Sandpiper Supply is a family-owned and -operated plumbing distributor headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. Founded in 1977 by Chat and Carol Howard, the company has been a trusted resource for plumbing professionals and homeowners in the Coastal Empire (the lower coastal plain in southeast Georgia) for more than four decades. Sandpiper Supply prides itself on providing top-quality plumbing fixtures and supplies while delivering exceptional customer service. 

Over the years, the company has built a strong reputation as a leading independent distributor, committed to innovation, expertise and long-term industry partnerships.

The Wholesaler: Membership in a buying group provides access to valuable resources that support distributors in an ever-changing landscape. Can you share an example of how IMARK provided assistance with a challenge you are or were facing? 

Chat Howard Jr., owner and operator, and an IMARK plumbing board member: As Sandpiper Supply looked to the future, leadership recognized the need to evolve and adopt new tools that would enhance business operations, financial management and employee training. While the company was already operating successfully, it sought ways to increase efficiency, maximize financial insights and provide additional resources to support employee growth and industry engagement.

Our primary objectives were to:

• Improve visibility into rebate earnings and identify opportunities for increased savings;

• Strengthen connections within the industry by engaging with other independent distributors;

• Provide employees with more structured and accessible training to deepen their product knowledge and improve service capabilities.

By proactively seeking ways to refine and enhance these areas, Sandpiper Supply aimed to build upon its strong foundation and continue delivering outstanding value to both customers and supplier partners.

The Wholesaler: What IMARK tool or program was able to assist, how did it solve the problem and how long did it take to implement?

Howard: Through IMARK, Sandpiper Supply gained access to essential tools and programs that aligned perfectly with our goals for growth and improvement.

• Rebate dashboards. IMARK’s rebate dashboards offer a centralized, real-time view of rebate earnings, enabling Sandpiper Supply to better track financial performance and identify areas where it could increase savings. The dashboard provides clear insights that help us optimize purchasing decisions, ensuring we fully capitalized on available rebate opportunities.

• Community support system. One of the key advantages of being part of IMARK is access to a network of independent distributors who share similar challenges and experiences. By leveraging IMARK’s community support system, Sandpiper Supply is able to connect with peers, exchange best practices and gain valuable insights into industry trends and strategies. This network has been instrumental in helping us refine our approach to business operations and stay ahead of market changes.

• The GainShare Joint Marketing Planning program has spurred greater collaboration with our GainShare supplier partners and their local sales representatives. We are conducting joint sales and marketing activities with the local sales representatives to drive additional sales and capture market share.

• IMARK Learning & Resource Center. Recognizing the value of continuous learning, Sandpiper Supply takes full advantage of IMARK’s Learning & Resource Center to enhance employee training. The platform provides employees with structured educational resources covering product knowledge, business development and industry best practices. By incorporating these training materials into our operations, we ensure that our team remains well-informed and capable of delivering exceptional service to customers.

The Wholesaler: What were the results?

Howard: The implementation of these resources was seamless. The rebate dashboards and community support system provided immediate advantages, while the Learning & Resource Center became an ongoing tool for fostering employee growth and professional development. By integrating IMARK’s technology, training and networking resources into our operations, Sandpiper Supply has strengthened its business in several key ways.

• Financial optimization. The ability to track rebate earnings more efficiently has led to smarter purchasing decisions and increased cost savings. With a clearer understanding of financial performance, we are better positioned to plan for long-term growth.

• Stronger industry connections. Through the IMARK community, Sandpiper Supply collaborates with other independent distributors, gaining valuable insights and strategies that have helped refine our approach to business management. The support network has proven to be a vital resource in navigating industry challenges and identifying new opportunities.

• Enhanced employee training. With access to IMARK’s Learning & Resource Center, Sandpiper Supply empowers employees with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. The investment in education has not only improved employee confidence and expertise but has also led to better customer interactions and service.

With these improvements,  we have successfully positioned the company for sustained growth and success. We remain committed to continuous improvement and plan to further leverage IMARK’s resources to drive operational excellence and industry leadership.

By taking a proactive approach to technology, training and financial management, Sandpiper Supply has demonstrated the power of innovation and collaboration in the independent distribution space. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing our legacy of exceptional service and industry expertise.