Vol. 10 No. 2Vol. 10 No. 2Winter 2010Winter 2010“News and Views That Are Out Of This World”“News and Views That Are Out Of This World”

Board of Directors

Robert A. BorrhelloTriangle Fastener Corp.

Cleveland, OH216-351-9933

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Chairman

George MorganKentec, Inc.

Snellville, GA770-985-1907

Jerry FergusonRailway Distributing, Inc.

Campbell, CA 408-866-9266

Bob HelcherAllied Fastener &Tool

Lake Worth, FL561-585-2113

Nevan LittleLittle Hardware Company, Inc.

Charlotte, NC704-333-3133

Mike WalburnBuilders Equipment

Decatur, GA404-289-0456

Vice-Chairman/Secretary

Treasurer

Ron FoltzCornerstone Tool & Fastener

Tallahassee, FL850-580-1200

Larry JohnsonNorthbrook Contractor Supply

Northbrook, IL847-272-1290

Sphere 1 Directory

For more information on Sphere 1 please contact us or check out our website at www.sphere1.coopSphere 1 National Office

2121 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 170, Carlsbad, CA 92011

President/CEO Vice President Cooperative Services Carol Shackelford Mike Bentley Melinda Tobey 714-777-6724 760-804-0430 760-804-0430 cas@sphere1net.com mcbentley@sphere1.coop mhtobey@sphere1net.com

Director

Rodney SteierDuo-Fast Northeast

East Hartford, CT860-289-6861

Makita, DRIVEN BY INNOVATION, CONTINUES TO LEAD IN 2010

Makita, a Sphere 1 Preferred Supplier, continues to lead in 2010 with more best-in-class industrial power tools and high energy marketing. Makita’s initiatives are fueled by innovation and are part of a relentless drive to build the brand and increase user awareness. “Makita is all about serving the pro tradesman,” said Rich Chapman, Makita senior vice president of sales. “Makita tools are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results. We also apply innovation to our marketing programs, including Makita’s high energy sponsorships in live racing and action sports. This helps build brand awareness and drive sales.” Ongoing Innovation Makita’s product innovations include the industry’s first 18V lithium-ion cordless lineup. Makita LXT has been on jobsites across America for over four years, and now has over 35 cordless solutions powered by a single battery. Makita’s battery charging system, the first from a power tool company to carry the ENERGY STAR label, will charge an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery in just 30 minutes and an 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery in only 15 minutes. The result is a more efficient charging process and less downtime. Makita has a deep lineup of concrete solutions – including 17 rotary hammers, 12 demo hammers, and 5 power cutters – as well as an assortment of accessories including carbide bits, steel bits, diamond blades, and more. Select concrete hammers are equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT), Makita’s exclusive counterbalance system that reduces vibration. AVT is an innovation based on seismic engineering and utilizes a mechanical damper, effectively a counterbalance weight, to reduce vibration. As vibration is reduced, power is increased and more of the generated power in the motor is delivered to the tool bit, not the user. Continued on next page

Makita’s new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cord-less 3-Speed Brushless Motor Impact Driver (BTD144) is one of the latest innovations in Makita’s growing LXT Series. Makita now offers over 35 cordless solutions that will run on one 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery.

My mother is 89 years old, lives inde-pendently, volunteers at the local hospi-tal, and still drives her car albeit similar to “Mrs. Magoo”. Try as you like there are some things you just can’t change, some things you just can’t control. Ad-ditionally she is wise beyond her years and to this day I still gather council from her. Recently as I was lamenting about the “tough” business conditions we all faced last year she said simply “Son you just can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”, and added “from what you are saying you’re not very bullish on next year either”.

Well that shook me because it clearly brought into focus my conflict between being optimistic and that of being realis-tic. A conflict I’m sure I share with most of you. Try as I might, with the help of some of the best and brightest people I know, 2009 will go down as one of the most difficult, and in many ways, devastating years any of us have faced. We’ve all downsized, restructured and positioned our companies to the point of nausea. We’ve lost good companies and more good industry people and friends than I care to contemplate. Some things you just can’t control.

