Let's Take a Road Trip
 |
While preparing to drive down Route 66 for the 2025 STAFDA Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix, I paused a moment to consider the state of the construction industry.
Since 2020, distributors, manufacturers and contractors have been forced to make quick adjustments to changing business environments. 2025 has demonstrated that change is the new “normal.”
Even STAFDA CEO Georgia Foley correctly cites the word “uncertainty” in her welcome address to the 2025 STAFDA show.
While I agree these are uncertain times, having interviewed those who are in the trenches throughout the course of the year, I continue to have a positive outlook.
In fact, two well-known quotes came to mind.
First, as it has often been said, “what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.”
The central concept of that quote is that by facing and overcoming adversity, people can build mental and emotional strength, making them better equipped for future struggles.
The second quote comes via Thomas Paine, who put pen to parchment during the early days of the American revolution hoping to boost morale among General George Washington’s troops and inspire continued enlistment.
The opening line of Paine’s pamphlet titled “The American Crisis” sums up the situation that was facing Washington and his army: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”
Translated into more of a business context, the message remains true. Loyalty and commitment are demonstrated through perseverance and the ability to endure challenging times is what ultimately brings success.
Our cover story on California Service Tool and Matt Kitchens, 2026 STAFDA president, illustrates these points as it is a company which has endured for generations, notably due to continued reinvention.
On an even larger scale, I pass Paine’s words of inspiration on to you, on the eve of the 49th annual STAFDA Convention and Trade Show.
It is the only trade show dedicated to distributors and their suppliers. STAFDA offers a platform for new and growing businesses to have access to the products, knowledge, and people they need to succeed.
Remember, from challenge comes opportunity and STAFDA answers that call.
Still not sure? Take a trip down Route 66 and see for yourself in Phoenix and I’ll see you there.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, The Power of Fusion, California Service Tool demonstrates how it has found a way to fuse together its relationships with customers and vendors.
Learn the story of 2026 STAFDA President Matt Kitchens and get the full line up for the 2025 STAFDA Convention and Trade Show Section and also in this issue are Industry Updates.
This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!
| Read the Articles Read the Digital Edition |
