MANA members gathered at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on August 7-8, 2024, for some friendly face-to-face conversations. Manufacturer members seeking outsourced sales solutions had insightful conversations with experienced reps. Reps also engaged with member associates, exploring potential collaborations. Additionally, reps shared their outlook on future market conditions within their industry and beyond.

MANA’s mission is to foster strong connections between manufacturers and independent manufacturers’ reps. We’ve heard the feedback: manufacturers really appreciate hearing back from reps, even if a … Read the rest

AIM/R (Association of Independent Manufacturers’/Representatives, Inc.) will hold its 52nd Annual Conference on September 17-20, 2024, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.

AIM/R will “Light Up Nashville” this fall. This year’s Conference Chair — Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC, president, Wiggs-Haun & Bohan — and the Conference Committee are deeply invested in every detail from networking opportunities, critical topics for the industry, LOT/T experience, and off-site adventures, one of which is a private reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum!

The educational program will not disappoint. Here’s the line-up:

• Opening Keynote on Negotiation with Chris Voss, The

In acknowledgement of his 13 years serving as president and CEO of MANA, Charles Cohon (right) was presented a plaque by the association’s Chairman of the Board Tommy Garnett, CPMR, CSP. In making the presentation during a Board meeting, Garnett said, “It has been my distinct pleasure to work closely alongside Charles Cohon for the last five years. Charley is considered an industry leader and one of the most professional individuals I have had the pleasure to meet in my many years in the industry. I consider him a mentor as well as a friend and the rep industry as … Read the rest

MANA announces that two new members have been elected to the association’s Board of Directors:

Marilyn Kahler, president of Tri-Fab Solutions, Scottsdale, Arizona, began her career as an independent manufacturers’ rep in 1986. Prior to becoming a rep, she enjoyed a successful career in real estate. She was then hired as a business development manager for an established rep firm, and she became the sole owner of the company in 2008. Kahler’s agency supplies made-to-print components manufactured by multi-spindle, Swiss and complex machining. Products represented include die casting, injection molded plastics, stamping, spring and wire form.

Commenting on her … Read the rest

MANA is pleased to help publicize this non-MANA live event. It is open to all women reps regardless of whether or not they are MANA members.

You are welcome to share this information with other women independent sales representatives who might be interested.

Registration is open for the upcoming WomenReps 2024 Conference, a unique three-day event, April 16-18, 2024, dedicated to fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and promoting sustainable business practices. This conference will be held across two beautiful states, starting in Savannah, Georgia, and concluding in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Event details:

• Cost: $797 per person.
• Limited Space — 16

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) is generating significant buzz with its upcoming event, ISA24, scheduled to take place at the Charlotte Convention Center from April 15 to 17, 2024. Making waves for its innovative approach to networking experiences within the industrial supply channel, ISA24 is capturing the attention of industry professionals and experts alike.

The focal point of ISA24’s acclaim is its fresh take on networking, moving beyond traditional formats to create both valuable and enjoyable experiences. Attendees can anticipate an array of lively interactive activities, collaborative sessions, and unexpected engagement points throughout the event, making networking at ISA24 an … Read the rest

The Charlotte Convention Center is set to become the epicenter of the industrial supply industry as the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) gears up for its Annual Convention, ISA24, on April 15-17, 2024. More than just a meeting of industry professionals, ISA24 is where business gets done, connections are made, and the future of the industry is shaped.

Innovative and enjoyable networking activities at ISA24 promise to reshape conventional norms, aiming not only to build relationships but to solidify existing partnerships, offering an unparalleled experience of networking excellence that goes the extra mile.

Brendan Breen, CEO of ISA, emphasizes the significance … Read the rest

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) is pleased to announce its newly appointed board of directors for the 2023-2024 term. Comprising a diverse group of industry leaders, the board will continue to uphold ISA’s mission of anticipating and serving the needs of its member companies, including distributors, manufacturers, and independent manufacturers’ representatives.

These volunteer leaders bring extensive knowledge, time, and experience to their roles and will be responsible for charting ISA’s strategic direction while overseeing initiatives that drive the advancement of the industry and the association.