I would not be honest with you if I said 2010 will be a great year or even a good year. Residential Housing and Commercial construction are two of the key components of our economy that are still flatfooted trying mightily to gain traction again. It’s a process and not one that you can turn on a dime to revitalize... to gather momentum again...certainly not quickly.

However, with the general economy on a modest upswing, I feel confident that as we move through 2010 and be-yond we should all begin to see that pendulum of pent up demand begin to swing back in our favor and years of construction growth ahead for our com-panies.

As we move down this still difficult road ahead and into this construction transitional period I encourage all of

Continued on back cover

TriangleFastenerCorporation

Board Chairman’s Message

BobBorrhello

Makita, Driven By Innovation … Continued from the cover “As a Sphere 1 Preferred Supplier, Makita will continue to deliver more cordless solutions to members with our LXT Series, as well as more concrete products and accessories,” said Chapman. “Makita is a true one-stop source for best-in-class cordless and concrete solutions, and an excellent option to non-member suppliers.” High Energy Sponsorships Makita also applies innovation to a high energy sponsorship program that includes live racing and world class soccer. In 2009, Rockstar Makita Suzuki Racing captured six championships in AMA Supercross, Motocross, Superbike, and ATV. In addition to racing, Makita is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Major League Soccer (MLS), as well as the Mexican National Soccer Team (Federacion Mexicana de Fútbol, or FMF). “We know that pro tool users work hard, and we also know that racing and action sports are a big part of their lives off the jobsite,” said Ken Hefley, Makita senior vice president, marketing. “As an active sponsor we have the opportunity to engage the pro tradesman at these high energy events.” More Solutions and More Growth in 2010 Makita will continue to be the innovation leader with a complete line of industrial power tools and accessories, backed by high energy marketing and sponsorship initiatives designed to build brand awareness. As we begin a new year, Makita would like to thank the Sphere 1 membership for their support and business, and we look forward to growing with you in 2010.

Please see the Makita member-only insert

Makita knows concrete, and the 27.1 lb. SDS-MAX AVT Demolition Ham-mer (HM1214C) is the latest addition to Makita’s deep lineup of concrete solutions. The versatile HM1214C has an in-line design for vertical or hori-zontal work, and is equipped with AVT, Makita’s exclusive counterbalance system that reduces vibration for more efficient hitting power.

Sphere 1 members donate to WWP“In this time of war, few things are more vital than reaching out to America’s wounded troops as you did with your generous gift.

For these troops, many of them young adults, your patriotic kindness means a hand up as they begin new lives after severe injuries and trauma. As a partner in the Wounded Warrior Project mission to honor and empower wounded warriors, you help these men and women move back into the mainstream of the great American life they protected for you and me.”

Saluting Your Generosity,

Adam SilvaAdam SilvaChief Development Officer

DHC SuppliesRancho Cordova, CA • 916-383-2024

Contact: Donald Smithdgsmithjr@dhcsupplies.com

www.dhcsupplies.com

WELCOME NEW SPHERE 1 MEMBER

SPHERE 1 MEMBER NEWS

On October 8, 2009, A.H. Harris & Sons officially opened their 42nd location in Baltimore, MD. The location, which opened its doors in mid-February 2009, welcomed over 40 vendors and an array of contractor customers to help celebrate the event. The Grand Opening was held from 3-7pm and guests were treated to a traditional barbecue dinner including beverages, vendor demonstrations and

plenty of door prizes donated by vendor partners. In addition to the contractor customers that attended, some local Baltimore dignitaries stopped by to lend AH Harris support, including Mr. David Garza, the Economic Development Officer of the Greater Baltimore Business Development Corporation. Mr. Garza assisted Shane O’Kelly and Harris Leadership with the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

As Burns Power Tools begins its 76th year, owner and president John “Spike” Burns has elected to retire and enjoy some extra time with his family. Zachary Burns will take over as president and run the company with owner Jeffrey Burns, who remains on as

vice president and treasurer. After serving his country in the Vietnam War, Spike Burns began his career at Burns in 1973, and became president and owner in 1975. Throughout the years, Spike was instrumental in growing the company from a small saw shop to one of the largest power tool and machinery suppliers in New England. He has also served as the president of the Fall River Rotary Club, and served a three year term on the STAFDA (Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributor Association) Board of Directors. During Spike’s time as President of Burns Power Tools, the company was awarded the first ever Fall River Business Excellence Award in 1988 and was named one of the “World’s Best Tool Stores” by Tools of the Trade Magazine in 2002.

