Steve Turner was catching up with our team when a contractor approached him. "I went to your show last year in Foxboro," he said to Turner, referring to a Skills Expo organized by Bring Back the Trades. With that, a connection was renewed.
Turner, the founder of Bring Back the Trades, was one of many familiar faces at F.W. Webb's Eastern Mass Trade Show, held April 9 at Encore Boston Harbor casino. More than 800 contractors, technicians, or facility managers filled the Picasso ballroom, a dice roll away from the main casino floor, for an evening of hands-on demonstrations, refreshments, and a menu including hot dogs—a small tip of the cap to the start of baseball season.
The relaxed, festive environment allowed attendees to connect directly with 124 of F.W. Webb's manufacturer partners. Bosch, Milwaukee Tool, Stanley Black & Decker, and Rheem served as the event's platinum sponsors. Lochinvar was the gold sponsor. Through their support, F.W. Webb connected attendees with new tools, systems, and other products. At the end of one aisle, a trio of Rheem water heaters stood next to the manufacturer's table, while elsewhere, the Rapid Locking System (RLS) team showcased their press fittings.
"A flyer or other document can only go so far in demonstrating these products— we need to let our customers see how they function," said Bruce Sandler from RLS. He added the event was a great opportunity to meet with both the F.W. Webb team and the many trade professionals we serve.
Other vendors called it one of the best shows they've been to, while others appreciated the willingness of the F.W. Webb team to engage and connect with everyone. Vendors said it "added a warm personal touch that made everyone feel genuinely welcomed and appreciated."
The many technicians and contractors browsing the aisles shared similar feedback. According to a post-event survey, attendees praised the variety of manufacturers on hand. They also enjoyed meeting with fellow trade professionals as well.
What attendees encountered at each F.W. Webb table was the opportunity to begin a conversation centered on the resources we offer—including two new resources now available.
The eCommerce team walked attendees through the new F.W. Webb Mobile App, which puts real-time inventory, product pricing, order status, and more into the hands of busy professionals like you. Vice President of eCommerce and Digital Operations Brendan Lilly said his team has received positive feedback from early users.
Download the iPhone version at the App Store here.
Across the trade floor, F.W. Webb's PurePro product manager, Dominick Esposito, presided over a table filled with PurePro water filters and other products. He promoted the new PurePro Training Trailer; it's now traversing the Northeast and offering hands-on classes featuring PurePro products for plumbing, heating, and piping-related topics.
Schedule training by reaching out to the PurePro team here.
Felix Perriello, Jim Hayden, and the Alliance Environmental team spoke to attendees at another table, and reported significant interest in the Alliance Partnership Program. It allows F.W. Webb customers like you to offer Alliance's environmental services to your own customers. Interested in learning more? Contact the Alliance team here.
Nearby, Director of Showroom Sales Mary Kate Lucas and the Frank Webb Home team displayed just a few of the many faucets available through the bath, kitchen, and lighting showroom. Mary Kate said she was excited about the new Frank Webb Home commercials, set to hit the airwaves soon. The new ad campaign focuses on the connections our showroom team creates with both contractors and homeowners—exactly the kind of connections the day was built around.
What came through in every conversation—with customers, manufacturers, and our own team—was the value of making connections that matter. Connections over products. Connections over resources. Connections across the skilled trades. When we organize this show, it is our hope that we create connections that provide lasting value to you, and that the event marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation. To all who attended: thank you.
Continue the conversation today by visiting your nearest F.W. Webb location. Head to fwwebb.com/locations to find a store near you.
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