Mark Taylor

No matter what you sell, the same basic principles apply. Understand and believe in your product and service. Listen to your customer and identify their needs. Position your product or service as the solution to their problem and/or show how it creates an opportunity to further their growth. Say what you’ll do and do what you say. Unfortunately some people and companies will overcomplicate the sales process when it really is not necessary. This causes frustration for both the buyer and seller and often times creates internal blockers or competition within the company thus preventing the ability to obtain true progress and wins. There will always be plenty of healthy external competition out there for sales people and companies, so when the internal processes get overly complicated for sales people or slows the ability to serve the customer, that is when companies tend to stifle their revenue stream, sales team motivation, and overall success. #hawkfarms #sellingsolutions #customerservice #customerfocus #commonsense #beyourbest

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Proud of our team Faster S.r.l. today. Our award-winning MultiFaster product has gotten even better! We’ve launched the New MultiFaster—engineered for tougher duty cycles and easier operation. 🏗️🔩💪 With maximum working pressure up to 350 bar (5,000 PSI) ~40% higher than the first generation—this platform is built for the realities of construction sites and other heavy-duty environments. 🚜 This innovation doesn’t just raise the performance bar—it broadens our reach in construction and adjacent applications (earthmoving, mining, rail, material handling, utility, industrial). Current MultiFaster users can upgrade to the new spec—smart, practical, and customer-first. Great work, team. This is how we grow—by solving real problems in the field and opening new opportunities for our customers. 🙌 #HeliosTechnologies #Faster #Hydraulics #Construction #Innovation #CustomerFirst

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Last week at AHR, I was reminded how powerful a simple question can be. This was my third AHR Expo with the FAMCO team, but this year felt different because we arrived with intention. In the past, we leaned on familiar value propositions such as, short lead times, quality products, and great service. Those are important, but we often found that leading with them didn’t always spark the kind of conversations we expected. So, this year, we changed the starting point. Instead of telling people what we do well, we asked one question: “What’s your problem?” Not as a slogan, but as an invitation. We wanted to understand what HVAC professionals are seeing in the field; the friction, the inefficiencies. What stood out wasn’t just the response from contractors and installers, but from other manufacturers and distributors. Many stopped, engaged, took photos, and commented on the idea itself. A basic question turned out to be a meaningful one, and that says something important about our industry. Too often, manufacturers talk about value instead of listening for it. If it’s seen as novel to ask your end users about what they’re struggling with,  it’s a signal that we haven’t been close enough to the work. Real insight doesn’t come from telling people why you matter, it comes from listening long enough to understand how they work and what’s getting in their way. That’s why FAMCO is being more intentional about how we show up at trade shows and beyond. It’s not about badge scans or polished pitches. It’s about engagement, curiosity, and earning the right to offer solutions. That mindset of asking better questions and listening more than we talk, is the direction we’ll continue to take throughout the year. #ContractorsFirstChoice #AHRExpo2026 #WhatsYourProblem #FAMCO

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Want to get more out of your supplier-distributor meetings? In the latest issue of 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 magazine, David Dennemann of CartierWilson, LLC shares 𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 to help manufacturers, distributors and reps turn meetings into real business momentum. Read the full piece here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gv3cNAkU

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At CONEXPO, Rehlko Talks focused on a key challenge for the construction industry: decarbonization. Eric Fontaine and Becky Schultz discuss how customers are balancing emissions, performance, and uptime in real-world applications. From HVO and fuel flexibility to connected engines and smarter monitoring, there are already practical solutions making a difference on job sites. 🔗 Watch the full video here: https://ow.ly/1yJg30sUpwb

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🎙️ SOR Controls Group's VP of Marketing, Michelle Herl, was recently featured on the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast. In the episode "Building a Brand from the Inside Out," Michelle shares what it takes to build and grow a marketing function inside a mid-size industrial manufacturer over 25-plus years. She covers brand architecture, strategic planning, cross-functional alignment, and why people differentiate a company more than products alone. This conversation is a resource for B2B marketers working in complex manufacturing environments. The feature comes during SOR's 80th anniversary year. Roy Dunlap founded the company in Lenexa, Kansas in 1946. SOR now serves customers across more than 70 countries. 🎧 Listen here: https://bit.ly/3PxtLef #SORControlsGroup #B2BMarketing #IndustrialManufacturing #BrandStrategy #Manufacturing #80thAnniversary #Podcast

