrapped up the distributor series I have been writing for Modern Distribution Management on Ferguson and WATSCO with a podcast this week. Podcasts Archive - Modern Distribution Management S12E1: Debriefing Our Ferguson & Watsco Case Studies (Link Above). During this podcast it Mike Hockett and I dove into the three part series I wrote for MDM on each distributor in … [Read more...] about Watsco and Ferguson growth highlighted in MDM Podcast and Series
Are All PE Firms Barbarians?
At last month's HARDI Conference, Quinn Carlson of Uplift Partners shared insights on the HVAC acquisition market. After the conference he shared his slides with interested parties. I reached out to discuss the trends he's seeing and what we're hearing, as well as seeing in other construction channels. We then discussed private equity as an acquirer. They've been active … [Read more...] about Are All PE Firms Barbarians?
Trane and BrainBox AI Join Forces
Manufacturers and distributors talk much about AI and how they are using, or planning to use, it within their business workflows to improve sales processes, customer service, deliver analytics, improve warehouse automation, pricing, and more. Trane Technologies is taking AI the next step and seeking to integrate it into its products. According to the Financial Post, in an … [Read more...] about Trane and BrainBox AI Join Forces
Update : Auer Steel continuing to partner with end customers to recruit future associates
The Auer Steel and Heating Supply Company team continues to create programs that matter for their end customers and the channel. In September, we first started featuring Auer Steel's work (led by Jon Hirsch) to bring that next generation of HVACR professionals into the industry. They as a HVACR distributor are one of the most active advocates promoting the benefits of the … [Read more...] about Update : Auer Steel continuing to partner with end customers to recruit future associates
HVACR Top Articles of 2024
Please Explore our most-read articles of 2024, led by an opinion article into what is the future of Rebates. One of our opinion columns in June on "What is the future of Rebates" was the top view-getter of 2024, but it wasn’t the only standout among our articles content. David Gordon and Will Quinn's collaborative article that just published was a close second best read … [Read more...] about HVACR Top Articles of 2024
Attendee roundup and thoughts from HARDI 2024
Last week - HARDI 2025 was held in Atlanta Dec 8-11th. With over 2,000+ attendees and over 500+ wholesalers/distributor companies represented the event grew again in size this year. We wanted to share some additional thoughts on the conference in a part 2 article for the HVACR Channel members who were not able to attend. As we reported last week it was a packed event. Where … [Read more...] about Attendee roundup and thoughts from HARDI 2024
Tomorrow’s Warehouses … Powered by AI
There's lots of talk regarding AI. Many wondering "what are others doing" and asking "what should / can I do? As well as "where can it help me 'the most'?" Lots of heady questions but talking amongst yourself doesn't get anywhere. This is when talking to experts help. One that can help HVACR distributors improve their warehouse operations is Will Quinn. Many know Will as … [Read more...] about Tomorrow’s Warehouses … Powered by AI
