Spoiler alert: In this column, I will be sharing my perceptions of the content and what I see as the greatest lessons for distribution leaders.

Smart design never goes out of style. In our industry, “smart” design encompasses good looks and durability as well as innovative products that offer solutions and keep customers engaged and interested. Accessibility is a key component in any design as changing demographics promote a growing interest in products that meet universal design standards. 

Two key ingredients separate market leaders from their increasingly commoditized counterparts. You may succeed but will never reach your full potential if you’re missing either of these. And if you’re able to meld the two together, you can multiply your success infinitely.

During the 2007-2012 financial crisis, the Federal Reserve bought U.S. Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities to uplift the economy. With the economy growing steadily and the Federal Reserve riding an all-time high reserve, one might think the opposite would be the case.

Tight labor markets for skilled tradesmen remain a current and long-term constraint on construction projects in all sectors of the PVF industry. 

Throughout its 40 years, Ameripipe has made those factors hallmarks of its business, and has built a reputation for best-in-class products, superior customer service and highly skilled pipe fabrication.

The average annualized sales growth for the 12 months through July 2019 is 8.7 percent.

The company, which began in 1963 and started by carrying one product line, now stocks more than 275 HVACR product lines such as Honeywell, Johnson Controls and Danfoss.

To assist leading distributors in transforming their social selling practices, the NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence is partnering with Texas A&M University on the new research consortium.