Inside APR Supply Co.’s high-energy buying show: A tradition 23 years strong

“I’ve attended this buying event each year for 10 or 12 years and it’s already on my calendar for next year,” said Ken Rex, owner of Ken Rex Plumbing & Heating, Kingston, Pennsylvania. Every year, the show is one of my main events. I go to buy because the incentives are great. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Each summer, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, APR Supply Co. hosts one of the biggest plumbing, mechanical and HVAC wholesale buying shows nationwide. APR, now in its 103rd year, is based in Lancaster, PA, with 42 locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

For plumbing and HVAC/R installers within a 150-mile radius of APR’s headquarters, the company’s 23rd Annual Buying Show has become one of the most anticipated events in the HVAC, plumbing, and hydronics distribution industry.

The event brings together hundreds of manufacturers, suppliers, and reps to serve 1,000 to 1,500 installing contractors each year during a full day of networking, product education, and exclusive buying opportunities.

APR’s Annual Buying Show is a high-impact forum for the company’s valued customers – allowing them to connect directly with vendor partners, explore the latest innovations in the industry, and take advantage of limited-time show-only deals.

From live product demos and training sessions to one-on-one conversations with manufacturers and APR team members, the event is designed to help contractors grow their business and stay ahead of market trends.

In addition to the business value for all participants, APR’s Buying Show is known for its energy and hospitality, featuring random drawings (tickets given at the door) with prize giveaways, food and beverage stations, and a festive atmosphere that celebrates the strength of the contractor community.

“APR provides great service and technical support,” added Rex. “Products – even the latest ones – are readily available and reasonably priced. Advantages this year included the ability to see and speak about the latest ProPress equipment for refrigeration piping, new piping insulation, and leak sensors for R-54 refrigerant.”

After locking in a purchase agreement for a range of HVAC systems and an APR counter, Rex’s next stop was the N. H. Yates booth, where he posed hydronic questions to sales executive Jim Schnoor. Schnoor said that he had good discussions with several installers – and some institutional representatives – about the Thermal Solutions boiler line. “The APR event is a win-win for all participants,” said Schnoor. “It’s great for customer relationship-building.”

B. J. Terroni also had a prominent presence on the show floor, featuring all the latest Taco technology, including the next-gen zone controls, and ECM circulators. Outside Sales Associate Frank Edgar explained that interest in products was brisk at the show.

“Taco’s latest zone controls, and their new 3450 combination boiler feed and backflow preventer were ‘hot’ products for us there,” explained Edgar. “Also, the Taco switching relays and variable speed ECM circs; all were of interest and the topic of many good conversations.”

The Vernon Bitzer booth featured the Watts and Powers IntelliStation 2 light commercial/institutional domestic water digital mixing control. Several installers stopped to ask questions about it, which then led to conversations about Nexa, Watts’ intelligent water management software.

Fujitsu Regional Sales Manager Rob Lombardo spent the day with others at the Harry Eklof & Assoc. booth, engaged in conversation with mini-split and VRF installers, asking questions about the current product lines and the new R-32 multi-positional air handler to be released soon with a wide range of capacities for one-to-one, single-zone applications, and also multi-zone use.

“The transition to A2L refrigerants is always a topic with contractors as the industry moves towards more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Fujitsu’s chosen to go the path of R-32 as it is a single component, not a blend, and offers lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) than many others,” added Lombardo.

“We had an awesome day,” he expressed. “The folks at APR put every effort into making the show spectacular, improving each year that we attend. The amount of preparation and planning that goes into it is incredible. The level of contact we have there with customers is, well, priceless. No one does a buying show like APR Supply.”

Loren Shelton, The HVAC Queen, toured the show with friend and mentor Master Plumber Kelly Ireland, owner of TPG Mechanical LLC (TPG abbreviates her online “Tiny Plumber Girl” persona). They often work together throughout the Philadelphia region.

“We had a blast, and learned a lot, too,” said Ireland. “We plan to move into mini-splits soon. Fujitsu’s solutions look most promising. They were well represented at APR’s event, and we had lots of good conversations there – allowing us to easily see how, as we expand further into our HVAC work, their products and training will enable us to do that.”

“The show began in 2002 and now has expanded to include a buying event in Pittsburgh as well,” explained Teri Rogers, APR’s VP of Marketing. “And, as we gather for a debrief every year to discuss its success, a question always arises: ‘What’ll we do to make next year’s event even better?’”

The Buying Show exemplifies APR’s commitment to delivering value beyond the counter – fostering strong relationships, investing in customer success, and providing a platform for continuous learning and growth.

Various suppliers acknowledge that the show is the biggest, best single sales opportunity of the year.

Steve Weiland, National Sales Manager for NTI enjoyed the opportunity to speak with installers. “The show gives me valuable face-to-face time with buyers from all over the area,” added Weiland. “There’s no end to the questions I get from buyers about new products and solutions, even installation techniques.”

Jeff Thompson, APR’s VP of dealer products, called on APR as a manufacturer’s rep for five years prior to joining the organization 25 years ago. He’s participated in every APR sales event since 2002.

“It’s the one time of year that buyers have hands-on access to all products and technology, and can meet with and ask questions of manufacturers, reps, and all of us with APR, as well,” said Thompson. Buyers also get updates on products and programs, and typically get answers to every question they may have.

“The advantages are just as compelling for those on the sales side,” continued Thompson. “With 150 manufacturers represented, their direct-sales people and reps have access to 1,100 to 1,200 contractors all at once. It’s great exposure for everyone.”

Rogers added, “This year we hosted a great representation of vendor partners and customers for a full day of networking, learning, and exploring the latest innovations in HVAC, plumbing and mechanical technologies. The energy on the show floor was electric – conversations buzzing, ideas flowing, and partnerships growing stronger."

APR recognized several key partners for their exceptional contributions over the past year. The awards were presented to honor those who have demonstrated outstanding innovation, quality, and partnership.

Milwaukee, a leading manufacturer of professional tools, was honored with the Innovator of the Year award, presented by APR's VP of Supply Chain, Zachary Derr.

Derr also presented Toto, a global leader in decorative plumbing products, with the Decorative Brand Partner of the Year award. And Heil, a trusted name in HVAC solutions, was recognized as the Vendor Partner of the Year for their exceptional service and reliability.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate these outstanding partners who have played a pivotal role in our success,” said Derr.

APR hosted its second buying show of the month in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, on August 20. It was the fifth show to take place in western Pennsylvania as APR continues to expand its footprint in that region.

"This event has evolved into more than a trade show,” added Rogers. “It’s a celebration of the relationships and collaboration that drive our industry. I’m grateful to our manufacturers, customers, and the entire APR team for making this year’s show such a success."