I’m looking forward to being a guest today on LEADsmart’s Around the Horn. If you haven’t heard of Around the Horn, it is a live podcast (yes, you can watch it on LinkedIn), with LEADsmart’s Kevin Brown and Tom Burton. I have the honor of being on their 130th episode today, February 21st, at 12:00 ET. During the lively hour, we’ll share observations on topics that are in … [Read more...] about Join Today’s Around the Horn from LEADsmart
Research Reports
Ferguson Annual Report Analysis … HVACR and Plumbing Dual Trade focus continues
A few weeks back my colleague David Gordon wrote a column on Ferguson's Q4 numbers. Ferguson added to that release with additional information that was contained in their full annual report. I wanted to see what the Ferguson Annual report had to share to our recent analysis in HVACRtrends, and the distributor series on Ferguson that I wrote for MDM. Did anything major … [Read more...] about Ferguson Annual Report Analysis … HVACR and Plumbing Dual Trade focus continues
Rebates + Actionable Intelligence (AI) = Increased HVAC Profits
I was with a manufacturer last week and we discussed distributor acquisitions and “the why?” One of the data points we discussed was the declining net profitability of the business as a percent of sales and the corresponding increase in the contribution that rebates make to distributor profitability, which is increasing. They further affirmed this with the comment “that … [Read more...] about Rebates + Actionable Intelligence (AI) = Increased HVAC Profits
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
Lessons HVACR Distributors Can Learn from Wesco
For the past month, I have been writing a series of articles on Wesco for Modern Distribution Management. In the series I took a deep dive into Wesco's 3 key enterprise strategies “Extend our industry-leading scale and value proposition.” “Further develop our team and our culture of excellence.” “Digitalize and transform our B2B business.” Wesco Analysis, Pt. … [Read more...] about Lessons HVACR Distributors Can Learn from Wesco
The world of customer segmentation in 2024
This past month, I have been going through old boxes of work material and coming across some foundational material on customer segmentation and pricing that I used as a distributor. I found in the archives my personal pricing Encyclopedia Britannia (the Complex) and the Texas A&M Industrial Distribution Customer Stratification Model (the Simple) and it made me think … [Read more...] about The world of customer segmentation in 2024
Structuring Acquisitions
Acquisitions continue to transform the HVACR industry. PE (private equity) are expanding their portfolio companies and others are seeking to enter the market. National distributors are expanding into new territories and also acquiring smaller companies as "fill-ins" or, in some cases, are diversifying their businesses and building new divisions. Regionals, and even some "local" … [Read more...] about Structuring Acquisitions
Opinion: Update on the future of Rebates and SPAs for HVACR Distributors and Manufacturers?
Rebates, Backsides, and Special Pricing Agreements (SPAs) continue to grow in importance every year for the Channel. At the Enable Catalyze Conference earlier this month - I was asked to present a channel focused session. I was excited about presenting, because this is the only industry event that I know of where you spend two days with B2B Distribution leaders just focusing … [Read more...] about Opinion: Update on the future of Rebates and SPAs for HVACR Distributors and Manufacturers?
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?
Opinion – Walmart announces a partnership with Bryant
An interesting announcement from Walmart that is unique foray into the HVACR Distribution Channel By John Gunderson At the end of March Walmart.com announced that they will begin directing HVAC inquiries to Bryant Heating & Cooling dealers as it expands its available offering to its customer bases. Walmart states they are the second largest ecommerce … [Read more...] about Opinion – Walmart announces a partnership with Bryant
