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Marketing’s value is often overlooked, but I think it’s safe to say it might be even more so in this industry. I’ve often attributed this to simple misconceptions or ignorance of marketing’s value in the industry. Perhaps the expensive nature of hiring marketing experts (whether it be in-house or outsourced) also adds to this, which would certainly not be unique to this industry.

There’s long been talk about how to divvy up the heating expenses in buildings that have tenants. Should each tenant have their own meter? Their own boiler? Boilers are a lot smaller than they used to be, right?

I have been back on the road for a while and have just returned from another week-long tour. I would like to report that the decorative plumbing showroom world remains vibrant and as diverse as ever. The question that I am most asked is: How are showrooms and customers reacting to COVID-19 in their business practices in 2022?

What if you were the coach of a football team and someone dropped the opposing squad’s offensive playbook in your lap?

We’ve seen this scenario depicted fictionally on television and movies over the years and have even heard stories of real-life buffoonery where professional and collegiate players have left those books or iPad/tablets with the playbook on them (technological advancements) in places they shouldn’t.

It is a great feeling to experience a member who began an exploration uncertain in a course of action gain the belief that their solution will benefit their company.

I am not, nor do I want to be, in the business of telling other business owners how to run their businesses. If they don’t want to be a member of an association, that is their choice and their right, and I don’t feel it’s my place to try to change their mind.

This past year has been an unprecedented year for the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) space, hitting $5 trillion in volume in 2021 through over 40,000 transactions. The number of transactions in the distribution and manufacturing space has caused owners to take a closer look at their options regarding selling and/or acquisition options.

The title of the article that appeared in UKToday news some months back was “5 Easy Ways to Teach Kids about Energy Conservation.” There was no author listed but I’m wondering if the person who came up with this article even had kids. Kids aren’t easy, especially when it comes to energy conservation. Allow me to explain.

ASA member volunteers play an active role in establishing the association’s strategic plan by identifying the most pressing issues facing our industry and determining how to respond, and bring a unique perspective and a specific point of reference, which is critical to ASA’s ability to offer the most relevant programs and services to help our members thrive.

Knowing these are the expectations we all put on our work travel, we pushed hard to create a conference at this year's NETWORK that we believe is worthy of your very valuable time.