WELCOME NEW PREFERRED SUPPLIER

Cooper B-Line is a leading manufacturer of quality support systems and enclosures for the electrical, mechanical and telecommunications industries. Our products, manufactured in modern facilities throughout the United States and United Kingdom, are used in a variety of settings for the commercial, industrial, utility and OEM markets. In addition, Cooper B-Line operates regional sales offices and distribution centers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. B-Line began as a division of the Binkley Company located in Wright City, Missouri in 1956. As industrial demand for its products grew, the B-Line division moved to Highland, Illinois in 1969 to begin operations in a new, more modern facility. In 1971, B-Line became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sigma Chemical of St. Louis, Missouri, which is now known as Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. In 2000, B-Line became a stand-alone division of Cooper Industries, adding strength to Cooper’s position in the electronics and telecommunications markets. The success of our company depends on the commitment and efforts of every employee to offer an unmatched level of service to our customers. Cooper B-Line prizes our employees, our customers, and our shareholders as equal partners in our quest for excellence. Rick Duft is the primary contact for Cooper B-Line. He may be reached at 618-651-2044, fax 618-651-2081, cell 618-531-9752 or rick.duft@cooperindustries.com

PREFERRED SUPPLIER NEWS

Diamond Products is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Coats to National Accounts Manager. Bob has an extensive background in the diamond tool and equipment industry. Bob started his career with Target/Electrolux/Husqvarna in national and international sales management and most recently with DITEQ Corp as VP of Sales and Marketing. Bob brings with him an understanding of the industry, customer and market needs. For more information call Diamond Products at 800-321-5336.Bob Coats

Aervoe Industries, Inc. has launched their newly designed web site. Cus-tomers will find the site much more user friend-ly. Keyword and Item number searches have been improved making ordering is easy. PDF files are available for MSDS and Product Data Sheets. The site also contains contact in-formation for customer service, sales and technical support. Additionally questions may be submitted via the site and will be answer by a representative within 24 hours. Coming soon

customers will be able to download product photos for use on websites and print catalogs will be available. Please visit the site at www.aervoe.com

Driltec LLC announced that it has acquired certain assets of Heller Anchor Bore, Shelby Township, Mich. Driltec will continue to sell carbide tipped masonry and concrete drill bits, chisels and other associated items under the Heller An-chor Bore brand. Heller Anchor Bore Co. began operations in 1983 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Heller, Bremen Ger-

many. Heller was known as the oldest hand tool manufacturer in Germany. Heller developed the world’s first carbide tipped masonry drill and later expanded the use of carbide into the pro-duction of other cutting tools. In 1965 Heller developed technology to produce masonry drills suitable for both rotary and rotary impact applications.

PREFERRED SUPPLIER NEWS

Reed Manufacturing welcomes Jeff Esmont as the new Region-al Manager for Ohio, Kentucky, Southern Michigan. Western New York and Northwest Pennsylvania. Jeff will serve key accounts, work

with manufacturers reps, and focus on developing new business. Jeff has 25 years of experience in the industry. He may be reached via email at jesmont@reedmfgco.com or voice mail at 800-666-3691 ext. 1407, cell 301-704-7463. Hector Angel is the new Reed International Regional Manager for South America. Based in Bogota, Colombia, He will work with distributors and sales representatives to keep them current on product developments and new marketing programs. Hector has more than 25 years of experience in the industry.

