DECEMBER 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
happy holidays from blue hawk!
COMING IN 2025: THE HAWK SPOT!
Designed to enhance collaboration and engagement amongst BLUE HAWK Members, this dynamic new platform is set to be the hub for all things BLUE HAWK—offering a space where you can network, share resources, ask questions, and connect with like-minded leaders from across your cooperative.
HAWK Spot provides an easy-to-use interface, making it simple to engage with fellow members, whether you’re looking to share insights from a recent webinar, seek advice on a leadership challenge, or simply expand your professional network. The app will feature discussion forums, group chats, resource libraries, Vendor Partner promotions, and event updates, ensuring you’re always in the loop and able to participate in all BLUE HAWK has to offer.
HAWK Spot will give you the tools to stay connected and informed. The new platform is set to foster deeper relationships and create a vibrant, supportive community where ideas are shared, challenges are addressed, and successes are celebrated.
Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to connect, learn, and grow with the HAWK Spot!
Program Enhancements Coming in 2025
We are gearing up for an exciting 2025 with a host of updates designed to enhance learning and networking amongst our emerging leaders through the NextLevel Leadership Development Program.
The program is designed for Members aiming to “level up” their careers within their company or the broader HVAC industry. Through participating in this program, Members can enhance their industry knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, share best practices, and build lasting professional connections with fellow future industry leaders.
The insights and skills gained through this development program can help pave the way for greater responsibilities and enhance career advancement opportunities.
Eligibility
All current employees of BLUE HAWK Member companies with a drive to further their careers are encouraged to join and take advantage of this unique opportunity.
What to Expect:
NEW! Quarterly NextLevel Webinars
These quarterly sessions will feature industry leaders and experts covering a range of topics, from leadership strategies and personal development to emerging trends and innovation. These webinars are designed to offer flexibility for busy professionals while providing valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
NextLevel Workshops at the Annual Conference
The annual conference, set in the vibrant heart of New York City this year, will feature exclusive workshops for NextLevel program members. These interactive sessions will focus on practical leadership tools, communication strategies, and team dynamics, helping you apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. The workshops will also provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and brainstorming with peers.
NEW! Community Group on the HAWK Spot App
To further enhance connectivity and collaboration, we will be launching a new community group on the HAWK Spot. The HAWK Spot will serve as a hub for members to share resources, ask questions, and build relationships. Whether you’re seeking advice, sharing success stories, or simply looking to connect with like-minded leaders, HAWK Spot will provide a dynamic platform for ongoing engagement.
NEW! Program Measurements
A point structure will be introduced to track progress and recognize those who go above and beyond with participation. (See breakdown at right) Members will receive points for each workshop and webinar they participate in, and for activity within the NextLevel Group on the HAWK Spot App. Those who accumulate 10 or more points will be recognized for their achievements.
Program participation and meeting the minimum points required demonstrates your commitment to Leveling Up your skills and leadership capabilities. Top participants will be recognized in the Aerial View Newsletter and included in the Awards Video during the Annual Conference Awards Lunch.
“Participating in the Next Level Leadership Development Program reflects my dedication to personal and professional growth.
I’m excited to embrace the new development opportunities like webinars and networking via the HAWK Spot App. The added motivation and accountability of the points system is sure to elevate my experience and will help drive the program to the next level.”
Program topics for 2025 include:
-
- Process Improvements
- Employee Motivation
- Leading Through Change
- Marketing Channels
- Key Financial Metrics & How to Use Them
- Project Management
- Marketing Channels
Point Structure Breakdown:
-
- Attend the Annual Conference and NextLevel Workshops = 5 points
- Download the HAWK Spot App, set up your profile and join the NextLevel Group = 4 points
- Attend the Fall Advisory Forum or Winter Summit = 2 points each
- Attend a webinar = 1 point each
- Post or comment in the NextLevel HAWK Spot Group = 1 point each
JOIN TODAY!
