The party started early and it looks like everybody is going to stay late. Welcome to the inaugural edition of Distribution Center magazine, the official publication of Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI). The party started in Maui in late October when this new magazine was rolled out during the HARDI 2011 Annual Conference.
I am extremely pleased and excited to introduce Distribution Center Magazine’s inaugural issue. This kick-off edition culminates endless hours of planning and development involving HARDI members, staff, and BNP Media. Once you have finished reading this content-rich resource, I know you will join me in expressing appreciation for everyone’s individual contributions to this world-class publication.
Moving from the world of HVAC wholesaling
into the plans and specification market - plan and spec for short - is not
always an easy transition. “It’s so different than a traditional wholesaling
model,” said Spencer Shaw, president of Bartos Industries, a Dallas-based
plan-and-spec firm. Bill Shaw, his father and the chief executive officer at
Bartos, agreed.
Distribution Center talked with Heating,
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) chairman
Don Frendberg about the HARDI Foundation beginning a new investment fund. The
fund was announced at the recent HARDI Annual Conference.
With eight facilities located across three states, ILLCO Inc., based
in Aurora, Ill., has grown steadily since 1929 to become one of the Chicago Metro
area’s largest distributors of commercial refrigeration, heating, air
conditioning, PVF, plumbing, and hydronic supplies. The company prides itself
on having large inventories and a knowledgeable staff in order to meet the
needs of its commercial contracting customers.
With eight facilities located across three states, ILLCO Inc., based
in Aurora, Ill., has grown steadily since 1929 to become one of the Chicago Metro
area’s largest distributors of commercial refrigeration, heating, air
conditioning, PVF, plumbing, and hydronic supplies. The company prides itself
on having large inventories and a knowledgeable staff in order to meet the
needs of its commercial contracting customers.
Most would say that successful manufacturers stay in
business by offering great products that they market well and deliver on time.
But that is only half the equation, said Sam Roti, director of sales, JB
Industries, Aurora, Ill. “The other 50 percent consists of building and maintaining
external and internal relationships.” Following this 50 percent rule is one of
the reasons why JB Industries is still successful after 40 years in the air
conditioning and refrigeration industry.
It’s a tough crowd of consumers out there these days, and
the uncertain economic climate is certainly playing a role in their behavior. According
to distributors, consumer behavior is leading to a drop-off in the replacement
market, as well as a drop-off in the high-end market. Yet despite these
worrisome trends, distributors are still seeing areas of growth and employing smart
tactics to keep their businesses in good shape.
JB Industries announced a distribution partnership with Novent®
to provide Refrigerant Locking Caps to the HVACR channel. Novent was created by
industry professionals after evidence of refrigerant theft by teenagers.