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Wisconsin manufacturers: The labor market is getting a little easier... but finding and keeping skilled talent is still your number one challenge. The 2024-2025 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report from WCMP just came out, and here’s what it means for you: ✅ 51% of manufacturers say attracting qualified workers is very/extremely important ✅ 76% still find it difficult to hire skilled people ✅ Only 52% are actively hiring (down from last year), and most need just 1-3 people ✅ Everyone is raising wages, adding training, using more automation/AI, and getting creative to keep great teams So how can utilizing my team and QPS Employment Group benefit you and your operations? Faster hiring: Need machinists, operators, welders, or techs right now? We provide pre-screened, ready-to-work candidates (often background-checked and drug-tested). Skip weeks of ads and resume screening, many placements happen in days or even hours for temp roles. Directly solves the “very difficult” hiring challenge. Fill gaps without full-time commitment: Most shops need only 1–3 people and prefer flexibility. Offer temp, temp-to-hire, or contract workers for surges, seasons, vacations, or sudden quits. Temp-to-hire: Test them for weeks/months—if great, convert; if not, we handle the exit. Reduces retention risk by avoiding bad long-term fits. Access skilled talent you might miss: We specialize in manufacturing and tap wider networks (including non-traditional sources) for CNC operators, assembly pros, automation talent, etc. In Wisconsin’s ongoing skills shortage, our local connections often deliver faster than in-house recruiting. Cut recruiting, training, and onboarding costs: Save on ads, interviews, checks, and ramp-up time. Many workers start contributing Day 1, especially in entry-level or semi-skilled roles. Stay flexible while you build long-term: You’re investing in raises (62%), training (53–55%), and automation/AI (45–56%+). Use temps to keep lines running today so your core team can focus on upskilling and higher-value work—without overloading them and risking burnout/turnover. We absorb some turnover risk: High turnover disrupts everything. We manage payroll, benefits (for temps), and quick replacements. Our strong retention record shows we match people to your culture and needs for better productivity and fewer headaches. Read for yourself! https://lnkd.in/g5gWtazt

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As labor constraints, cost pressures, and other challenges continue to shape our industry, the focus is shifting to siding and roofing materials that deliver both performance and design. As a member of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) Board of Directors, I shared my perspective on how vinyl and PVC-based products are evolving to meet these demands - helping building professionals work more efficiently while giving homeowners the durability and aesthetics they expect.  Read the full article on RoofersCoffeeShop® https://lnkd.in/eSp3cBv7

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Northrich Company is thrilled to announce the addition of XeteX to our exclusive partnership list across the entire Ohio market. XeteX brings innovative, high-performance solutions that align perfectly with Northrich’s focus on delivering best-in-class HVAC technologies to our customers. For more information on XeteX solutions and upcoming opportunities, please contact your Northrich Company account manager.

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Wasserstrom, a FEDA distributor member, has acquired Breckenridge Kitchen Equipment & Design, a dealer based in Huron, Ohio. The move is expected to strengthen Wasserstrom’s equipment project management capabilities and further its ability to offer advanced kitchen design, while simultaneously broadening its market reach to a more expansive customer base. “From our first conversation, it was clear that Breckenridge shares our commitment to excellence in foodservice facility planning and execution,” said Brad Wasserstrom, president of Wasserstrom. “We have long admired their work and are eager to see what our combined teams can achieve together.” Founded in 1935, Breckenridge specializes in the planning, design, and furnishing of foodservice facilities throughout the United States, with an emphasis on hospitality, healthcare, education, and restaurant markets. Today, Breckenridge provides expertise in design, project management, administration, and installation. It works with architects, engineers, owners, and developers to design and equip all segments of the foodservice marketplace with an approach that incorporates both creative and functional solutions. “We are exceptionally pleased to have the opportunity to join forces with one of the premier dealers in the foodservice industry,” said Richard Pohl, Breckenridge founder and president. “We believe that our capabilities mesh perfectly with the Wasserstrom approach to customer service and project management.” In a news release, Wasserstrom said Breckenridge will continue to operate from its current headquarters, ensuring that the talented team remains rooted in the community that fueled its success. https://ow.ly/xcfn50Y8OX6