This leadership development program can lead to increased responsibility and enhance your promotion prospects.
If you or someone on your team is a great fit for the program and is not yet signed up, don’t hesitate. Click the link below to get started!
DON’T MISS OUT ON your
2024 YEAR-END REBATES
The Dashboard plays an integral role in your company’s ability to be proactive with smart inventory purchases and taking ownership over the rebate earning process. On the site, you can find YTD purchase amounts by Vendor Partners, rebate dividend earnings by program, rebate earning estimates through conversion opportunities, and more!
As the year concludes, remember that your 2024 uploads need to be completed as close to year-end as possible to ensure your company gets the maximum possible Annual Scorecard points and to avoid having to complete the manual Purchasing Survey due in March.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Jessica at jjones@bluehawkcooperative.com or 480-499-4426.
WEBINAR ALERT
How To Navigate The Dashboard
January 7, 2025 | 11:00 am CST
Get started today — Fill It Now is FREE to BLUE HAWK Members! Reach out to Jessica Jones to gain access, watch a site demo, and start buying and/or selling today!
Become a seller —
MAXIMIZE REACH & BOOST SALES
Fill It Now, our closed inventory-sharing platform, is ready for your inventory!
The process to upload your inventory for sale has been streamlined over the last few months and it’s easier than ever to participate — plus it’s FREE! Help us hit our goal of 100,000 SKUs on the site by becoming a seller today!
Along with growing interest comes questions about the functionality of the platform. Below you’ll find links to onboarding, tips for best practices as a buyer and seller, FAQs, and a list of helpful links and contact information.
“Adding sellable SKUs to the Fill It Now platform was a very quick and straightforward process for my team. Once we decided which products we wanted to list, uploading to the site took less than an hour. Now we are up and running, ready for new sales!”
Griff Ennis
Remsco
Could your benefits renewal
have gone better?
If you answered yes, Risk Strategies can work with you to address your rate increase or current broker support concerns. As BLUE HAWK’s insurance broker of choice, be rest assured advisers from Risk Strategies understand your industry, will take the time to review your current benefits program and make cost-effective recommendations, and lastly, deliver exceptional client service.
Having in-house access to a strategic insurance broker means there’s someone on your side to help validate whether your rates are appropriate, and if needed, find you a more competitive plan. The BLUE HAWK/Risk Strategies partnership also provides BLUE HAWK members access to special benefit offerings, such as the following:
-
- Objective and independent risk evaluation using a proprietary generative AI tool
- Captive insurance offerings and proprietary funding options
- Special rates and packages for medical and ancillary benefits
- Compliance and HR support
- Benefit administration technology
- Open enrollment support
- Digital benefit guides
Now may be an opportune time to get a second opinion on your benefits program. Email Risk Strategies adviser, Jesse O’Boyle, and ask him to review your current program at no charge. Jesse will share industry leading tactics to improve your costs and your employees’ experience. Reach out today!
Reach out today, take advantage of these benefits, and ensure your company’s future healthcare costs are managed effectively.
Email:
joboyle@risk-strategies.com
414-287-6424
SLOW DOWN; YOU’RE
GOING TOO FAST.
After a solid second quarter, most BLUE HAWK members realized sales declines in the third quarter, with a median decline of -1.3%. However, Top Performers (25% of members) grew at an average rate of 10.1% in the third quarter, well outpacing Ferguson’s organic sales declines of -0.2% in their fourth fiscal quarter. Similarly, Watsco’s organic sales were flat in the third quarter.
Gross margins did tick up slightly in the third quarter, from a median of 24.9% in Q2 to 25.6% in Q3. But remain well below the 29% and 27% median margin observed in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Finally, inventory levels bounced back to a median of 136 days at the end of the third quarter compared to 111 days as of Q2.
Feel free to contact me for more information on Benchmark BLUE.
