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%.

Since Memorial Day this year, Dirk Beveridge, distribution expert and founder of UnleashWD — a design, innovation and strategy firm that helps distributors become market leaders — has been touring the U.S. in his 38-foot RV visiting independent distributors across various industries.

I recently came across an interesting webinar that caused me to think about the mindset of running your business as if you were preparing to sell it. That’s probably controversial to some readers! Some owners might initially take a defensive posture, “I’m not selling. Why would I think that way?”

On July 7, the California Senate Environmental Quality Committee passed AB 100 (with author’s amendments) unanimously, a bill that regulates the manufacture and sale of endpoint fixtures that conform to the NSF 61 2020 standard. ASA, along with its coalition partners, has obtained a compromise on the bill.

AD hosted its virtual Finance, HR & IT Summit from June 7-8, welcoming a record 310 attendees from 133 member companies across all of AD’s 13 divisions in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Core & Main announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pacific Pipe Company, based in Hawaii. The acquisition would mark Core & Main’s 14th transaction since becoming an independent company in August 2017.

So what do 130 leading PHCP-PVF distributors all have in common? They are all engaged in taking advantage of the continually growing value that ASA University offers to train their teams.