The new board of directors consists of the following executive chairs:

• Chair — Rob Keenan,

MANA’s Board of Directors Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that it has approved applications to appear on the January 2004 Board of Directors election ballot from Marty Grimes and Marilyn Kahler.

Marilyn Kahler owns MANA rep member firm Tri-Fab Solutions of Scottsdale, Arizona. Her firm has been a MANA member since 2004.

Marty Grimes owns MANA rep member firm Assembly Solutions, Inc. of Fort Wright, Kentucky. His firm has been a MANA member since 2000.

Ballots will be distributed January 1, 2024. To be counted, all votes must be cast by January 31, 2024. Results will be published on … Read the rest

The Association of Independent Manufacturers’ Representatives (AIM/R) has inducted three new members into its Hall of Fame with the additions of Rick Banner, Stew Chaffee, and Mike Parham at the association’s annual conference in Miramar Beach, Florida, September 12-15, 2023.

Rick Banner was president and principal of Keyline Sales, Inc., a premier manufacturers’ representative agency in Southern California, from 1999 through 2016. He recently retired from his career in the plumbing industry, which began in 1974.

Banner served AIM/R as a board member, president in 2007-2008, and chairman and is one of AIMR’s first graduates of the Certified Professional Manufacturers … Read the rest

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) is pleased to announce the promotion of Brendan Breen, formerly the association’s president, to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective September 1, 2023.

This key promotion reflects ISA’s commitment to fostering continuity, stability, and ongoing growth within the organization. The decision to promote Breen was taken in acknowledgment of his exemplary performance, strong alignment with the organization’s vision, and commendable leadership in driving ISA toward achieving significant milestones.

Commenting on the promotion, Rob Keenan, president of SECO Tools and ISA board chair, stated, “Brendan has demonstrated an outstanding level of leadership and proficiency … Read the rest

Registration is now open for the Industrial Supply Association’s (ISA) highly anticipated Fall Summit, the channel’s premier professional development experience. Taking place from October 18-20, 2023 in Orlando, Florida, this year’s Fall Summit offers attendees tailored agendas with three tracks: Women in Industry, Emerging Leaders, and Channel Pros. Packed with engaging sessions, interactive breakouts, and exciting networking activities, the Fall Summit is designed to captivate and empower professionals, unlocking their full potential for career growth.

“Professional development is the lifeblood of growth in any industry, and this sector is no exception. ISA’s Fall Summit is precisely what our industry needs … Read the rest

MANA CEO and President Charles Cohon was a featured speaker at the Internationally United Commercial Agents and Brokers (IUCAB) 70th Anniversary Congress in Berlin recently. In Europe, manufacturers’ reps are referred to as commercial agents. Cohon presented “It’s Not Business, It’s Personal” to executives from rep/commercial agent associations from 16 European countries and was featured in the event’s closing panel discussion. Cohon also serves as vice president of IUCAB’s Executive Committee and Co-Chairs IUCAB’s Communication Expert Group.… Read the rest

The first IUCAB Executive Committee Meeting this year took place on March 31, 2023, in Boston, Massachusetts, to strengthen the relationship between Europe and the USA.

Olivier Mazoyer, president, welcomed Vice Presidents Eeva Pakkanen from Finland; Charles Cohon from the USA; Ralf Scholz from Germany; Axel Sturmberger from Austria and Christian Rebernig, IUCAB secretary general; to the meeting. Matthew Tickle from the UK participated as observer. Vice Presidents Enric Enrech from Spain and Marco Righetti from Italy were absent.

Rebernig gave an overview of the financial situation of the organization and the social media activities of IUCAB (Internationally United Commercial … Read the rest

On April 18 in Phoenix, Arizona, at the ISA23 convention, the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced the launch of its new Emerging Leaders Channel Certification (ELCC) — a multi-layered, channel-centered certification program designed to develop the next generation to lead.

