www.pyebarker.com
1-800-282-9784
P.O. Box 1387 (30298) 121 Royal Dr. Forest Park, GA 30297
JANUARY 2019
Like every new year, heading into 2019 means finding ways to raise the bar. As a company, we set our goal for growth at a minimum of 10 percent every year so we are always making progress, similar to an offensive drive. Sometimes you run, sometimes you pass, and sometimes you scramble. We may not get a touchdown every time, but as long as we’re moving the chain, we can make a field goal and sustain our momentum. Coming off of our last drive, I’m incredibly excited to see the strides Pye-Barker makes this year. Our team grew substantially in 2018, adding new positions, from sales to senior management. As any business owner can relate, this experience of growth was filled with both challenges and opportunities. There were, of course, growing pains. Changing from a close-knit company of about 20 people to something larger will always be hard, as everything from SOP to company culture has to evolve. But having weathered this transition, we’ve brought in new blood and new ideas that will have us running faster and smarter than ever before. Now, the question for 2019 is how to make the most of our expanding team. The answer is already in motion, but it’s about to get kicked into a high gear. We will be ratcheting up our standards of excellence company-wide. As the saying goes, everyone’s in sales — we want to exceed expectations, from phone calls to installation. We’ve got a great baseline to start on, and with the initiatives we’re putting in place, I have no doubt our team will raise the bar for industrial distruibution in Georgia. In the midst of all the planning and preparation for the new year, someone asked me a question that gave me pause: “Where do you want to be this time next year?” At first I’ll admit I was tempted to be glib and answer “the beach.” Then I really began to think about it. PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR HOW WE’RE RAISING THE BAR
The last months of the year were hectic, sure. But it was a good kind of hectic, filled with the excited energy that comes with the sense that plans are falling into place. In those strategy meetings and team trainings, you could feel that we were on the cusp of a new chapter for Pye-Barker — a new season, to return to the football metaphor. So when it comes to where I want to be at the start of 2020, my honest answer is right here. I don’t mean we stay exactly where we’re at right now — the opposite, in fact. I want to once again find our company in a state of growth, alive with the excitement that comes with moving forward into bigger and better possibilities. The one thing I can say with confidence is that we will never outgrow our commitment to our customers. To all of you who have relied on our team over the years, thank you. We could not have gotten where we are today without your trust in us and the products we carry. As we move into the new year, we look forward to exceeding your expectations at every turn.
Here’s to 2019,
-Eric Lunsford
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1-800-282-9784 • www.pyebarker.com
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BILL WALSH ON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LEADER ‘THE SCORE TAKES CARE OF ITSELF’
led him to success. With award- winning author Steve Jamison, Walsh’s decades of experience are distilled into a comprehensive guide that can be used by coaches and CEOs alike. One theme throughout the book is the idea that sound fundamentals trump instincts. As Walsh aptly puts it, “Hearing someone described as being able to ‘fly by the seat of his pants’ always suggests to me a leader who hasn’t prepared properly and whose pants may soon fall down.” For long-term success, you have to have a game plan.
The term “game changer” gets tossed around so much these days that it no longer seems to hold enough weight to describe a legendary coach like Bill Walsh. But how do you describe someone who quite literally changed the way football is played at its highest level? It takes incredible willpower to defy conventional wisdom and turn a struggling team into a powerhouse. In Walsh’s memoir on leadership, “The Score Takes Care of Itself,” he explores the philosophy that guided him through his coaching career and
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT CHAD SPROUSE COMBINES PASSION WITH EXPERIENCE
This month we’re featuring another member of the Sprouse family: our maintenance technician, Chad! Having come to the company with his brother, Shawn, 7 years ago, Chad has witnessed a lot of changes in his time at Pye-Barker. In his time here, he has worked his way up from doing maintenance in our shop to his current role providing technical assistance to plants directly. Knowing Chad’s background, there couldn’t be a more perfect fit. “I’ve always enjoyed building things with my hands,” Chad reflects. “I’m always doing wood and metalwork in my free time — when I’m not working on my truck.” Chad’s passion for craftsmanship made him an ideal addition to our in-house team all those years ago. Now, with years of experience working on our equipment, it was clear to us that he was more than ready to make the jump to maintenance technician. What Chad likes most about his new position is the travel. “It’s great to see all the plants we serve. I get to see a lot of different processes and help people directly.” He adds with a laugh, “It beats being in the shop all day.” Along with experience, Chad’s years at Pye-Barker have also brought him perspective. I’m glad that we’re growing and getting better as a company,” Chad says about the changes he’s seen. Remarking on our recent string of new hires, he explains, “Watching more people come on has been a good feeling.”