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Honored to join Eric Lanke on the Fluid Power Forum podcast this week! 🎙️ Ensuring that core fluid power components remain available—even decades after their original manufacturer has end-of-lifed a product —is essential to system reliability and long-term asset performance. Our conversation highlighted strategies such as licensing, product line divestiture, and QCC’s “Lift and Shift” model that helps organizations maintain their brand promise and mitigate cost and risk in the face of evolving supply chains.

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More shops are running lights-out with Swiss CNC machines That’s great for productivity, but risky if you're using oil-based coolants. All it takes is one spark. We’ve been helping Midwest shops add Reacton Fire Suppression systems before there’s a problem. It’s fully automatic, mounts right inside the enclosure, and doesn’t need operator intervention. One less thing to worry about when no one’s around. #FireSuppression #CNCsafety #LightsOutMachining #MachineProtection #ReactonSystems

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𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁 You will not want to miss the A3 - Association for Advancing Automation's 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 next week in Minneapolis. Pat O'Neil, Acme Manufacturing’s Director of Sales Engineering, takes the stage to share expert insights on “𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 – 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.” From identifying the right applications to aligning technology with business goals, Patrick will break down what manufacturers should consider when implementing robotic grinding solutions. Check out the full conference agenda: https://lnkd.in/gAWUZBsc #RGFC2025 #AutomationJourney #RoboticGrinding #RoboticProcessAutomation  

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Discovery doesn’t just help win deals, it helps qualify reality. When teams know true urgency, budget path, stakeholder alignment, and next steps, forecasts become more accurate and resources get focused in the right places. Great discovery improves more than pipeline. For more info on this years conference visit: https://lnkd.in/d4-ZPM-2 Register today!

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Only 6% of managers say they have the talent needed to complete high-priority projects this year. That stat from today’s Minnesota Star Tribune says a lot. Leaders are not lacking ideas or urgency. They are lacking experienced capacity. For many mid-market manufacturers and distributors, the issue is not strategy. It is getting the work done while teams are already stretched. Hiring full-time is slow and expensive. Waiting means critical projects stall. This is where interim and project-based support actually works. At Waypost, we step in with experienced project managers and supply chain specialists to help teams move priority work forward without adding permanent headcount. Is your business in need of interim or project based support? Contact Waypost today! #SupplyChain #TalentGap #Project Management #Leadership #Waypost #Manufacturing #WorkforceChallenges Thank you to The Minnesota Star Tribune and Allison Kaplan for reporting on this issue. Find the article here: https://lnkd.in/gzHb8F9h

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We’re excited to share that Veritiv has acquired Quick Pak, Inc., a Tampa, Florida-based distributor of core packaging solutions including films, equipment and parts, tapes, and strapping. This strategic acquisition expands our presence in Florida and adds complementary capabilities to our packaging portfolio.   Founded in 1999 by packaging industry veteran Mike Cunningham, Quick Pak serves distribution, food & beverage, and manufacturing customers. The team brings strong customer relationships and a track record of dependable service that aligns with Veritiv.   Together, Veritiv and Quick Pak will focus on delivering best-in-class packaging solutions that help customers operate more efficiently and competitively.  Please join us in welcoming the Quick Pak team to Veritiv.  #Veritiv #QuickPak #Growth #PackagingSolutions #BusinessExpansion #MergersAndAcquisitions

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Hood Container Corporation announced they’re investing $118.9 million to modernize their St. Francisville, LA, paper mill. The investment will upgrade the primary paper machine and increase production capacity by about 80,000 tons. https://bit.ly/4mqIPVN

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