Danny Mariscal, chairman emeritus of Hirsch Pipe & Supply Co. located in Southern California passed away at the age of 83 on Feb. 8. His 57-year commitment to Hirsch Pipe & Supply Co., our employees and our customers will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.Danny started working at Hirsch as a bookkeeper in 1965 under the direction of Joe Hirsch. He quickly saw all sides of Hirsch, from completing odd jobs around the warehouse to assisting with sales at the counter. Through this experience, Danny fell in love with the organization, leading him to rise the ranks to become office manager. 

It takes hard work to turn the world around. As the PHCP-PVF industry continues to seek diversity and attract talent, raising up women in the industry is more important than ever. AIM/R is proud to shine the spotlight on the inspiring stories of three hard-working women who serve as professional manufacturers’ representatives.

Sorry James Brown, but this is no longer a “Man’s World.” Today, women work in just about every field and industry, proving they can do just about anything a man can do. U.S. Census statistics show more and more women have been entering previously considered male-dominated industries, including construction.

However, though women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, only 2.1% are plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics as of January 2022.

When Al Pekelney started selling Bock Water Heaters out of the back of his car while driving around New Jersey and New York in 1947, he likely wasn’t aware it was the start of what would become a 75-year-old company now representing 23 product lines.

The Granite Group, a leading supplier of plumbing, heating, cooling, piping, water systems and energy products in the Northeast, has announced it has finalized the acquisition of United Plumbing Supply (UPS). Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, UPS consists of one wholesale branch located at 377 Cottage Street and a decorative plumbing showroom called, “The Bath & Kitchen Gallery,” located at 1060 Memorial Avenue in West Springfield. Effective April 1, 2022, both locations began operating under The Granite Group umbrella.

For better or for worse, elections have consequences. That has now been proven yet again, even though the federal government is experiencing some of the slimmest partisan margins in its history. With former President Trump still in the background, the Biden administration quickly set out with a wide-ranging agenda to implement its vision for America. However, much of this has been stalled with the COVID-19 pandemic still with us and its continuous viral variants, an economy expanding amid inflation and foreign policy challenges that seem to present themselves daily.  

We all realize the need for a robust online offering as eCommerce continues to be a growing share of the market. However, as the group discussed and debated the topic, we realized how much more complex the situation is currently.

Winsupply welcomed more than 1,800 attendees to its annual meetings and vendor showcase in Dallas, Texas. The conference was held from March 13-18 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. Vendors and Local Company Presidents attended annual meetings, president and manager meetings, vendor one-on-one meetings, a town hall with the Winsupply Leadership Team and training sessions on various topics. The vendor showcase had more than 200 exhibitors in attendance.

AD associates participated in a giving back event on March 17 by supporting Cradles to Crayons, a Philadelphia-area nonprofit organization providing children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive. AD’s volunteer efforts, monetary donations and children’s item collection will support approximately 3,200 children in the Philadelphia region.

Famous Supply is mourning the loss of second-generation company chairman, Jay Blaushild. He passed away March 10 at the age of 88. Famous has lost a passionate leader, dear friend and an inspiring mentor. The industry has lost a humble man of exceptional character and integrity who carried on his father’s founding principles to be honest and do what you say you will do.