Jeff Esmont Hector Angel

Lackmond Products, Inc. is pleased to announce Steve Leeper has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales. Steve joined Lackmond Products, Inc. in April 2007 as National Sales Manager. He has over 30 years experience in industrial, commercial, and residential product manufacturing, sales, and distribution. Steve will concentrate on product line development, sales, and the expansion of the Lackmond Products brand worldwide. Rob Moe has been hired as Vice President of Sales. Rob has more than 25 years of sales and management experience in the STAFDA Industry. During this time he has worked 10 years in the distribution segment of the business and 15 years in the manufacturing portion of the industry. Rob will be responsible for directing the sales efforts of Lackmond’s sales representatives and

territory sales managers and their contact with dealers across the United States, Canada and abroad. Rob is the Sphere 1 primary contact and may be reached at 800-850-2044 or rmoe@lackmond.com

Steve Leeper Rob Moe

Thomas W. Greco, President of Green Bull Brand has rejoined the (ALI) American Ladder Institute. The American Ladder Institute, founded in 1947, represents North American ladder manufacturers and is committed to the highest standards of ladder safety. ALI’s mission is to educate the public as to the selection, care, and safe use of ladders and develop and disseminate the appropriate standards for design, construction, testing, care and use of ladders.

Greco has been named to the Board of Directors effective immediately.

Fomo Products is pleased to announce that Josh Domo has accepted the role of Channel Development Specialist. Josh is based in Ohio and will work closely

with Fomo’s sales force to support, grow and develop sales within the STAFDA market. Josh brings many years of sales experience with him and is looking forward to working closely with Sphere 1 members to help them grow sales. For more information please contact Fomo at 800-321-5585 or info@fomo.com Josh Domo

John Davis is the Director of Sales; Marketing Groups for Milwaukee Electric Tool. He has over 23 years of experience in the industry. John is the new Sphere 1 primary contact. He may be reached at 314-487-6959, cell

314-591-0627 or via email at John.Davis@MilwaukeeTool.com

John Davis

PREFERRED SUPPLIER NEWS

PrimeSource is pleased to announce that Rick Skitt has been promoted to Director of Pro-Twist. Rick has been a Marketing Manager in the Pro-Twist product group since joining the company in 2006. He started in the lumber industry in 1975, and moved into the commer-cial STAFDA market in 1980. Rick has a wealth of knowledge and exten-sive experience in sales, operations and manage-ment in the industry. PrimeSource announces the relocation of their Tallahassee Distri-bution Center to Jacksonville, Fl. The new

facility is a modern 86,000 sq. ft. building, with 24’ clear ceilings, and ample outside

storage. This location will provide customers better service, and more product line availability. Bob Beata, the current DC Manager in Tallahassee, has relocated to Jack-sonville and will be in charge of this distribution center.The corporate office for PrimeSource has moved into new offices. The address is PrimeSource Building Products, Inc., 1321 Greenway Drive. Irving, TX 75038. The main phone number is 972-999-8764.

Rick Skitt

PrimeSource Corporate Offices

Jacksonville Distribution Center

Bill Triolo is the new primary contact for Jackson Safety/Kimberly Clark Global Safety. Bill has 20 years of experience with Kimberly Clark Corp. serving as sales trainer, sales manager and corporate account manager. He may be reached at 302-832-7668 or cell 302-893-5131 or email wtriolo@kcc.com.

Members please visit the TREK Center at www.sphere1.coop for more training information.

TREK TRAINING – SPHERE 1 UNIVERSITY UPDATE

• 770 Member Employees taking courses

• 5,856 Enrollments

• 1,386 Hours of Training Completed • 35 Courses

Thanks to our Preferred Suppliers who have recently added courses • Norseman Drill & Tools • Simpson Strong-Tie HSS Twist Drill Nomeclature Crack Repair Adhesives

Sphere 1 Holds Sphere 1 University Webinars for Members & Suppliers

Upcoming Sphere 1 University Webinars • Members: • Suppliers: January 28 January 29 February 18 February 19

