Ed Ihrie was a visionary. In 1972, as the general manager and a stockholder of W.L. Smith Supply Co., a wholesale distributor located in North Carolina, Ihrie saw a need in the marketplace that was not being met.

One of the biggest components of customer service is having the right stuff at the right place and at the right time. Use your distribution software package to ensure your customers’ most-used items are well-stocked.

By connecting with your target audience, keeping brand vision consistent and communicating effectively with your clients, you shape the entire customer experience online, in-store and in-home.

In Europe and Asia, tankless water heaters are common, but in the United States, this fact is less so. But while U.S. homeowners and commercial building operators have often chosen storage-type units over tankless, the pendulum is beginning to swing in the other direction as consumers place greater emphasis on environmental impact and efficiency. 

Technology is playing a key role in today’s trends too, giving rise to improvements that foster healing therapies or help to create healthier, more sanitary environments. 

Wholesale distributors know that having all the products to complete your customer’s project is essential for complete customer satisfaction.

The conference has updated this year's program and list of speakers.