Paul Giudice
Chief Executive Officer, Cometrics
Email: paul@cometrics.com
Mobile: 857-472-4711
Schedule a Zoom meeting
FOUR MONEY MISTAKES YOU
MIGHT BE MAKING
Contact Andrew Thompson, MBA,
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., to learn more.
2024 FALL ADVISORY FORUM
The 2024 BLUE HAWK Fall Advisory Forum at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida, was a huge success. Great networking, an insightful presentation from Kyle Cooper of Blue Ridge on supply chain essentials, deep sea fishing, gorgeous weather (minus the wind) and, of course, the only slightly competitive BLUE HAWK Cup Golf Tournament. Shout out to Team HAWK for not only reclaiming the title of BLUE HAWK Cup Golf Tournament Champions but also for winning the first-ever Fishing Tournament!
Thank you to all our Members, Vendor Partners, Alliance Partners, and Solution Partners who attended and made the event so memorable. The ability to build strong business relationships in a relaxed atmosphere is what it’s all about. Thank you to our overall event sponsor, Nidec/U.S. Motors, and all additional event sponsors. The Fall Advisory Forum would not be possible without your support.
See list of 2024 Golf and Fishing Tournament Champions
FISHING TOURNAMENT CHAMPS – Team HAWK:
- Ernesto Garcia, Aircool AC Parts Supply, FL
- Sandy Hernandez, Aircool AC Parts Supply, FL
- Riley Archer, Aspen Manufacturing LLC
- Greg Johnson, Aspen Manufacturing LLC
- Tony Burks, BLUE HAWK
- David Dawley, CertainTeed
- Kerri & Bobby Cupp, DiversiTech
- Andrew Nguy, Essex Winair
- Chris & Lisa Craft, Fieldpiece Instruments
- David Roatch, Kidde Safety
- Howard Williams, R & H Supply Company, AL
- Kellie Bell, R & H Supply Company, AL
- Levi Bouwman, Resideo
- Marjorie McAllister, White-Rodgers
- Hunter Landay, Winsupply, OH
GOLF TOURNAMENT CHAMPS – Team HAWK:
- Nelson Telleria, A&A Supply Co., FL
- Rob Hamilton, AireForce
- Brian Freeman, Arkema
- Jacob Huffstutler, Arnold-Brown Metals & Supply, AL
- Peter Warren, Benoist Bros. Supply Co, IL
- Andy Geiser, Binghamton Hardware & HVAC Supply, NY
- Teri Ditsch, BLUE HAWK
- Dennis Dawson, BOSS Products
- Boogie Persuad, Central A/C & Refrigeration Supply, FL
- Steve Fair, Century A/C Supply, TX
- Brian Miller, cfm Distributors, MO
- Stephen Agnese, Coastal Supply Group, NY
- Rick & Janet Schiable, Controls & Sheet Metal, OH
- Cole Sutton, CTC Supply, NC
- Joe Cotter, DBM Control Distributors, NY
- David Eidson, DiversiTech
- David Blau, DuraVent Group
- Peter Donoghue, Enerco Technical Products
- Derrick Caudle, EspriGas
- Joe Boberschmidt, Forced Air Products Corp., WI
- Clayton Coons, GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions
- Brian Stock, Genesis
- Talbot Gee, HARDI
- John Staten, Howell Metal
- Kevin Polechko, Intermatic, Inc.
- Oscar Lopez, JB Industries
- David Benjamin, Johns Manville
- Matt Tupper, LBMX Supply Cloud
- Brian Arendt, Legend Valve
- JP Barbeau, Moblico
- Brett Barksdale, Mueller Steamline Co.
- Brian Neustadt, Neuco
- Brad Jacka, Nidec/U.S. Motors
- Tony Sheppard, North Star Supply, NY
- DeWight Wallace, Nu-Calgon
- Mike Plasier, Plumbing & Heating Wholesale, IA
- Thomas Sullivan, RectorSeal/TRUaire
- Michael Riley, Riley Sales, PA
- Jorge Saez, Saez Distributors, FL
- Jen Schmitt, Schmitt ProfiTools, Inc.
