In my last article, I proposed some questions every distributor should contemplate as they move their business forward and offered up a list of 50 more that they could have just by asking for it. The response was fantastic. Most likely, because we were in the question mode, at least a half dozen distributors hit me with their questions. It was thought-provoking.

We’re HVAC system specialists, pure and simple. We strive to offer unparalleled technical assistance from beginning to end. This is one of our key core values — and differentiators such as tech assistance and training have been peeled away due to lower margins. Because of our focus on systems, we have been able to enhance our technical offerings.

Vendors are introducing new versions of their core offerings as well as complementary solutions.

New integration allows building owners and managers to view all of their core building systems including HVAC equipment, lighting, security, power, and electrical distribution anytime and anywhere via a single interface and delivers actionable insights to reduce energy consumption and drive savings.

I think the best place to start with this topic is to ask: What are the goals for your sales team? It is hard to manage folks without everyone being on the same page and knowing what you expect from them. I am guessing that your goals are to grow sales and profits as much as possible by providing value to your customers. I would think that is the universal goal for almost anyone hiring a sales staff.

By the time you read this, we will be in the closing days of the 2016 campaign. As someone who has eagerly followed campaigns, elections and government for some time, I have to say that this campaign has at times sucked the life out of me.

Food service segment had over 32 percent of the revenue share in 2015 and is projected to see significant growth.

As many Distribution Center Magazine readers know, the HVAC industry in the U.S. continues to remain strong. According to a report released by RnR Market Research this summer, the market will grow at a healthy 16 percent between now and the end of 2017.

In its September monthly TRENDS report, Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) reported that average sales for distributor members increased by 6.2 percent in July. According to HARDI market research and bench-marking analyst Brian Loftus, the hotter-than-average summer — which yielded 14.9 percent more cooling degree days this year over 2016 — triggered such a demand for cooling products that some areas experienced inventory shortages.

Andover, Mass. — Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, today announced the completion of a $3.4 million infrastructure improvement project at four district schools at the Keystone Oaks School District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as students begin the 2016-2017 school year. The project will dramatically improve classroom comfort and reduce the district’s annual energy and maintenance costs by 18 percent, which equals $106,000 per year.