Ferguson is the largest wholesale distributor of residential and commercial plumbing supplies and pipe, valves and fittings in the U.S. The company is also a major distributor of HVAC equipment, fire protection systems, waterworks and industrial products and services.

When we look at individuals for consideration as The Wholesaler’s Person of The Year, we focus on leaders, change-makers and those behind the scene who have made a positive impact on the industry. We look for that special something a person has that helps innovate the wholesale distribution sector. 

“Craft Your Vision” was the theme to the 47th Annual AIM/R Conference, held September 11 - 14, 2019, at the Walt Disney World Swan hotel in Orlando.

The company is run by fourth-generation family member Greg Miller, who has been in the business for many years. He was appointed president upon the unexpected loss of his father in late 2018.

A belief in family, employees, and hard work established this company, and is also the reason Coburn Supply has remained successful in business. At a celebration for its 85th year in business - there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Established in 1976, Porter Pipe, a family-owned and operated wholesale distributor based in Addison, IL, serves commercial and industrial mechanical, plumbing and manufacturing markets throughout the Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana and Indianapolis, Rockford, Southern Wisconsin and Eastern Iowa markets.

This year, the American Supply Association (ASA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary.  Its president, Steve Cook, CEO of Northeastern Supply, has led the association through its banner year — at a grueling pace.

Chicago, 1920. The city, having spent many years rebuilding itself from the devastating Chicago Fire in the late 1800s, was on a path to branding itself a major metropolis. There was a surge in residential and commercial construction, and many companies took part in this massive growth opportunity. 

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.

A manufacturer’s salesforce can take many forms — internal sales, external sales or partner with a manufacturer’s rep firm to represent the company and its brand.  A manufacturer’s representative is an integral part of the industry channel and  an extension of the brands it represents.