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Posted May 17, 2023

Sphere 1 Celebrates 24 Years and Announces 2022 Award Winners 

Annual conference fetes members and suppliers and recognizes top contributors to the group. 


The Sphere 1 Cooperative hosted their 24th Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN, at the JW Marriott. The organization reached yet another exciting milestone, achieving their biggest year yet. With consistent growth, collaborative partnerships, and a willingness to lean on each other during these unprecedented times, Sphere 1 Members and Suppliers gathered to celebrate Sphere 1’s “Welcome to Victory Lane” themed event.

The Sphere 1 Conference surpassed their average attendance with almost 900 guests. The event kicked off with a Member Meeting, filled with memorable presentations, including 2021 Supplier Award Winner (Simpson Strong-Tie), Keynote Speaker Connor Lokar of ITR Economics, who provided the Sphere 1 Members a look at the state of our economy, and ways to be more impactful in their markets. 

Sphere 1 also had the Woman’s Executive Group debut event, with over 90 woman leaders from the industries in attendance.  This was an awesome event, with event Keynote speaker Libby Gill, Executive Coach and Leadership Expert, delivering an inspirational message on how women can lead the way forward, by advancing their skills for their success in our thriving industry.

The Awards Dinner was highlighted by Building Homes for Heroes’ US Army SGT Aaron Hale’s message.  His heroic spirit, determination, and inspirational message was very well received, and Sphere 1 Members and Suppliers showed their continued support of BHFH. The conference finished with two days’ worth of off-the-charts TableTop business meetings. 

“Our theme this year in Indy was simple – “Welcome to Victory Lane,” remarked President & CEO of Sphere 1, Rob Moe. “With what our Members and Preferred Suppliers have experienced together, there was reason to join in the “winners circle” together here in Indianapolis.  Our membership and industry have endured a lot over the last few years – but with working together, our membership has exceeded some very lofty expectations for Sphere 1. The energy that was generated at this year’s event in the city known for speed, racing, and championships, helped to set us on a path of winning together. We will be racing over the speed limits in our industry, for the remainder of 2023 and beyond. 

"At Sphere 1, we win by supporting each other, developing partnerships, and reaching new benchmarks together. Thank you to our Members and Suppliers for your unwavering support. Remember – “Direction not intention determines our destination”.

Member and Supplier of the Year Awards 

The Member and Supplier of the Year Awards are Sphere 1’s most prestigious awards, based on the overall score on Sphere 1’s annual Support Card. Out of 124 Preferred Suppliers, 174 Distributors Members, with almost 900 locations in 2022, there are six criteria that are critical to the success of the cooperative. The 2022 Member and Supplier of the Year Awards were presented to: 

Preferred Supplier of the Year Awards for excellent service and a quality program to the Sphere 1 Membership: 

  • Vega Industries - Opal Echelon 
  • Klein Tools - Ruby Echelon 
  • Radians - Sapphire Echelon  
  • Milwaukee Electric Tool - Emerald Echelon 

Member of the Year Awards for demonstrating excellence in collaboration and growth within the cooperative: 

  • Fasco Fastener & Supply (Texas) - Opal Echelon 
  • Midway Rentals and Sales - Ruby Echelon 
  • Fisher’s Tools - Sapphire Echelon 
  • Connective Systems & Supply - Emerald Echelon 

Additional 2022 Award Winners were presented to the following: 

Preferred Brand of the Year for top sales achievement by brand:

  • Simpson Strong-Tie

Gateway for Growth Awards for highest performance: 

Members 

  • Shore Fasteners & Supply - Opal Echelon 
  • Gamka Sales Co, Inc. - Ruby Echelon 
  • Gulf Coast Nail & Staple Inc - Sapphire Echelon 
  • Texas Tool Traders - Emerald Echelon 

Suppliers 

  • Newborn Brothers - Opal Echelon 
  • ChemMasters - Ruby Echelon 
  • JPW Industries - Sapphire Echelon 
  • Diablo - Emerald Echelon 

Sphere 1 University Awards for outstanding training programs and course completions. 

Member (Highest Course Completions by Location Average)  

  • SASCO Fasteners - Opal Echelon 
  • Midway Rentals and Sales - Ruby Echelon 
  • Superior Products Distributors, Inc. - Sapphire Echelon 
  • NuWay - Emerald Echelon 

Suppliers  

  • Lift-All - Opal Echelon 
  • Balco/Rectorseal - Ruby Echelon 
  • ITW CCNA - Sapphire Echelon 
  • Milwaukee Electric Tool - Emerald Echelon 

Overall Sales Volume  

Members 

  • SouthernCarlson (Overall) 
  • The Tool Nut (by Location Average) 

Suppliers 

  • Eagle Industries - Opal Echelon 
  • Bartell Global - Ruby Echelon 
  • ADA Solutions – Sapphire Echelon 
  • DeWALT, Stanley Black & Decker - Emerald Echelon 

 Largest Percentage in Growth 

Members 

  • Eastern Industrial Equipment – Opal Echelon 
  • The Lakewood Supply Co – Ruby Echelon 
  • Heyden Supply – Sapphire Echelon 
  • Quality Supply & Tool – Emerald Echelon 

Suppliers 

  • Durajoint Waterstop / Preco Concrete Accessories – Opal Echelon 
  • Williams Industrial Sales Company – Aervoe Industries – Ruby Echelon 
  • Apex Tool Group / JOBOX – Sapphire Echelon 
  • Dayton Superior – Emerald Echelon 

Member Supporting the Most Preferred Suppliers 

  • Bay Verte Machinery 

Moves Management Award 

  • Pro Contractors Supply

“What an exciting time we had in Indianapolis!” said Sphere 1 Board Chairman, Ron Foltz. “Such a strong event this year in Indy, always great being together, interacting and learning from each other. I have often said the interaction among colleagues before and after events can be, and often is, just as important as the scheduled time together. Thank you to all our Members and Supplier Partners for coming together in record numbers, and once again, reinforcing the value of our cooperative and its partnerships. Can’t wait to see all of you again in San Diego for our 25th Anniversary!”

Sphere 1 will host their 25th Annual Conference on May 7-10, 2024 in San Diego, CA. 

About Sphere 1 

Sphere 1 is a cooperative of tool, fastener, and concrete accessory distributors, working together to achieve competitive and sustainable advantages in our marketplace. By partnering with preferred suppliers, we provide our members with enhanced vendor programs, superior education and innovative practices. While fostering community among our peers, we are committed to integrity, honesty and respect in all that we do. For more information, contact Drew Hoyer at 949-932-3600 or visit www.sphere1.coop 

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