“The ELCC is a program that companies within the industrial MROP industry have needed for years. It provides the opportunity to fast-track young talent in terms of their knowledge of how the channel works as well as their connections inside it,” said Alex Ruggles, immediate past chair of ISA’s Emerging Leaders Committee and director of customer service at Martin Supply, … Read the rest

ISA (Industrial Supply Association) is proud to host ISA23, the leading industrial supply convention of 2023, from April 17-19 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown and Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

ISA23 is the perfect opportunity for companies within the industrial supply channel — including distributors, manufacturers, industrial manufacturers’ representatives (IMRs), and service providers — to network and build relationships with their peers and grow their network of contacts.

This year’s event is all about networking and helping attendees make valuable connections through a mix of different experiences. ISA23 will feature a charity golf outing on the championship golf course … Read the rest

AIM/R (Association of Independent Manufacturers’/Representatives, Inc.) will hold its 51st Annual Conference (September 12-15, 2023) at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida.

The theme is “Future’s So Bright!” The planning has begun for the 2023 Conference Chair — Michelle Lewnes-Dadas, CPMR, Preferred Sales, Inc. — and the Conference Committee. This year’s event brings a bit of nostalgia. Florida was the site for the 2000 and 2011 Annual Conferences, also led by Preferred Sales, Inc., team members Pete Lewnes, CPMR, and Alan Guidish, CPMR.

Mark your calendar now. Registration, housing and sponsorships will open in early March … Read the rest

Oscar William “Bill” Freeman was inducted into the AIM/R Hall of Fame during a stirring ceremony at the rep association’s 50th Annual Conference at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colorado on Friday, October 14, 2022.

Freeman’s honor was accepted by his wife, Sheree, and sons, Benn, Chase, and Mike, along with their spouses. They shared a touching tribute to their father among a crowd of fellow manufacturers’ representatives and manufacturers from across the industry.

“It’s a great honor, and we are all so happy they recognized Bill and all his hard work over the years. While our company wouldn’t … Read the rest

Regular readers of Agency Sales will remember enjoying chapters of retired plumbing rep Sig Schmalhofer’s book The Reputable Rep in the pages of this magazine. Sig has just informed us that his memoir, Never Really Normal, is now available from Amazon. Says Sig:

“I’m an immigrant born with a degenerative disease. After I stumbled and was bloodied in the distribution business, I launched Signature Sales — a rep firm that became successful when I chose a path that was, as the title says, never really normal. My memoir is an inspirational book that personifies the American Dream.”

(Sig’s previous … Read the rest

Steve Woodford, president of WCM Industries, was honored with the 2022 Golden Eagle award by the Association of Independent Manufacturers’ (AIM/R) membership during a gala celebration at the rep association’s 50th Annual Conference at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colorado on Friday, October 14.

Woodford accepted his honor at the biggest event of the year for AIM/R, which took place in his organization’s backyard. WCM Industries, Inc., is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Each year, AIM/R membership nominates individuals from manufacturing for the Golden Eagle award. These individuals are often executives who embody all the core values of supporting … Read the rest

MANA CEO and President Charles Cohon and Attorney Daniel Beederman, partner in Chicago law firm Schoenberg Finkel Beederman Bell Glazer LLC, packed the house at the October meeting of the Manufacturers’ Agents of Cincinnati (MAC). Speaking on “Getting Paid for Your Success” and “Putting the Succession in Succession Planning,” Cohon and Beederman explored how having a good rep agreement can increase the likelihood that you will be paid for the success of your efforts and key points about selling or buying a rep agency.

For information on future MAC meetings visit their website at www.maccincinnati.org.… Read the rest

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) has announced the new Board of Directors effective July 1, 2022.

ISA’s Board of Directors is a dynamic group of elected volunteer leaders dedicated to anticipating and serving the needs of ISA’s member companies (distributors, manufacturers, and independent manufacturers’ representatives). Directors contribute knowledge, time and experience. They are responsible for the development of ISA’s strategic direction while overseeing a series of initiatives focused on the advancement of the industry and ISA.

“I am thrilled to announce David Ruggles as chair of ISA’s Board of Directors and welcome three new directors joining our board,” said Brendan … Read the rest

MANA and the National Hardware Show recently collaborated to create the first-ever “Corkboards and Coffee” rep lounge at that show. Over 200 manufacturer attendees signed up to have rep attendees visit their booths and talk about representation.

Missed the show? For a short time you can view the list of manufacturers who signed up to talk to reps at www.nhs22.com/rep-exhibitor-list.

