Jen Laughlin, an executive at WeSupplyTrades, shares valuable insights on saving material costs for HVAC and plumbing contractors. They discuss the power of exclusive brands that protect margins while maintaining quality. Jen reveals strategies for fast parts access, especially for rural contractors, and the importance of building trust with suppliers. They also cover the need for SKU audits and bulk discounts, emphasizing the significance of diversifying suppliers to maximize savings and efficiency in the industry.
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insights INSIGHT
E‑Commerce Wholesale With Deep Inventory
WeSupplyTrades is an online supply house focused on HVAC, plumbing, and light electrical parts with both major brands and exclusive product lines.
They stock many SKUs in a distribution center and emphasize fast shipping and competitive pricing.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Fraudulent Tool Orders Were A Big Surprise
Jen was surprised by the volume of fraudulent tool orders they encounter on the site.
She says their customer service spends significant time flagging suspicious card and address activity.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Audit SKUs And Consider Alternatives
Stop buying the same branded SKU by habit and compare alternative options from wholesalers.
You can often replace branded parts with exclusive lines and save significant dollars without sacrificing quality.
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In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Jen Laughlin from WeSupplyTrades to break down how contractors can cut material costs without sacrificing quality. From OEM parts to exclusive brands, John and Jen dig into real-world ways to protect margin, get parts fast (even if you’re rural), and build supplier partnerships that actually help you scale.
They dive into shipping realities (UPS vs. LTL), why exclusives like Stream33/Breeze33/Bright33 can be margin game-changers, how to handle fraudulent tool orders, and what trust + open communication with your wholesaler should look like. John shares how swapping SKUs and auditing his top 500 items unlocked big savings inside a $30M home service company. Together, they unpack:
Being the “lifeline” for hard-to-find OEM parts (and why that wins lifetime customers) The SKU audit playbook: start with your top 500 and swap line by line Partnering with wholesalers in 2025: trust, feedback loops, and clear expectations Facility maintenance & rural logistics: stocking strategy without bloating inventory 🎙️ Host John Wilson 🎙️ Guest Jen Lauglin
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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC 📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.
Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast