There’s an undeniable sense of entrepreneurship that flows throughout the independent distribution industry. PVF master distributor Wayland Industries is a prime example, with 103 years of history behind it; for four generations now, members of the Kurstin family have started master distribution companies within the PVF sector.

January 2022 results of ASA’s monthly sales report reflect another month of robust performance compared to the same month a year ago, though most respondents reported declines in sales when compared to December 2021, noted Industry Insights, ASA’s business intelligence partner that prepares the report each month for ASA member distributors. 

One of the father-daughter activities myself and said daughter enjoy is listening to music on car rides, specifically anything in the 1970s-1980s genre. Apparently, my daughter is a teenager going on 40 years old. Her tastes range from The Carpenters to Twisted Sister and Vanilla Ice. Like father like daughter. As we were listening to a recent Motley Crue song, she indicated the band had a lot of hidden gems on B-sides of albums. Who would have known? That a today’s teenager knows what a B-side album is, now that’s impressive. “Too Young To Fall in Love” is one of my favorite underrated Crue songs, though I’m not sure if that was a B-sider or not.

Backflow Direct has announced the launch of its updated and improved eCommerce store. This new site allows customers to order the products they need, but now with an even better user experience. 

SupplyHouse.com has made a $30,000 contribution to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation, plus provided another $30,000 in support for training and workforce development projects. 

According to a global supply chain report compiled by IHS Markit, delays and disruptions for manufacturers and deliveries is currently on a higher scale than ever recorded in the company’s more than 30 years of conducting Purchasing Manager Index’s (PMI) — monthly surveys of more than 40 economies worldwide. Distributors across the U.S. can vouch for that, as supply chain disruptions they endured throughout 2021 have yet to show signs of correction.

Buckle up for Part 2 as participants get into the nitty-gritty of technology, top threats to wholesale-distribution, plus the next-gen’s effect on the marketplace and consolidation.

AD is reporting total 2021 member sales were $58.5 billion, a 30% increase from 2020, with purchases by member companies from AD supplier partners up 39% to $16.6 billion. Additionally, AD achieved a 49% increase in net distributions to its members, surpassing the $1 Billion milestone for the first time in the group’s 40-year history. 

Respondents reported a median sales increase of 20.5% for November 2021 vs. 2020. In comparison to the previous month (December 2021 vs. November 2021), respondents reported a modest decline in sales of -2.2% (the previous monthly sales report had a 3.5% increase in the same category; November 2021 vs. October 2021).  

F.W. Webb Company announced the acquisition of Stritt & Priebe, a specialist in industrial valve supply, service and repair in Buffalo, New York, and VJ Stanley, a wholesale-distributor and manufacturers' representative of steam and hydronic products in Rochester, New York.