September 2019

In 1920, three gentlemen from Chicago melded their desire to create quality butler sinks with exceptional customer service and experience. Elkay Manufacturing was formed, and the family-owned and operated company, based out of Downers Grove, Illinois, has branched out from its formative days. Pictured above are founders Leopold and Louis Katz, 4th and 5th from left. The company is on the eve of celebrating its 100th anniversary.

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Four Decades Saving Lives And Property

Family owned Ameripipe marks 40th anniversary as fire protection supplier.

September 4, 2019

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.

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Partnership With Purpose

Porter Pipe is a wholesaler that invests in its team members and community.

September 4, 2019

Ruth Mitchell

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.

Burnham Holdings Celebrates Opening of HVAC Tech Center

Boiler manufacturer donates heating equipment to expand Pennsylvania technical college’s HVAC program.

September 5, 2019

Steve Smith

Boiler manufacturer donates heating equipment to expand Pennsylvania technical college’s HVAC program.

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A.O. Smith Opens New Tech Training Center

Company leverages its technical expertise through online training and traditional hands-on learning.

September 4, 2019

Steve Smith

A.O. Smith trained 80,000 contractors last year with most watching online, on-demand digital content.

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MIAMI NICE!

Decorators Plumbing wins customers with their service and knowledge.

September 4, 2019

Jeff Guanche of Decorators Plumbing in Miami said they chose Luxury Products Group because of their “boutique group” feel and the bridge LPG provides to the vendors they want to work with.

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Skubot: Scanning for a Solution

A high-resolution 3D device currently at some Ferguson counters takes the guesswork out of identifying plumbing parts.

July 8, 2019

Nicole Meyer

Keith Meany has never subscribed to the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

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2019 PHCP Millennials on the Move

Meet the lucky 13 young professionals the industry nominated to be spotlighted by PHCPPros.

July 2, 2019

Ashlei Williams

To help the industry understand millennials’ interests and needs, recruit future professionals, and build camaraderie across age groups, PHCPPros introduces its inaugural “PHCP Millennials On The Move” series!

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Connecting with ASA President Steve Cook

He talks about ASA and how it is helping to grow the industry channel in the next 50 years.

September 4, 2019

Ruth Mitchell

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.

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Elkay Manufacturing: Building a Foundation of Trust and Integrity

As the manufacturer celebrates its centennial in the plumbing industry, we look back at 100 years of quality, innovation and lasting relationships with customers and employees.

September 4, 2019

Ruth Mitchell

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.

Inventory Management

Cultivating the First Follower

The best leaders invite their followers to join them in the big picture.

September 4, 2019

Jason Bader

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.

Investments

A Pig in a Python

Like no other generation, baby boomers have been a force of change in American culture and economy.

September 4, 2019

Roger S. Balser

Demographers describe the baby boomer generation as ‘’a pig in a python,” or a massive bulge in an otherwise slender age distribution, gradually sliding down the age distribution as boomers get older.

Marketing

Two Ingredients Can Make Dreams Come True

You may succeed, but will never reach your full potential, if you’re missing either of these.

September 4, 2019

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.

Plumbing & Showrooms

Enduring Trends

Thoughtful designs and accessibility are always in demand.

September 4, 2019

Linda Jennings

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.

The Riso Report

New School Messaging

The world of advocacy is changing at warp speed due to social media.

August 7, 2019

There’s enough room at the top for the ways of both the old school and the new school, and each are equally important in order to achieve success.

Beschloss Perspective

Federal Reserve Treasuries Stockpile Poised to Double

Most Wall Street dealers expect the Fed to start accumulating treasuries by mid-2020.

September 4, 2019

Morris Beschloss

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.