In this engaging discussion, Dave Wigder, Co-founder and CEO of Ply, dives into the common inventory challenges faced by contractors in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical sectors. He shares how Ply helps streamline purchasing and allows for better visibility of materials, cutting down on dead stock and inefficiencies. Dave emphasizes the value of data over gut feelings in decision-making, and explores how AI is revolutionizing materials management. This talk is packed with insights for anyone looking to grow their service business smarter.
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insights INSIGHT
Materials Consume A Huge Hidden Share Of Revenue
Materials often consume 20–35% of contractor revenue yet lack centralized visibility.
Centralizing inventory and purchasing data enables proactive decisions and cost control.
insights INSIGHT
Supplier Programs Need Contractor Data
Suppliers are launching VMI and consignment programs to add value beyond price.
Contractor-side usage data makes those supplier programs more effective.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Centralize Purchasing To Unlock Discounts
Centralize purchasing communications and PO data so nothing is trapped in emails.
Use that centralized data to negotiate bulk buys and reduce field supply runs.
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Every HVAC, plumbing, and electrical business hits the same wall: material costs balloon, trucks run short, and cash flow becomes unpredictable. In this episode of Can’t Stop the Growth, Chad Peterman sits down with Dave Wigder, co-founder of Ply, to explore how contractors can take control of their inventory and purchasing to unlock massive growth.
Dave shares how Ply was built to give contractors visibility into their warehouses, trucks, and purchasing, while eliminating dead stock, wasted billable hours, and costly supply runs. He also explains how AI and supplier integrations are changing the future of materials management.
If you’re leading a service business and want to stop losing money due to inefficiency, this conversation will provide you with the playbook to scale smarter.
Materials Eat Profits – For many contractors, 20–35% of revenue goes to materials, yet most lack visibility or control over that spend.
Data Beats Gut Decisions – Centralizing purchasing and inventory data allows contractors to be proactive, avoid last-minute supply runs, and unlock supplier discounts.
Dead Stock Is a Hidden Tax – Unused parts in trucks and warehouses quietly erode cash flow. Ply’s system helps uncover and eliminate it.
Billable Hours Are Gold – Every supply house run can cost six figures annually across multiple techs. Smarter inventory keeps techs in the field.
AI Is the Future of the Trades – From voice-driven field requests to automated replenishment, AI is reshaping how contractors manage their operations.
Can't Stop the Growth