- Sean Harvey, Sid Harvey’s, NY
- Steve Martinson, Temperature Systems, WI
- Bradley Williams, The Beringer Group
- Andrew Thompson, The Capital Group
- Steve Butera, Thermo Manufacturing
- Jonathan Tew, TracPipe by OmegaFlex
- Jason Jung, Turbo Air
- Scott Russell, Ultravation, Inc.
- Reno Angle, Ultravation, Inc.
- Neil McDougall, Walnut Grove Capital Partners
- Troy Drinkard, Winsupply, OH
- Guy Pauley, Winsupply, OH
- Tom Schleisner, Winsupply, OH
- Logan Eppley, Yandle-Witherspoon Supply, NC
- Jeff Tyson, Yandle-Witherspoon Supply, NC
THANK YOU to all of our 2024 Fall Advisory Forum Sponsors
OVERALL Event Sponsor
Event Item Sponsors
Food Function Sponsors
Contest Hole Sponsors
CELEBRATING
20 YEARS of
BLUE HAWK!
Mark Your Calendars
Plan to now to join us in New York City on April 30 – May 2, 2025, for a celebration worthy of 20 years of co-op greatness!
Registration for the 2025 Annual Conference will open in January. Watch your email for more information.
_______
Please note the 2025 Annual Conference dates are Wednesday through Friday.
Welcome to BLUE HAWK:
new Members
Holt Supply Company
Joined October 2024
Primary Contact: Andy Holt, President/CEO
P: 309-820-0566
E: andy.holt@holtsupply.com
Jomar Distributors
Joined October 2024
Primary Contact: Joseph McCormick, Purchasing Manager
P: 508-821-9460
E: joem@jomardist.com
Welcome to BLUE HAWK:
NEW SOLUTION PARTNERS
Cintas
Joined November 2024
Primary Contact: Kevin Russo, Enterprise National Account Manager
P: 410-707-3996
E: russok@cintas.com
Clothing, Uniforms, Safety and First Aid
Oracle NetSuite
Joined November 2024
Primary Contact: Jordan Rachman, Referral Partner Rep.
P: 949-632-0575
E: jordan.rachman@oracle.com
ERP Software
Many businesses in the trades industries – distributors, manufacturers, retailers, and contractors – struggle to provide robust employee training programs. They don’t see an immediate pay-off. Training is a tempting area to make cuts, especially in choppy economic waters. Besides, after the Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting, why invest more than is absolutely required?
But who has the time and resources to develop quality training – especially if it must be delivered repeatedly, for each new group of hires?
By utilizing BLUE HAWK University (BHU), a free benefit with membership, you can easily provide snack-size, gamified courses on product training. You can also combine courses into training tracks — delivering courses your way, at the right time, for new and experienced team members.
Member-Owners:
If you haven’t yet and would like to get started with BHU Vendor Partner Product Training, email Michelle Phillips at bhu@bluehawkcooperative.com.
Vendor Partners:
Get started or add additional content by contacting our Partner Success Team at BlueVolt at Partnersuccess@bluevolt.com.
BHU is hosted by BlueVolt, the 20-year leader in eLearning for pros in the trades and the resellers who supply them.
8,169 University Student Enrollments
June 16, 2024 – December 15, 2024
BHU Member Recognition is based upon the total number of Vendor Partner product training modules completed during the previous three months.
