Five key financial metrics to help your company thrive and survive any crisis.

Over its 100-year history, welding has become one of the most essential technical skills in manufacturing and fabrication. The process of using high-temperature, electrical-powered heat to fuse two pieces of metal or synthetic material has been incorporated throughout the industry in an increasingly wide variety of applications that rely on a range of tools and techniques.

According to a recent McKinsey report, more than 90% of B2B companies have shifted to a virtual or hybridized sales model due to COVID-19. Though dramatic, this shift reveals an emerging trend away from face-to-face sales.

Rogers, Minnesota-based manufacturers' rep firm, FourMation Sales was built from scratch. Twenty years later, it is celebrating success through challenging times by charging ahead, focused on building up the company for decades to come.

After you get done reading the flurry of activity occurring at ASA as we head into the late summer/early fall part of the calendar, I want to direct your attention to two other ASA-related expertly written pieces in this issue that all companies in this supply chain should read.

The industrial PVF sector is facing a set of challenges that market experts describe as “the perfect storm.” Top concerns among pros in the industrial sector include commodity price increases, tariffs and trade disruption, freight inflation, fleet shortages and — of course — the ongoing lack of skilled labor.

Each year, ASA honors members in recognition of their outstanding performance in safety excellence with the ASA Safety Award.

Yes, I want to give back to the industry. Yes, I want to have my voice heard on the “big” issues. But probably the biggest reason is that through ASA, I have the opportunity to interact with other distributors, and I get to learn what sets highly successful business owners apart from everyone else.

AD reported its member sales in the first six months of 2021 were $28.1 billion, an increase of 30% across its 13 divisions and three countries. Same-store sales were up 17%. Purchases by member companies from AD supplier partners were up 34%. Net distributions to its members were up 37%.