AD Hosts Second Annual Finance & HR Summit

Affiliated Distributors

July 2nd, 2019

AD, the largest member owned contractor and industrial products wholesale buying/marketing group in North America, recently welcomed over 180 attendees from 114 AD member owner distributors and service providers, representing 9 industries and 2 countries, to the second annual AD Finance & HR Summit.

The summit agenda was developed by AD members for AD Mmembers. The program included strategic and relevant HR and Finance topics, and featured networking roundtables, keynote speeches, concurrent educational sessions, a service provider tour, and more.

Neil Cohen, AD Senior Vice President Human Resources, comments, “Networking has continuously been rated one of the top benefits of the AD membership and this summit provides an excellent opportunity to extend that networking power to the Finance and HR decision-makers at AD independent distributors, so they can take industry knowledge, best practices, and action items back to their businesses.”

Christy Schmalzer, Director of Human Resources at Auer Steel & Heating Supply Co. agrees, “This is a wonderful conference for HR and Finance folks. The networking is invaluable along with the learning opportunities on topics that matter most to our organization.”

Drew Moyer, AD CFO, notes that “One third of this year’s attendees were attending an AD meeting for the first time so this particular summit was an exciting opportunity for us to welcome AD’s newest members that joined as a result of our three mergers this year.” 

In post meeting survey 100% of attendees said they would recommend the summit to other AD members and that they plan to attend again next year. According to attendee ratings, every session met or exceeded expectations.

Based on the results and positive feedback over the past two years, AD plans hold another summit next year.

AD provides independent distributors and manufacturers of construction and industrial products with support and resources that accelerate growth. Its 600 plus independently owned members span 9 industries and 3 countries, with annual sales of US$41 billion. AD served industries include electrical, industrial, safety, plumbing, PVF, HVAC, building materials, bearings and power transmission and decorative brands.  For more information, visit www.adhq.com

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Specialized Power Solutions Appoints Jonathan Udy to Strengthen Sales Team

    Specialized Power Solutions Appoints Jonathan Udy to Strengthen Sales Team

    Specialized Power Solutions (SPS) announces the strategic appointment of Jonathan Udy to its sales team. This hire reinforces SPS’s commitment to technical excellence and market leadership across the industrial, commercial, and residential power sectors. Jonathan Udy brings extensive experience in power distribution, characterized by a deep technical understanding of complex electrical systems and a proven… Read More…

  • AD Reports Robust Member Sales Growth in the First Three Months of 2026

    AD Reports Robust Member Sales Growth in the First Three Months of 2026

    AD reports that member sales through the first three months of 2026 increased 16% to nearly $28 billion across the group’s divisions and countries. Same-store sales of existing AD members increased by 10%. The U.S. Electrical and U.S. PVF Divisions led the way with 13% growth. Member purchases from AD suppliers increased 28%. AD’s member count… Read More…


Peers & Profiles