The demand for extended service agreement (ESA) products continues to grow and this growth is fueled by both contractors and homeowners. Homeowners have been conditioned to be offered some sort of extended warranty product on just about anything they buy, from appliances to phones and just about anything else.

During this last quarter, I have had the opportunity to be part of an aggressive development project related to revisions to existing Product Category Rules (PCRs) for the following plumbing fixtures: electronic bidet seats, residential toilets, commercial lavatory faucets, commercial toilets, and commercial urinals.

This is the question I asked the contractors: Can you name a manufacturer that you think is close to perfect in all that they do? And if so, what makes them that way? What might they do better?

There are endless resources on the internet to learn about digital marketing. Just a quick Google search will give you lists of best practices and tools. The challenge is taking this information and applying it to your specific company.

Whether we are manufacturers, reps, distributors or contractors, our industry has quietly been performing essential work for centuries. How do we double down on bringing the best people to the best companies in the best industry?

Wilkinson Supply started out as a six-person operation selling plumbing supplies throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina. Bill Wilkinson, the company’s founder, established a commitment to a customer-first mentality fueled by hard work and dedication. This commitment has carried Wilkinson Supply to growth for nearly 60 years.

If there’s one thing Americans are known for it’s their national pride, and that includes products manufactured and made in the United States.

Last year it came to light that the PHCC National Association had negotiated a discount program for its contractor members with one of its supplier members, Home Depot/HD Supply. Since then, ASA and HARDI members have worked closely with the PHCC chapter and national leadership to express the wholesale distributor community’s concerns and issues with any national trade association prioritizing one supplier member over others. 

F.W. Webb was named one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Job Starters 2023” by Newsweek for offering essential training and mentorship programs, plus ongoing learning and growth opportunities, for team members who are starting out in their careers. F.W. Webb was awarded four and a half stars out of five on their score as a result of an employer survey.