Want a rep’s perspective? Here’s what Chris Semonelli, President, Coated Technical Solutions, CTS Global, Newport, Rhode Island, had to say:

“I just got back from the National Hardware Show and want to congratulate NHS and MANA for collaborating on the … Read the rest

AIM/R celebrates its 50th anniversary this fall at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. The association is returning to its roots and where the first annual conference was held back in 1973, with a theme of Mission Celebrate. Our 2022 Conference Chair, Katie Hubach, CPA, Signature Sales, Inc., hopes you join us this fall in Colorado.

Registration and housing for the AIM/R 50th Annual Conference (October 12-14, 2022) is open. Check out the program line-up with speakers from inside and outside the industry at www.aimr.net/AnnualConference2022.

What’s new this year? Manufacturers will join us later in the week from October … Read the rest

MANA’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the rep members have elected Sid Ragona to serve on MANA’s Board of Directors ballot for a two-year term starting May 1, 2022.

Sid Ragona founded Ragona Scientific, LLC, in 2006, and the company has been a MANA member since 2009. Ragona Scientific specializes in nanotechnology from foreign start-up companies that want to sell into the U.S. and Canada (www.ragonascientific.com).

Since July 2020, he has cohosted a radio show and podcast about entrepreneurship entitled Rethinking Business: Success Sauce and Two Pickles (www.successsaucetwopickles.com). He has also been a Certified Score Mentor since … Read the rest

Big things are happening in 2022. AIM/R will hold the 50th Annual Conference from October 12-14, 2022 (Wednesday through Friday) at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora/Denver, Colorado.

The association is returning to its roots and where the first Annual Conference was held back in 1973. The theme is “Mission Celebrate.” The planning has begun for the 2022 Conference Chair — Katie Hubach, CPA, Signature Sales, Inc. — and the Conference Committee. Mark your calendar now. Registration will open on Tuesday, March 1st. This attendee experience will not disappoint.

AIM/R greatly appreciates your continued support of the industry and its … Read the rest

MANA’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Sid Ragona, owner of Ragona Scientific, LLC, in Pittsford, New York, has successfully applied to appear on the January 2022 MANA Board of Directors ballot to serve a two-year term starting May 1, 2022.

Ragona is running for the seat that will become available when MANA Director John Davis completes his service on MANA’s Board of Directors. Davis served as a director and also as Chairperson of MANA’s Board of Directors.

Davis completes his Board service on April 30, 2022. MANA’s Board of Directors and staff are so very grateful for … Read the rest

New site showcases expanded offerings to medtech, performance automotive aftermarket, industrial, telecom, agtech, and other industries.

MANA member Kingstec, the company offering complete solutions to project management, engineering, manufacturing, and logistical challenges, announced the launch of its new website at www.kingstec.com. The new site features expanded and frequently updated content for companies in medical technology, performance automotive aftermarket, industrial controls, telecommunications, agricultural technology and more.

For nearly 40 years, Kingstec has partnered with established businesses and startups all over the world, connecting them with trusted manufacturing partners in Asia and seeing projects through from ideation to delivery. Kingstec’s services include … Read the rest

The past year and a half saw a radical change in how we communicate with each other. As time goes on do not expect to go back to the way things used to be. Instead, look forward to new and improved ways to communicate with each other. In addition to person-to-person meetings, members will use a variety of online platforms, not only to build and strengthen customer relationships, but to network with fellow manufacturers’ representatives.

In the first decade of the 21st century, MANA members met through local chapter meetings, about two dozen scattered around the U.S. and even in … Read the rest

The Association of Independent Manufacturers’/Representatives, Inc. (AIM/R) is pleased to announce that registration for the AIM/R 49th Annual Conference is open! If last year was about pivoting, it’s all about resilience this year. We have moved through a time of deep change. Yet, our industry has proven itself to be resilient and battle tested.

We are looking for a few good men and women to partake in face-to-face training in San Diego. Might you be one of them?

Reconnect and recharge with your colleagues in 2021. Commit to being in San Diego for the AIM/R 49th Annual Conference. Manufacturers attend … Read the rest