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Eighty-five distributor firms along with their manufacturer and rep partners — a buzzing crowd of 850 total — gathered in Downtown Chicago November 13-15 for the PHCP-PVF supply chain industry’s largest annual event, NETWORK2024. American Supply Association (ASA) members enjoy a two and a half day program packed with panel discussions, the popular Great Ideas Roundtable sessions, educational sessions, keynote speakers and manufacturer-distributor booth appointments, all while filling any free-time with seemingly endless networking opportunities. The lobby and meeting hall at the Fairmont were constantly full of side conversations where new connections were made and long-time friends reunite.

The energy throughout the building reflected the message ASA 2024 President Patrick Maloney has been touting all year; the PHCP-PVF industry is healthy and thriving.

Key takeaways

The impressive lineup of speakers included talks on leadership, strengthening your team, getting the most out of your talent, and even creating a bucket list and achieving goals.

ESPN Football Analyst and NFL legend Herm Edwards took the audience through his football journey, immersing everyone in his experiences as both a player and a coach. One day two, top sports agent and motivational speaker Molly Fletcher shared powerful insights on success, talent and the mindset shift that separates the best from the rest.

Also on day two, author and mind behind the “100 Things” movement, Seb Terry shared his transformative journey of creating a list of 100 things to achieve true happiness and purpose after the loss of a close friend. In this powerful session, Seb discussed how his list led to a best-selling book, a reality TV show, and a global platform, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and unlock limitless possibilities.

Day three wrapped up with Eric Boles who spoke on how to break free from ruts, overcome pressure, and push past self-imposed limitations.

Araceli Lee, director of sales, wholesale, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, and member of the ASA Women in Industry Advisory Council said every moment of NETWORK2024 was packed with takeaways. “Herm Edwards’ message on doing the little things and executing the vision resonated deeply as essential principles for leading a team,” she said. “Seb Terry’s session truly emphasized the importance of living life with purpose and intention, and of course the engaging discussions on emerging trends with fantastic panelists who provided actionable insights on the future of our industry was incredibly beneficial.”

Bharani Nagarathnam, associate professor, Texas A&M, summarized his takeaways into three categories: leadership, talent and culture and sales growth and technology.

“NETWORK2024 was full of empowering networking and learning,” he said. “Some of my key takeaways include: Empower your team — you will get ROI from Human Capital. When things get hard, tell the truth, tell it fast and tell it yourself.”

Nagarathnam also pointed out a handful of informative nuggets that stuck with him:

• Distributors are in the SERVICE business; the differentiator is your people;
• Most important factors based on the contractors survey: Availability, price, inside sales support;
• Most important website/app capability: Real-time inventory, account specific pricing, search functionality; and
• Good e-commerce KPI: percentage customers actively using website/app.

A celebration of domestic manufacturing

On day one attendees had the treat to hear a casual and candid “fireside chat” between Porter Pipe & Supply CEO Nick Porter and Zekelman Industries, parent company to Wheatland Tube, Chairman and CEO Barry Zekelman. Zekelman Industries is the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

Zekelman shared his thoughts on upcoming tariff changes post-election, what he expects to see out of the Trump Administration, the state of the U.S. steel market and his impressive passion for domestic manufacturing. Attendees had free rein to ask Zekelman anything, and his answers were honest and straightforward.

“The single greatest return you will get is from the human capitol you employ,” Zekelman stated as he discussed the vitality of treating and paying all employees well in today’s marketplace.

Honoring the industry’s best

As always, ASA takes time during NETWORK to honor individuals for their unwavering commitment to the industry. The Fred V. Keenan Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Brian Tuohey, president of the Collins Companies, and Jim Lewis, vice president and general manager of business services at Kohler during the Annual Member Meeting and Luncheon.

Lewis has more than 32 years of experience in the PHCP supply chain and has been actively supporting ASA through various volunteer leadership roles for more than a decade. His contributions include driving the success of the ASA Plumbing Division and the Plumbing Division Breakfast at NETWORK.

Tuohey, president of the Collins Companies, is a long-time ASA member and former chairmen of ASA’s Industrial Piping Division Advisory Group. He has also served on the ASA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and as ASA president in 2018, becoming the 50th individual to hold the presidency. Notably, he was the first ASA past president to receive the IPD’s top honor last year.

Additionally, 2023 ASA President and CEO/President of First Supply, Kathryn Poehling Seymour and NIBCO President and CEO Ashley Martin were recognized at the ASA Board Meeting for their service on the ASA Executive Committee over the past four years.

“It’s been a joy to work on behalf of the industry alongside Ashley since we both started at our businesses,” Poehling-Seymour said. “From founding the Women in Industry division together to serving on the Executive Committee, we have done so much side by side and are not done yet. I can’t wait to see where we go next.”

Investment well worth it

NETWORK2024 attendees agree that the investment to take team members to the event pays off ten-fold.

Richy Milligan, chief sales officer for distributor member Eastern Industrial Supplies said there is no other trade organization in our industry that promotes advocacy like ASA does.

“ASA NETWORK in Chicago was a great investment of time and resources for Eastern and myself. Time spent networking, learning and collaborating with my colleagues from the United States was of tremendous value,” he said. “ASA is literally helping us prepare the next generation of leaders for our industry.”

Similarly, Stephanie Vega, director, environmental product sales at Ferguson, said NETWORK is the best place to connect with many industry leaders all at once. “NETWORK continues to deliver. It’s a treat to connect with so many industry leaders all at once,” she said. “I enjoyed Herm Edwards' keynote on essential team leadership principles, and conducting our ASA Women’s Advisory Council meeting in-person where we finalized plans for ELEVATE 2025. Thanks to the ASA team for hosting another great event.”

Maribel Garcia Venegas, event and promotion manager for Hirsch Pipe & Supply said NETWORK is a great reminder of just how much PHCP-PVF professionals can learn from each other. "The chance to connect with others who truly understand the unique challenges and rewards of our industry is my main takeaway from NETWORK," she said. "It’s always so valuable to share stories, discuss struggles, and hear how others have tackled similar issues—it reminds me that I’m not alone and there’s so much we can learn from one another. Networking is such an important part of what we do, and the insights and relationships I gain from these conversations are incredibly helpful. On a more personal note, getting to connect with other women in the industry is always a highlight for me. In a male-dominated field, having that sense of camaraderie and sisterhood is not only comforting but inspiring. These connections mean the world to me and are one of the reasons I find so much value in this event."