2026 April

The April 2026 issue of Supply House Times deep dives into the state of AI in distribution. Discover what business owners need to know about exit strategy, valuation drivers and ownership transition. Read about fixing the hidden gaps in your sales cycle. Also, our monthly columns, new products, and more.

Check back throughout the month for additional content.

The State of AI in Distribution

Why speed, not scale, will define the next era of PHCP-PVF; steps distributors can take now.

Natalie Forster

April 8, 2026

According to recent research from McKinsey & Company, AI adoption has surged over the past two years, with a growing share of organizations reporting measurable impact on revenue, cost reduction and customer engagement.

The hidden gaps in your sales cycle

Fix the front end: Why most sales problems are really process problems.

Brian Gardner

April 13, 2026

Someone must own sales excellence. Someone must act as CEO for CRM. That person should be a respected sales leader with the autonomy to make critical decisions for the company. Their role goes beyond platform selection and configuration. They are responsible for driving adoption, setting standards, training, coaching and continuous improvement.

Famous Supply J-TEC training facility grand opening

Famous Supply honors Jay Blaushild’s passion for training with the opening of its 25,000-square-foot J-TEC facility

Building on a legacy of learning

Natalie Forster

April 3, 2026

Long before the ribbon was cut on a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility in Maple Heights, Ohio, the foundation for the Jay Blaushild Training & Education Center (J-TEC) was already firmly in place.

When Rebates Help, and When They Hurt: The Hidden Tradeoffs for Distributors

From disconnected systems to missed claims, inefficient rebate management can quietly drain margins and create operational risk.

Greg Colizzi

April 15, 2026

The mechanics of rebates are not simple: Each manufacturer has its own playbook. Rules, tiers, exclusions, and volume triggers differ. On top of that, distributors add their own complexity.

From the Editor | Natalie Forster

From Reporting to Serving

A new role means new opportunities to serve PHCH-PVF distributors.

Natalie Forster

April 10, 2026

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll be on my way to ASA’s headquarters to hit the ground running on this new journey. I could not be more excited for the opportunity to work for the association I have been fortunate to partner with and admire throughout my time at BNP Media. I truly believe that ASA helps distributors do their jobs better, and I am thrilled to be joining that mission.

Marketing Matters | Alicia Branham

AI Is Moving Faster Than Your Security Policies

Artificial intelligence gives companies power to grow, but not without risk.

Alicia Branham

April 17, 2026

AI is evolving faster than the policies, security systems, and safeguards designed to manage it. The smartest companies won’t ignore AI, they also won’t hand over the keys to their business until the technology proves it can be trusted with them.

ASA News

How distributors are winning with business intelligence

Advanced data tools are helping wholesalers forecast demand, optimize pricing, and improve performance across every level of the business.

April 22, 2026

Strong business intelligence (BI) data has become a competitive necessity for distributors operating in increasingly complex and fast-moving markets.

Guest Column | Savanna True

AI at work: Hide or thrive?

As automation handles routine tasks, creativity, critical thinking and ethical leadership will define the most valuable employees.

Savanna True

April 29, 2026

By learning to use AI wisely in our daily work, prioritizing ethical use, and nurturing essential human skills, we’ll not only get more done and spark innovation, but ultimately build a more effective and rewarding future for ourselves and our organizations.

ASA News

Design partnerships in kitchen and bath: Kohler, Shea McGee and Martha Stewart

ASA Platinum Supplier Partner Spotlight: Kohler

April 13, 2026

Homeowners are walking into showrooms with inspiration boards, saved posts, and a clear point of view, and they look to plumbing pros and product experts to help translate that vision into products that perform. That’s where partnerships with trusted design voices can make a difference — they create a relatable style story, simplify decision-making, and give the trade a conﬁdent place to start the conversation.

ASA News

ASA Advocacy update: Farm bill progress, workforce legislation, tariffs, and 2026 election developments

Steve Rossi

April 20, 2026

The House Agriculture Committee reported the long-awaited Farm Bill, which incorporates provisions of the Healthy H2O Act — legislation ASA has championed that enables rural residents, particularly those relying on wells, to test their water and apply for grants to fund corrective measures, including third-party-certified end-point filtration devices.

ASA News

Are people your greatest strength?

Don’t keep it a secret

Steve Edwards

April 24, 2026

With a company’s website and social media accounts being the first places candidates often look to learn about opportunities, it’s surprising how many in our industry offer little or no information about what it’s like to be an employee at the company.

ASA News

How fast AI has changed since last year

April 27, 2026

One of the clearest ways to understand what has changed since last year’s Applied AI for Distributors event is this: some of the things that were being discussed as next are now showing up as current.