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.

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

This year marks Ernie Coutermarsh’s 50th year with F.W. Webb Co., a family-owned and -operated wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, cooling, PVF, and industrial products in the northeast.

The Wholesaler is championing companies within our industry that represent the best in class of showrooms. This year, we created a Showroom of the Year award, dedicated to a company and storefront going beyond product offerings — and showcases what happens when customer service, employee engagement and technology combine to form magic. 

In February, it was announced that United Pipe & Steel (UPS) and Merifish Pipe & Supply (MPS) are combining under Merfish Pipe Holdings (MPH), an entity with majority ownership by One Equity Partners (OEP). 

Milford Supply is as true to the mission today as it was when it started.

We sat down with Sean McClenaghan, president and CEO of RWC Americas, to discuss his focus, the enhancement of RWC through acquisitions and its key issues to tackle. 

This month we showcase a recipient of a scholarship, funded in part by the monies raised by the PVF Roundtable, and awarded to colleges and trades schools, that provide PVF and industrial distribution education. 

We spoke with WIT & Co., AD, Embassy Group and IMARK Plumbing to hear about their mission, membership, what sets them apart and how they are helping their members succeed.

Piping that shows rust, pitting, corrosion or weathering pose a challenge.