Powers Fasteners 3-Day Distributor Training Programs are available to autho-rized Powers Distributors. Courses cover construction fastening including product features and benefits, hands-on installation and safety training, the fundamentals of “Cracked Concrete” anchoring, and the “Pragmatics of Jobsite Selling” Training Dates March 24-26 • Brewster, NY June 16-18 •Brewster, NY August 18-20 • Brewster, NY October 6-8 • Las Vegas, NVReservations are on a “first-come/first-served” basis and should be requested no later than 2 weeks prior the scheduled class. To register contact Ms. Jean Mulhern at 1-800-524-3244

United Abrasives, Inc. / SAIT training seminars provide intensive instruction that will help improve your business’ profitability by giving you a better understanding of United Abrasives, Inc. / SAIT products and marketing

strategies. This opportunity is provided to our customers, complements of United Abrasives, Inc. / SAIT. Please take advantage and sign up today! The training room has just undergone a complete renovation and has doubled in size.United Abrasives / SAIT training seminars are open to distributors giving them an opportunity to visit our facility in North Windham, Connecticut and learn more about abrasives. During the 2 day seminar there will be an overview of abrasive products including bonded, coated, brushes, and accessory items. Attendees will also be given a plant tour of our manufacturing facility and participate in a very extensive hands-on session. Keep checking our website’s Training section for upcoming dates in 2010. For more information contact Ron Gehen at rgehen@unitedabrasives.com or visit www.unitedabrasives.com

Dave Bozied, president of Stan Houston Equipment Co. in Sioux Falls, died October 7, 2009 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was a self-made businessman and had many business interests throughout the state. He was the past president of B&B Concrete of Brookings and Flandreau, and past-president of Consolidated Ready Mix of Aberdeen, Sisseton, Redfield, Webster and Watertown. Dave was appointed as one of the original board members to the board the governor created to oversee the project to re-open the former Homestake gold mine and develop a state-run, interim science lab at the 4,850-foot level. He was also heavily involved and instrumental in the successful negotiations to transfer the surface and underground properties from Homestake parent company Barrick Gold Corp. to the state of South Dakota. The property transfer made it possible for the state to develop the lab. “Dave never forgot the vision of an underground laboratory at Homestake,” said Bill Harlan, communications specialist for the Sanford

Lab. “Dave’s contribution to the Sanford Lab was huge,” Sanford Lab executive director Ron Wheeler said of the man who helped make the project a reality. “Dave was a part of this project almost before it was a project.” May 2009 Bozied celebrated with the rest of his board members, Sanford Lab staff, and members of the DUSEL team when the 4,850-foot level was officially opened for development. “Dave was so passionate about the project and we shared that passion. He saw this as an opportunity to create something so large and have such an impact on education for children and job opportunities that we felt it was one of the best projects we could work on and to give back to the state.” said Casey Peterson, current chairman of the S.D. Science and

Technology Authority. Bozied also served on a number of statewide boards to improve the quality of life in South Dakota; the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, chairman of the S.D. State Cement Plant Commission, and chairman of the Municipal Facilities Authority.

In Memory,

David Bozied

you to do a few things. Do your verybest to bring people back to work in your community and in your business. We have way too many Americans out of work. Second, do not be reluctant to get involved with the political process that affects our businesses and our in-dustry. Third, take advantage of the multi-faceted value points and benefits that being a part of Sphere1 affords all of our companies. It’s a great organiza-tion on many levels: A top notch man-agement team in Carol and Mike, a great staff in Melinda, Colleen, Kathy, Nancy and Barb, a dedicated Board of Direc-tors and a membership of distributors and suppliers committed to the partner-ing process. That’s a great combination. Utilize it to your advantage. My thanks to all!

Until we meet again I wish you a Hap-py, Healthy, Success Filled 2010.

Kind regards,

Bob Borrhello

Board Chairman’s MessageContinued from page 2

Calendar of Events

Sphere 1 2010 Annual Meeting May 5-7 2010

Optional Golf Outing May 4Omni Championsgate Resort • Orlando FL

Online registration will be available January 25. If you have any questions regarding the meeting, please contact Barb Drochak at 702-629-6468, or cell 262-617-

9929, or email Barb at bdrochak@sphere1.coop