TL;DR: Independent HVAC distributors should judge consolidation by one test: will a buyer strengthen or weaken customer intimacy? Mapping the value chain, identifying services customers need, and testing a buyer’s record, local decision rights, and investment commitments can reveal whether a deal preserves trust and creates mutual value—or destroys it. Watsco’s agreement to … [Read more...] about HVAC Distributors – Before You Sell, Ask Two Questions?
Home Depot
Home Depot’s HVAC/R Strategy Is Getting Bigger
A few months ago, I wrote about Home Depot’s acquisition of Mingledorff’s and what it could mean for the future of HVAC/R distribution. Now we have another piece of the puzzle. This week, SRS Distribution announced its agreement to acquire Lohmiller & Co., a Denver-based HVAC/R distributor with four Colorado locations and approximately 220 employees. SRS, of course, … [Read more...] about Home Depot’s HVAC/R Strategy Is Getting Bigger
Mingledorff’s Sale: HVAC Distribution Consolidation Risks
Announced earlier this week, the acquisition of Mingledorff’s by The Home Depot via its SRS Distribution platform is another step in HVAC distribution consolidation, and a significant one. This is not just another deal. It signals a structural shift in how the channel may function going forward. The strategic rationale is straightforward: greater scale, expanded “Pro” reach, … [Read more...] about Mingledorff’s Sale: HVAC Distribution Consolidation Risks
Home Depot and Lowe’s Q3 2025 Results: What Their Numbers Tell Us About the Year Ahead
Home Depot and Lowe’s Q3 2025 results are in, giving us a clearer sense of how the home-improvement market is holding up as we head into 2026. Sales were steady, digital use continued to climb, and both companies leaned heavily on their Pro strategies, even as consumers remained cautious about big-ticket projects. There is plenty of nuance behind the topline numbers, and Kevin … [Read more...] about Home Depot and Lowe’s Q3 2025 Results: What Their Numbers Tell Us About the Year Ahead
HD Supply Goes Home
The major story in the distribution industry yesterday was Home Depot acquiring HD Supply. While many electrical distributors may wonder “why the coverage” as “we don’t compete with them”, the reality is that Home Depot and HD Supply are competing more and more with electrical distributors. Some will remember that HD Supply was conceived within Home Depot and was eventually … [Read more...] about HD Supply Goes Home
Home Depot to Offer Customized Pro Pricing
Home Depot’s retiring CFO’s interview last night with Jim Cramer on CNBC shared a glimpse of why electrical distributors who serve small to mid-sized residential and commercial distributors should be concerned. And it\'s all about pricing. The home improvement (perhaps better described as a “construction”) behemoth is the leader in serving the DIY market. And yes, we’ve … [Read more...] about Home Depot to Offer Customized Pro Pricing
Home Depot Orange Coming to Your Customer
The color orange signifies joy, happiness and creativity, however, it is also representative of fire and, given that the color is between yellow and red on the color spectrum it is, from a business perspective, between caution (yellow) and “bad” (red). And it’s the color of Home Depot and many distributors may be seeing Home Depot trucks visiting their contractors in the … [Read more...] about Home Depot Orange Coming to Your Customer
