The A.I. McDermott Co., Inc. of Oshkosh, WI celebrated their annual Dealer Meeting at the Oshkosh Convention Center on February 19, 2008 with a focus on profit generating new technologies. The theme for this 63rd annual meeting was "Team McDermott" Your Partner in Profit in 2008.
Tom McDermott, Jr., President of the A.I. McDermott Company welcomed the dealers stating that, "Our business is your business… and our message today and throughout the year is that McDermott's is the supplier that recognizes that your success is our success… have an enjoyable and profitable day learning about the products and technologies that will help you succeed and profit in 2008's challenging market."
The day's program started with Tom McDermott, Sr., Chairman of the McDermott Company sharing some of the lessons he has learned over his 50 plus years in the Industry. In his prepared comments, Tom Sr. asserted, "In your business, products change, players change and market conditions change. But product knowledge, fairness and honesty are building blocks that trump them all…to maximize your success, or survive tough markets, you and your men, have to get to know everything about your products. And then get your bills out and your receivables collected. And never, ever become bankers for general contractors."
Following Tom Sr.'s comments Tom Jr. presented Tom Sr. with a golden McDermott pitcher pump mounted on a walnut base recognizing Tom Sr.'s 50 years of service and leadership to the water system industry.
In addition to a Manufacturer Display area with over 30 exhibit booths, morning and afternoon training sessions approved for continuing education credits (CEC) by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce (DCOMM) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) were offered.
The morning sessions included code updates from Jim Miller and Roman Kaminski of the Safety & Building Division of DCOMM. New technologies introduced and discussed included the AquaWorx 'Remediator', an aerobic equipment package that is used to restore failing on-site wastewater treatment systems and EZ Flow, a polystyrene aggregate product that is used instead of stone or leaching chambers in wastewater drainfields. Both products are approved by the State of Wisconsin.
The morning CEC and technology presentations also included a comparison of the efficiencies and performance of on-demand, or tankless, water heaters versus high efficiency traditional tank water heaters and a discussion of water treatment options for private water systems.
The afternoon session which was approved by both Wisconsin DCOMM and DNR focused on the continued growth and popularity of constant pressure water systems. Presenters from Danfoss Flomatic, ITT and Grundfos Pumps discussed what the different types of constant pressure systems were – mechanical or electronic – how they worked, how to size, install and service. The three (3) hour session served as an excellent overview of a new technology that delivers comfort and improved water system performance to consumers as well as increased profit opportunities to the plumbing and water system professional.
Sales and service seminars were also offered for hydronic heating professionals and onsite wastewater contractors including an opportunity to enroll in the Goulds Professional Dealer Association (GPDA).
Specials and an extended terms and dating program were offered to dealers the day of the meeting. Exciting door prizes and booth prizes were given away including a signed and framed game jersey from famed Green Bay Packer linebacker A.J. Hawk. A Grand Prize of a 'Home Theatre and Gaming Package' with a 50" Vizio plasma television, Nintendo Wii gaming system, DVD player, assorted games and new release DVD's was awarded to a lucky McDermott dealer at the end of the day.
The A.I. McDermott Co., Inc. distributes water well, wastewater and water treatment supplies, pumps, plumbing and hydronic heating equipment throughout Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In addition to their corporate offices in Oshkosh, WI the company operates branch locations in Green Bay, Wausau and Muskego WI.
Tom McDermott, Sr's "Farewell Speech"