Top BHU Participants
- Jacob Borne, A/C Supply Inc, LA
- John Kennedy, Cleveland Hermetic & Supply, OH
- Ethan Conolly, Century A/C Supply, TX
- Johnathan Reynoso, Associate Refrigeration, NJ
Allen Ross, Century A/C Supply, TX (tie) - Ryan Bush, Benoist Bros. Supply Co, IL
Tom Kiefer, Benoist Bros. Supply Co, IL (tie) - Greg Williamson, Benoist Bros. Supply Co, IL
Joe Griffith, Benoist Bros. Supply Co, IL (tie) - Brian Major, Victor Distributing Co., FL
- Tina Kirgan, Mechanical Supply Co. Inc., MO
- Jolie Smith, AACA Parts & Supplies, TX
- Jose Robles, Victor Distributing Co., FL
- Israel Perez, Sid Harvey Industries, NY
- Nader Yacoub, United Supply Co (USCO), NJ
- Danny Guerrero Polit, Victor Distributing Co., FL
- Chad Whipple, Victor Distributing Co., FL
- Larsson Lunt, Sid Harvey Industries, NY
- Koy Poling, HVAC Distributors, PA
- Adonis Lopez-Flores, Boland HVAC Parts & Supplies, MD
Javier Eastwood, Boland HVAC Parts & Supplies, MD (tie)
New BHU Courses
Arkema
- A2Ls Part 4
Armacell
- VRF HVAC Systems Explained: Basics, Advantage, and Applications
NSI HVAC – Duro Dyne
- SolderWeld Hot Block
- SolderWeld All In One Kit
- SolderWeld AL Cop Braze
- Duro Seal Water-based Duct Sealer
- PLSU3 Liner Sizer Cutter
Resideo
- AirBRIGHT 2 & AirBRIGHT 6 Air Purifier Installation
- AirBRIGHT 2 & AirBRIGHT 6 Air Purifier Product Highlights
- First Alert Outdoor Camera (VX3) Installation
- First Alert Outdoor Camera (VX3) Product Highlights
- First Alert Outdoor Camera (VX3) Sales Overview
- First Alert Outdoor Camera (VX3) Total Connect 2.0 Application
- First Alert VX5 Indoor Camera App
- First Alert VX5 Indoor Camera Installation
- First Alert VX5 Indoor Camera Product Highlights
- Honeywell Home FocusPRO® N100 Non-Programmable Thermostat Installation
- Honeywell Home FocusPRO® N100 Non-Programmable Thermostat Product Overview
- Honeywell Home FocusPRO® N100 Non-Programmable, P200 Programmable, and S200 Smart Thermostat Sales Training
- Honeywell Home FocusPRO® P200 Programmable Thermostat Installation
- Honeywell Home FocusPRO® P200 Programmable Thermostat Product Overview
- Honeywell Home FocusPRO® S200 Smart Thermostat Installation Training
- Honeywell Home FocusPRO® S200 Smart Thermostat Product Overview
- VX1 Doorbell Product Overview
- VX1 HD Video Doorbell Installation
- VX1 HD Video Doorbell Total Connect 2.0 Application Videos
REBATE STATEMENTS & DIVIDEND PAYMENTS
The October 2024 Member Rebate Statements have been posted to the Online Community. The September (M09) Member Statement includes Guaranteed Rebates, Prior Year (PY) Adjustments, and PrimeTime Promotion rebates reported in September.
Only Members set up for Automated Clearing House (ACH) will receive monthly patronage dividends. If your company is set up for ACH payments, a payment corresponding to the M09 Member Statement will be deposited into your bank account.
To support our Members’ cash flow, we continue to request that our Vendor Partners pay rebates monthly instead of quarterly. We are pleased to report that more than 50% of our Vendor Partners have committed to monthly reporting and payments, up from 24% last year.
To receive patronage dividends monthly, members must sign up for Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments. If you’d like to make the transition, contact Laura Spielman and she will assist with the sign-up process.
CO-OP CONNECTIONS
Oh the places we’ve been!
Visits, meetings, and celebrations with our incredible Members are a highlight for the BLUE HAWK staff. Sharing ideas, learning about your goals, and strengthening our co-op connections in this way are all signs that, together, we are on the path to achieve greatness.
Check out a few snapshots from our recent stops – and be sure to like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more!
Keep up with Co-op Connections here:
