About SSWA
Since 1980, SSWA has been a leading professional association for wholesalers and manufacturers of cleaning and maintenance products. Our members understand the economics of using wholesalers for more efficient and effective distribution. Our primary purpose is to help distributors of sanitary supply and maintenance products profit by association with SSWA members.
Our Mission:
- The Sanitary Supply Wholesaling Association is a professional trade association whose global members are cohesively working together to advance wholesaling through partnerships and common goals.
- We develop and provide services that anticipate the changing needs of the market place.
- In everything we do we will maintain high standards and integrity.
We are a small, focused group comprised of approximately 45 manufacturers and 25 wholesalers, interested in how to best optimize performance and service for distributors in the sanitary supply channel.
Our Tenets:
We are guided by the following objectives for all channel partners and seek to provide transformational learning opportunities in the educational and networking programs we offer:
- Profitable Growth
- Improved Efficiency
- Emerging Trends
Economics of Wholesaling
Why Should Distributors Use Wholesalers?
What Distributors Want… SSWA Wholesalers Deliver!
- Lower Inventory Costs
- Increased Cash Flow
- Faster Deliveries
- Quicker Inventory Turns
- Improved Fill-Rate Economics
- More Value-Added Services
The Problem:
The cost to distribute less than truckload orders is rising. Manufacturers must either raise prices or raise minimum order requirements to stay competitive and profitable.
The Solution:
WHOLESALERS and the services they provide:
- Instant Product Availability
- Improved Cash Flow
- Faster Inventory Turns
- Greater Return on Investment
- Sales Growth
- Quicker Deliveries
Wholesalers Help You Profit
| Direct | Wholesaler | How It Works | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Order Size | 100 Cases | 25 Cases | ROI=GP% x Inventory Turns |
| Average Cost/Case | $25 | $28 | For each dollar you invest |
| Inventory Investment | $2500 | $700 | in inventory |
| Weekly Sales | 25 Cases | 25 Cases | you will make a return |
| Turnover Time | 4 Weeks | 1 Week | of $8.32 |
| Inventory Turns | 12 | 52 | if you buy from |
| Gross Profit | 25% | 16% | a Wholesaler. |
This example shows that over a one year time period, if you invested $36,400 in inventory from a Wholesaler, you would receive a return on your investment of $302,848! If you purchased the same amount of product direct from a Manufacturer, your annual investment would be $30,000 and your ROI only $90,000. By purchasing from the Wholesaler, you will receive triple the return of buying direct, which will add more cash to your business.
Scholarship Award Opportunity
>> VISIT ISSACHARITIES.ORG TO APPLY <<
SSWA has established a designated Scholarship Award within ISSA Charities, exclusively for SSWA member employees and their family members. College students of members in good standing can apply for a $3,000 Scholarship Award at https://issacharities.org/issa-scholars/ (Apply online January 10th thru April 15th).
Eligibility for receiving this award is based upon the applicant being a college student or a student pursing an advanced degree. The individual must be related to an employee or owner of an SSWA member in good standing.
We appreciate the support of our members in the on-going funding of this worthy endeavor. Contribution opportunities are available with Dues or Conference Participation, or contact dfrendt@sswa.com for more information.
>> Download this information sheet to post in your office and notify employees of this valuable opportunity!
2024 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Jane Meganck – RJ Schinner – Employee
Jane hails from Waukesha, Wisconsin and is an employee of RJ Schinner. She was valedictorian of her high school class at Chesterton Academy of Milwaukee and is attending Benedictine College in Atchinson, Kansas, majoring in Nursing. She has managed multiple jobs while attending school, is a member of the rugby team and choir and serves as an R.A. (Resident Assistant).
2023 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Jasmine Chen – Family – ProNatural Brands
Jasmine graduated with mastery in mathematics and mastery in science. She was involved in National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, and was also a Math Team Captain and participated in Math Team competitions. Jasmine earned the Seal of Biliteracy for achievements in the Spanish language, and ended her high school career with a summa cum laude, 98% grade average, and was ranked 9th in her class. Jasmine is majoring in Business with a focus on Global Supply Chain at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.
2022 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Andrew Heinsman – Family – Americo Manufacturing
Andrew is from Lawrenceburg, Indiana. His father, Russell Heinsman, is the Vice President of US Commercial Products at Americo Manufacturing. Andrew plans to pursue a double major in Psychology and Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish at Purdue University, with Pharmaceutical Psychology as his career path.
2021 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Zachary Schuster – Family – Betco Corporation
Zack will be a Sophomore at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, studying Secondary Education, focus in Social Studies with a with a minor in History. Made the Deans List his Freshman Year.
2020 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Remy Mathenia – Family – Golden Star
Remy is the son of Kelly Mathenia, an IT Manager at Golden Star. He is a rising Junior at Missouri University of Science & Technology majoring in Mechanical Engineering where he currently has a 4.0 GPA.
2019 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Allison L. Siekierski – Family – RJ Schinner
Allison Siekierski will be a senior at Saint Louis University in the coming fall and will graduate with a degree in Nursing in May of 2020. During her time at SLU, she has prided herself on aiding students in succeeding in the classroom by assuming both Teaching Assistant and Supplemental Instructor roles. Additionally, she has enjoyed participating in various charitable social events including Dance Marathon through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Relay for Life. She is looking forward to beginning her rewarding career as a nurse following this school year.
2018 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Sydney McDaniel is the daughter of Sam McDaniel, who is Director of Operations at Diversey, Inc. Sydney received and ACT score of 25 and ranked 7th out of 153 students in her high school class, earning a 4.571 GPA and holds a 4.0 GPA at Eastern Oklahoma State College, where she’s majoring in Speech-Language Pathology.
2016 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Katie Kershaw will be attending Rhode Island College in the fall to major in secondary education with a concentration in history. Katie has been playing violin for 8 years with her school’s orchestra and also played with the All-State Orchestra and the Rhode Island College Symphony Orchestra. She works at Rhode Island Fast Ferry selling tickets and regularly babysits. She was also a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society. (Katie’s father, Daniel, is an employee of Callico Distributors in Taunton, MA.)
2015 & 2017 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Mia Innamorato is a very driven and hardworking young woman. Mia was very successful in her high school career at Cardinal O’Hara. She held honors throughout all four years and was very involved in school activities. Mia was a member of the National Honors Society, Recycling Club, Banner Club, was President of the band and color guard, and Editor in Chief of the Yearbook. She did all of this while also holding a job at Maris Grove Retirement Community. Mia will go on to study Criminal Justice at High Point University. (Mia’s mother, Debbie, is an employee of Huff United in Richmond, VA.)
2014 SSWA Scholarship Award Recipient
Sicily Mathenia is a 2014 graduate of Truman High School in Independence, Missouri. She will attend Webster University in St. Louis in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Sicily performs often with Music Theater for Young People of Kansas City and studies opera with The Lyric Opera of Kansas City, as well as being involved in International Thespian Society, National Forensics League, Student Council, and National Honor Society. (Sicily’s mother, Kelly, is an employee of Golden Star, Inc. in Kansas City, MO.)
Manufacturer Guidelines
Why Should Manufacturers Use Wholesalers?
Following are a set of guidelines for Manufacturers to consider when establishing an effective Wholesaler Program.
- A written wholesaler/distributor program and/or agreement.
- Joint marketing programs by manufacturers and wholesalers which includes a distribution strategy of customers the wholesalers should be servicing.
- The official SSWA delegate must be an officer or executive possessing the authority to bind your firm.
- Designate a wholesaler contact.
- Support the SSWA rep guidelines.
- Provide technical product support.
- Training and educating the wholesalers on new and existing products and programs.
- Distributor minimums that encourage wholesaler growth.
- Stock adjustments and return privileges.
- Publish an authorized wholesaler list.
- Functional allowance that supports the wholesalers place in the market.
- Volume buying incentives.
- Performance incentives programs.
- Marketing and advertising funds.
- Wholesaler payment terms differentiated from distributor terms.
- Wholesaler inventory core products of the manufacturer.
- Equivalent sales compensation rates that support wholesaling.
- Willingness to track sales by the wholesalers ship to location for rep compensations (i.e. zip codes).
- Appoint a wholesaler advisory committee.
- Development of a confidentiality agreement for providing trace sales information.
- Support of sales through wholesalers to buying groups; allowing rebates whether sale is made direct or through the wholesaler.
- Support for bid pricing policies and procedures through wholesalers.
Manufacturer Rep Guidelines
Following are a set of guidelines for Manufacturer Representatives (Brokers) to consider when working with Wholesalers.
- The development of an annual business plan with the wholesaler.
- Frequent interaction, at least quarterly meetings, to follow up on the business plan.
- The representative should understand the manufacturers wholesaler program.
- Share new technology with wholesalers when and where possible.
- Know and understand the manufacturers minimums and then direct business below the minimums to the wholesaler.
- Assist wholesalers in supporting distributors on end user calls.
- Informs distributors that the products are available through the wholesalers.
- Provide ongoing product information, samples, literature, and pricing to wholesalers.
- Assist in developing advertising/marketing programs.
- Assist in moving slow and obsolete items.
Board of Directors
SSWA President 2024-2025
President:
Jeff Lancaster (Essendant) – ph. 800-989-7487
Vice President:
Chris Butterfield (Heritage Bag/Novolex) – ph. 800-527-2247
Immediate Past President:
Tim Hodges (The O’Dell Corporation) – ph. 800-342-2843
Secretary:
Mike Bohannon (R3 Redistribution) – ph. 314-997-5959
Treasurer:
Tim Scott (RJ Schinner) – ph. 262-901-1910
Director-at-Large (W):
Lisa Huck (Dot Foods) – ph. 800-366-5666
Director-at-Large (M):
David Pierro (Cascades) – ph. 800-246-0711
Director-at-Large (W):
Jason Cianciolo (S.P. Richards) – ph. 678-309-3464
Director-at-Large (M):
Rusty Heinsman (Americo) – ph. 770-974-7000
Executive Director: Donna Frendt
Past Presidents
| Year/Term | President | Executive Conference Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Tim Hodges – The O’Dell Corporation | Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville NC |
| 2022-23 | Michael T. Bohannon – R3 Redistribution | Edgewood – Lake Tahoe NV |
| 2021-22 | Chris Ford – Diversey | Vista Collina – Napa CA |
| 2019-21 | John Molidor – S.P. Richards | The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs CO |
| 2018-19 | Chris Ford – Diversey | The Cloister – Sea Island GA |
| 2017-18 | Steve Quay – Sheppard Redistribution | Enchantment Resort – Sedona AZ |
| 2016-17 | David Pierro – Cascades Pro | The Breakers – Palm Beach FL |
| 2015-16 | Tom Zatkulak – R3 Redistribution | Four Seasons Rancho Encantado – Santa Fe NM |
| 2014-15 | Rich Bucher – ITW Professional Brands | The Lodge at Torrey Pines – La Jolla – CA |
| 2013-14 | Jeff Heeren – R.J. Schinner | Park Hyatt Resort & Spa – Beaver Creek CO |
| 2012-13 | Lane Crosser – Diversey | Bacara Resort & Spa – Santa Barbara CA |
| 2011-12 | John Underwood – Advantage Maintenance Products | Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac – Quebec City QC |
| 2010-11 | Todd Gatzulis – The Dial Corp. | Meritage Resort – Napa CA |
| 2009-10 | Gordon Eanes – Saalfeld | Hammock Beach Resort – Palm Coast FL |
| 2008-09 | Steve Moser – JohnsonDiversey Consumer Brands | Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe – Incline Village NV |
| 2007-08 | Chris Whiting – S.P. Richards Co. | Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn – Sonoma CA |
| 2006-07 | John Recchia – Reckitt Benckiser Professional | Charleston Place Hotel – Charleston SC |
| 2005-06 | David Holtzman – Tec Products | Barton Creek Resort – Austin TX |
| 2004-05 | Norman Leibowitz – Norshel Industries | Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Monterey CA |
| 2003-04 | Mitchell D. Mark III – Snee Chemical | Fairmont Algonquin Resort – St. Andrews NB |
| 2002-03 | David W. Brown – A.W. Mendenhall | Hilton Oceanfront Resort – Hilton Head Island SC |
| 2001-02 | David W. Brown – A.W. Mendenhall | Napa Valley Marriott – Napa CA |
| 2000-01 | Chuck Wuttke – CSB Industries | Sedona Arizona Doubletree Resort – Sedona AZ |
| 1999-00 | Ron Underwood – White Mop Wringer | Royal York Hotel – Toronto ONT |
| 1998-99 | John Shaposky – Quantum Distributing | Hilton – Santa Fe NM |
| 1997-98 | Larry Hartman – Sanco Supplies | Longboat Key Club – Longboat Key FL |
| 1996-97 | Ron Kahn – American Brenner | Napa Valley Marriott – Napa CA |
| 1995-96 | Donna Johnsey – Master Supplier | Grove Park Inn – Asheville NC |
| 1994-95 | Thomas G. Vettel – Twincorp Master Distributor | Walt Disney World Swan Hotel – Orlando FL |
| 1993-94 | Philip D. Inscoe – JMZ Distributing | Vail – Vail CO |
| 1992-93 | Robert Stahurski – Nyco Products | Long Boat Key Club – Longboat Key FL |
| 1991-92 | Robert J. Sauer – Champion Inventrol | |
| 1990-91 | James R. Ferris – Wheels Maintenance | Banff Springs – Banff Alberta |
| 1989-90 | Rodney E. Coleman – Oakley Distributing Co. | Hyatt Regency – Lake Tahoe NV |
| 1988-89 | Gene B. Head – Acme Wholesale | Lake Conroe – Texas |
| 1987-88 | Stanley E. Friedman – Stockmasters Inc. | Opryland – Nashville TN |
| 1986-87 | William P. Cosgrove – Cosgrove Enterprises | Doral – Miami FL |
| 1985-86 | Howard Epstein – American Brenner | Claremont – Oakland CA |
| 1984-85 | Wayne E. Brand – BCS Industries | The Pointe – Phoenix AZ (1st official Executive Conference) |
| 1983-84 | David Holtzman – Tec Products | |
| 1982-83 | Robert J. Sauer – Champion Inventrol | |
| 1981-82 | David Holtzman – Tec Products | |
| 1980-81 | Adolph Velek – Velco Marketing |
Stanley E. Friedman Award of Merit
The Stanley E. Friedman Award of Merit was established in 1985 in honor of Stanley E. Friedman, who was one of the founding members of SSWA and a strong advocate of advancing wholesaling in the sanitary supply industry.
Criteria for the Stanley E. Friedman Award of Merit:
- It may or may not be awarded in any given year.
- Candidates for the award should have been a member of SSWA for a period of at least 5 years.
- If the candidate is a Wholesaler, he should be a strong supporter of the fundamental principles as outlined in the Articles of Association.
- If the candidate is a Manufacturer, he should offer a strong and effective wholesaler program.
- The candidate preferably has served on the Board of Directors of the SSWA.
- The candidate should be of the highest integrity in supporting either the member manufacturers or wholesalers to the best of their ability.
- The candidate should be considered by his peers as a leader in the industry, well known both in SSWA and ISSA.
- The candidate cannot be a current board member.
- The candidate must have made ongoing contributions over a period of time.
- The candidate must be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors and elected by closed ballot at the Spring Board Meeting.
Recipients of the Stanley E. Friedman Award of Merit have been:
- Stan Friedman (1989)
- Mickey Friedman (1990)
- Jim Powers (1992)
- Pete Lederer (1994)
- Gene Head (1995)
- Tom Vettel (1997)
- Ted Moon (1999)
- David Holtzman (2003)
- David Brown (2005)
- Steve Moser (2006)
- Herman Miron (posthumous) (2008)
- Ron Underwood (2012)
- Gordon Eanes (2013)
- Lane Crosser (2016)
- Todd Gatzulis (2019)
- Chris Ford (2023)
Chris Ford (R)
presented by
Mike Bohannon (L)
Todd Gatzulis (R)
presented by
Chris Ford (L)
Lane Crosser (L)
presented by
Tom Zatkulak (R)
Gordon Eanes
presented by
Lane Crosser (L) and John Recchia (R)
Ron Underwood (C)
with Chuck Wuttke (L) and John Underwood (R)
Herman Miron, accepted by his family Kathy, Thom, and Taylor Miron, presented by George Notarianni
Steve Moser (R)
presented by
David Brown (L)
David Brown (L)
presented by
Norman Leibowitz (R)
David Holtzman (L)
presented by
David Brown (R)
Pete Lederer (C),
presented by Stanley and Mickey Friedman
Articles of Association
Click the PDF link (right) to download the full Articles of Association for the Sanitary Supply Wholesaling Association. Last revision was January 21, 2019.
How Does Wholesaler Redistribution Work?
To the uninitiated, redistribution via a wholesaler would appear to be an unnecessary “extra step” in the Jan-San supply chain, shoehorned between manufacturers and their distributor customers.
But just as the Jan-San distributor provides a broad range of products to the end-user, the Jan-San wholesaler can simplify and streamline the supply chain between manufacturers and distributors. The wholesaler does this by purchasing large quantities from multiple manufacturers, consolidating the products in his warehouse, and providing just the right mix of products to his distributor customers.
Understanding Jan-San Redistribution:
To find out more read and/or download:
View the Flip Book FREE Executive SummaryContact Us for More Information
1
Manufacturers
If you would like to outsource management of small, high-cost-to-serve customer orders and achieve a more efficient process of meeting customer demands.
2
Wholesalers
We’ll help you connect and partner with key manufacturers in the sanitary supply industry to develop relationships and processes to benefit Distributors and End Users.
3
Join Today
We provide opportunities to streamline the products you need most with the services you need most, while encouraging partnerships, education, and networking. >>>>Click here to learn how to JOIN SSWA.
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