M&N Plumbing Supply (www.mnplbgsupply.com) is a proud family-owned and -operated wholesale distributor headquartered in Denver. With a second branch in Steamboat, Colo., and a total of 36 team members, the company covers the majorly populated areas in Colorado, starting in Colorado Springs and heading north up to Fort Collins. Portions of Western Colorado in the mountainous areas are also serviced. At the helm is Stephen Norton, owner M&N Plumbing Supply and chairman of IMARK’s Plumbing Board. 

The Wholesaler: Being a member of a buying group allows you to draw on resources that can help distributors in many different situations. Can you please provide an example of how your buying group helped during a challenging time? 

Steve Norton: When Steve Morgan and I opened the first location in 2002, we were novices. The operation and ownership of a plumbing distribution center would be a substantial undertaking with high risks, a steep learning curve and skeptical suppliers who would proceed with reluctance when deciding whether to do business with a new company. The lack of access to products and conversations with desirable suppliers was the business’s most significant challenge. 

For M&N Plumbing Supply to be a viable wholesaler, we needed access to strategic manufacturers’ product lines and fair market-level pricing. As I came from the manufacturer’s side as a sales representative and Steve Morgan had a distribution background, we understood the need to join a buying group, which would alleviate the obstacles we were facing. 

The Wholesaler: How long did it take to implement?

SN: When we joined IMARK (Omni at the time), we were introduced to a world of buying opportunities and developmental resources that had been previously preventing us from experiencing the next level of growth. Having the opportunity to attend buying group meetings, foster fruitful relationships with approved suppliers and capitalize on additional financial incentives helped us begin the 10-year process of foundational building that would set the groundwork for a strong future. 

For the first 10 years of membership in the buying group, we worked hard to open with desirable suppliers and learned how to maximize the full financial potential of our business. These foundational years would ultimately change the trajectory of M&N Plumbing Supply and allow for a shift in focus towards education and growth. 

Using the education resources available through IMARK has become a companywide initiative for us. As a team of nearly 40, we recognized the need for quality and efficient training resources that could alleviate the time spent training on product and industry-related topics. With more than 70 suppliers offering courses in an ever-growing catalog, the IMARK University platform provided an opportunity to assist in the further development of our already strong team. 

Looking ahead to further growth and development, we plan to take full advantage of the resources available through IMARK. Participation in programs such as IMARK U, Fill It Now, GainShare and the new IMARK Dashboards are all at the forefront of what we believe will aid us in continued success and possible expansion in the future. 

The Wholesaler: What were the results?

SN: As a result of joining IMARK, we opened with key suppliers and overcame inventory issues. We have expanded to a second location and are running a successful business with a strong product offering. As we head into our 22nd year of business, our focus is the continued education of employees and the further use of IMARK resources.

For the past three years in a row, we achieved Premier Status, the highest level of achievement in IMARK’s performance program. It recognizes members who take full advantage of all available resources and opportunities for growth and engage with IMARK Plumbing and IMARK Plumbing suppliers.