As for Chad’s most recent handiwork outside of the office, he just finished refurbishing the interior of his grandfather’s boat, so the Sprouse family should be cruising in style come spring. Whether Chad is on the clock or not, you’re sure to find him tinkering with something to make it better.
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Pye-Barker Supply Co. • www.pyebarker.com
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP THE TYPES TO CHOOSE FROM AND THE FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR Selecting a centrifugal pump for your process is no easy task. There are various options available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the optimal pump for your operation will depend on the nature and location of your business. That being said, there are a few important factors every business owner will have to mull over before deciding on a pump. BASE-MOUNTED OR INLINE The two major types of centrifugal pumps are base-mounted and inline models. As the name suggests, base-mounted models come with all of their components mounted on a common base. Inline models, on the other hand, are traditionally mounted directly in the piping line. Inline options tend to be smaller but carry a lower operating cost. It’s worth noting that if you’re in an area with a high instance of seismic activity, base-mounted pumps are the safer and more reliable option. SINGLE OR DOUBLE SUCTION In general, HVAC applications exceeding 2,000 gallons per minute (GPM) or requiring a pump larger than 8 inches should consider a double suction pump. Single suction pumps are cheaper to install and easier to maintain than their double suction counterparts, but they’re not without drawbacks. Because they only have one suction source, they’re prone to wear and tear caused by axial thrust, which gives them a much shorter lifespan than double suction alternatives, which can last up to 30 years. SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS In addition to understanding the differences between styles of pumps, there are a few things that you should ask about, regardless of the unit you select. Perhaps the most important piece to ask about is an OSHA-approved coupler guard. Without one, operators are at risk: dangling items could get caught in the coupler, which can lead to serious injury.
For Walsh, preparation for leadership begins by bracing yourself for the worst. A mantra repeated throughout the book is “expect defeat.” In business and in football, losses are just a fact of life; how you prepare for and respond to these crises will determine your team’s overall success. But the most valuable element of leadership in Walsh’s eyes is how you treat the members of your team. You need to have the courage to let them know you believe in them. Using simple but earnest positive reinforcement, this legendary coach turned the 49ers into an incredible team, and the benefits show. Segments of the book contain anecdotes and reflections from players such as Joe Montana and Randy Cross, whose deep admiration for their former leader speak volumes. “The Score Takes Care of Itself” was published posthumously. Walsh’s son, Craig, did much of the legwork to piece this definitive portrait together. What we are left with is a truly insightful read from one of the most innovative, inspiring minds in sports history. It will be a long time before a book like this comes around again.
From a performance perspective, it’s important to align your pump in a way so as to limit elbows, which decrease performance and exert high levels of pressure on impellers. These are far from the only characteristics to think about when selecting a centrifugal pump, but starting with these considerations will set you on a path to successfully choosing the best option for your business. Call Pye- Barker Engineered Solutions today to learn more about centrifugal pumps.
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1-800-282-9784 • www.pyebarker.com
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. Box 1387 (30298) 121 Royal Drive Forest Park, GA 30297
CALL US NOW! 1-800-282-9784
INSIDE THIS 1 Plans for the New Year
ISSUE
The Philosophy of Bill Walsh Meet Chad Sprouse!
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Have a Laugh on Us! Crucial Centrifugal Pump Features
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The Best Skiing Destinations in the World
part of your stimulating experience, because every curve of fresh powder makes your pupils dilate. Once you’re done flying down the hill where Bode Miller took the bronze, head over to the winter wonderland of the old Olympic Village for a cozy night in a picturesque town. ST. ANTON, AUSTRIA If you want a great location for next year’s Christmas card photo, there’s no better place than the Tyrolean Alps. Nestled in a valley between perfectly molded mountains, the Austrian landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter excursions. The densely wooded areas and the bright reflection of the snow frame the vibrant town that’s just waiting to be explored. When you’re ready for world-class runs, hop in one of the 11 gondolas and zip down the hills that hosted the 2001 Alpine World Ski Championships. WHO’S READY FOR SOME POWDER? 3 OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST WINTER SPORT DESTINATIONS
The sound of the first carve through fresh powder is the anthem of all winter sports enthusiasts. Here are three of the world’s best places to experience that powder you’ve been craving all year. BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO John Denver’s anthem “Rocky Mountain high” is about the freedom he felt here. Where there are great mountains, there’s even better snow. The ski resort boasts five peaks, 187 trails, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and a renowned cross-country trail. After a day on the slopes, head into the town of Breckenridge for dining and activities that ditch the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen and take you straight to the heart of fun. WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA A destination that looks like a cross between a Nordic paradise and Olympic-level runs, Whistler is filled with true magic, winter activities, and a town that captivates the senses. When you see the mountains of British Columbia, you’ll understand why they hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The location’s beauty is only
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Pye-Barker Supply Co. • www.pyebarker.com
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
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