I launched HVACRTrends in 2021 as an initiative to serve the HVAC industry, similar to ElectricalTrends, which I launched in 2007. The goal then was, quite frankly, to slowly expand, and diversify, Channel Marketing Group. The intent for the site is to share ideas, offer observations about the business, and bring insights from a different perspective which is informed from a multi-industry and multi-channel viewpoint.
In 2023, John Gunderson became involved and started sharing an additional perspective. John joined Channel Marketing Group, full-time as senior partner, last August.
Today, the site reaches over 4,000 people in the HVACR space and complements our efforts in the electrical and industrial channels (we launched Industrial Supply Trends, in collaboration with the Industrial Supply Association, earlier this year.)
We hope you see value in our input, and insights. And we continue to grow on the consulting side of the business in serving distributors, manufacturer reps, and manufacturers in the areas of strategy, marketing strategy, and research (and more, depending upon the industry.) Some of our writing is informed by our consulting engagements and research projects.
And with growth comes new names / faces.
Labow Joins Channel Marketing Group and HVACRTrends
I am pleased to announce that Chuck Labow, has joined Channel Marketing Group as Vice President and HVACR Market Leader.
Chuck will lead Channel Marketing Group’s HVAC-R consulting division, bringing over two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and channel strategy across the electrical and HVAC-R industries. Known for his practical, growth-oriented mindset, Chuck assists manufacturers, distributors, and rep agencies in navigating market changes and enhancing go-to-market performance.
He will also serve as the editor for HVACRtrends.com, curating insights and trend analyses to support informed decision-making throughout the channel. John and I will still contribute different perspectives, but Chuck will be able to focus on HVAC specific content and needs.
Chuck understands distribution. He’s been a distributor, a rep, and a manufacturer. Yes, that makes him a unicorn.
Previously, Chuck was President of Chalfant Manufacturing, where he repositioned the company for long-term growth and led complex commercial projects in collaboration with national distribution networks. His leadership style combines strategic thinking with a commitment to execution, mentorship, and long-term relationship-building.
Chuck started his career in the distribution industry working a counter for a small electrical distributor. Over the years he progressed to a branch manager, transitioned and worked for leading national chain distributors, has worked as a regional sales manager for an engineering firm, was in sales management for a rep agency and was VP Sales for Chalfant, a cable tray manufacturer before becoming its President.
His vast experience in the distribution channel provides him a wide frame of reference to support clients with growth strategies and market research.
Chuck can be reached at clabow@channelmkt.com.
Help me in welcome Chuck to the team and we look forward to him bringing a different voice, a different perspective, to HVACRTrends and hopefully to your company.
And if you’d like to know more about Channel Marketing Group, reach out to Chuck or myself.
