Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/141668
Inside AED Think Your Profit Margins Are Fine? Are You Sure? Forum presents a grown-up conversation about why equipment distribution lags behind most other distribution verticals. Equipment dealers are really good at moving millions and millions of dollars around, but when it comes to making a respectable profit – well, not so much. So said a dealer principal in an off-the-record conversation this spring. And another dealer recently said his company's goal is to have market-leading share and channel-leading profitability. The question is: How? Do you know the difference between making a good living and making a good profit? The equipment industry supports many livelihoods and provides a decent lifestyle for its owners – but is it possible we're just settling? Experts say that to be considered a "Top Performer," distribution companies typically achieve 20 percent Return on Assets or better – but even so-called High Profit equipment dealers don't live near that neighborhood. AED is going to turn up the lights on this vexing subject, scratching below the surface into why equipment distribution is just about dead last on the profitability totem pole – and what owners can and should do to reverse the age-old quagmire. You're invited to participate when The AED/Infor Executive Forum convenes Sept. 12-13 in Rosemont, Ill., near O'Hare Airport. We're dead serious about having a no-BS conversation about dealer profitability. For the first time since Forum's inception in 1999, trade press editors will not be present in the conference room. Distribution consultant Mike Marks will be putting it all on the table, and we know you don't need this discussion turning up in the publications your customers read. So bring your arguments and questions, and let's identify actions that will help dealers move their profit pendulum in a more favorable direction. OSHA Pours Resources into Whistleblowers The Obama administration has turned up the heat on whistleblowing protection; in fact, a specific directive from the Assistant Secretary of Labor has not only instructed OSHA investigators to find more retaliation claims to have merit, but more resources are being allocated specifically for whistleblowing investigations, including dozens of new investigators and staff. What that means to equipment distributors is a great deal more scrutiny related to your treatment of an employee who files an OSHA safety complaint against your company. At Forum, you'll discover how the definition of "adverse employment action" has been expanded. In fact, labor attorney Bryance Methany will explain all the grizzly details and what employers must know to prevent exposure and avert OSHA litigation. Methany's session is one of four afternoon segments delivering current Bryance Methany news and knowledge designed to alert dealers about business threats and how to diffuse some of the risk bombs that are present in this environment. The audience will be apprised of the latest on energy regulatory assaults, used product liability, and security risks to both business and home. Every risk you can think of is fair game during Forum's Risky Business Roundup at the close of Thursday's program. View all topics, speakers and registration/hotel information at aednet.org/forum. Proposed New Members Marubeni America Corporation New York, N.Y. Foresight Intelligence Scottsdale, Ariz. Cahaba Media-Construction Business Owner Magazine Birmingham, Ala. This list is published each month as required by AED bylaws. Comments on the applicants should be directed to AED President Toby Mack at 800-388-0650 ext. 326 or jtm@aednet.org. 8 | www.cedmag.com | Construction Equipment Distribution | July 2013 8_inside AED_KP.indd 8 6/27/13 11:44 AM