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The average profits in the 9% range that HVAC/R wholesalers are currently achieving can be improved by increasing the size of individual customer orders and reducing the number of required employees, according to Dr. Al Bates, a workshop speaker at the HARDI fall conference.
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This was just one of several workshops addressed to managers of supply houses and distributors on upcoming changes in the industry and the economy.
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Outgoing President Mark Faessler of Progress Supply Co., Cincinnati, said in his opening remarks that the association is continuing to see rapid growth in membership, conference attendance and exhibitor participation.
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Adam J. Fein, founder and president of Pembroke Consulting, spoke on macro trends (such as private label branding and better Internet communications) that wholesalers should consider in order to improve their profitability.
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About 330 manufacturers and reps participated in the conference booth program.
For more information and details on upcoming events, visit www.hardinet.org.