Milwaukee, Wisc. — For a
company driven by the value of providing superior customer service, it is an
honor that Ferguson, A. O. Smith’s largest wholesale distributor, named A. O.
Smith the 2017 Residential Trade Plumbing Vendor of the Year.
The award is based on multiple criteria,
including overall sales performance, channel marketing engagement and
execution.
“This award is a reminder that we have a great
team,” said Norm Christner, national account manager for Ferguson. “Earning
this award is just a byproduct of our team’s hard work. It is nice to be
recognized.”
The A. O. Smith team was recognized in front of
200 of its peers at Ferguson’s Vendor Summit in October 2017, a conference of
its top-level vendors. Within the residential trade business category, A. O.
Smith won against the 150 other eligible vendors.
“The positive results that allowed us to win
this award confirm that we are working on the right things with the customer,”
reflected Rick Hawk, vice president of national account sales.
Norm also believes the company truly was able to
stand out from the crowd because of its focus on responsive and superior
customer service, citing how several departments work together to fulfill
orders successfully.
“Ferguson is a very dynamic company with many
opportunities to grow our business together,” explained Hawk. “As long as we
continue to execute on our growth strategy, we will continue to have excellent
results.”
Ferguson is the largest whole distributor of
commercial and residential plumbing supplies and the second largest distributor
of waterworks products in the United States with a focus on vendor relations.
The A. O. Smith and State brands account for the majority of Ferguson’s hot
water business. As a platinum member of Ferguson’s Team Rewards, A. O. Smith
has access to special promotional opportunities that help increase brand
awareness and sales, as well as special customer events that help foster
relationships.
“At Ferguson, our history of success is due in
large part to the value we place on our vendor relationships,” according to its
website. “When vendors partner with Ferguson, we go the extra mile to make sure
that there is growth for all parties involved.”
The team is already said to be on track to set
new records with Ferguson this fiscal year, according to Christner.
“Receiving this award is gratifying, but the
teamwork from the organization that made this award possible is very
motivating,” said Hawk. “Winning is contagious in a very positive way.”