Preferred Sales
Preferred Sales Inc. (PSI) is a privately held manufacturer's representative agency representing roughly 36 plumbing, HVAC, and hydronics manufacturers across Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The firm drives demand through wholesale distribution using a 61-person sales, training, warehouse, and analytics team.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1961
- HeadquartersHermitage, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Preferred Sales does
Preferred Sales Inc. (PSI) is a privately held manufacturer's representative agency founded in 1962 and headquartered in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The firm represents approximately 36 manufacturers of plumbing, HVAC, and hydronics products across a four-state territory covering Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, with a combined population exceeding 22 million. PSI employs 21 outside sales experts and 40 office-based staff, supported by a 25,000 square-foot warehouse in Hermitage and an additional warehouse in Oakwood Village, Ohio. The company is led by CEO Alan Guidish and President Michelle Lewnes-Dadas, following a 2024 leadership transition.
PSI operates exclusively through wholesale distribution channels, never selling direct to contractors or end users. Its outside sales team drives demand at the contractor, engineer, architect, developer, and builder level, channeling orders through wholesale distributor partners that pay commission to PSI. The firm augments its core sales representation with value-added services including OCILB-certified CEU training, AIA/ASPE-approved Lunch and Learn programs, equipment startup and commissioning for commercial water heaters, hydronic systems, and VRF systems, and a dedicated BI team that provides market, pricing, and inventory analytics to manufacturer and distributor partners. A WooCommerce-based Partner Portal at store.preferredsales.com extends the motion digitally for select product categories.
The business model is commission-based, with manufacturer principals setting product pricing. Long-tenured manufacturer relationships (including Armstrong Fluid Technology at 30 years, Bradford White at 28 years, Myers/Pentair at 36 years, and Red-White Valve at 39 years) anchor recurring commission streams, while a multi-generational sales team with 15-year average tenure provides institutional continuity. The firm has grown through tuck-in acquisitions such as Story Equipment Sales (2021) and incremental territory and line card expansion, with no external investors or parent company affiliations identified.
Preferred Sales firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Preferred Sales
- Legal name
- Preferred Sales Inc.
- Website
- https://preferredsales.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1961
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Preferred Sales Inc. (PSI) is a privately held manufacturer's representative agency representing roughly 36 plumbing, HVAC, and hydronics manufacturers across Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The firm drives demand through wholesale distribution using a 61-person sales, training, warehouse, and analytics team.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Preferred Sales industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Manufacturer's Representative Services (Plumbing, HVAC, Hydronics)
- NAICS
- Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies (Hydronics) Merchant Wholesalers (423720), Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers (4251)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070)
- akta.pro primary industry
- HVAC, Water Heaters & Indoor Air Quality Distribution (CRAOAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Preferred Sales is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hermitage
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
Preferred Sales business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Manufacturer's Representative Commissions: Acts as manufacturer's representative for plumbing, HVAC, and hydronics manufacturers. Earns commissions on sales generated through wholesale distribution channels across the territory. Represents approximately 36 manufacturers.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
Preferred Sales product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Preferred Sales Inc. (PSI) is a manufacturer's representative agency that represents approximately 36 plumbing, HVAC, and hydronics manufacturers across Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The agency operates exclusively through wholesale distribution channels, generating demand at the contractor, engineer, architect, developer, and builder level, and providing complementary services including product training, equipment startups, commercial quotation support, warehouse/inventory management, and BI-driven market intelligence to manufacturer and distributor partners.
Product overview
Preferred Sales Inc. (PSI) is a manufacturer's representative agency, not a product company with a unified platform. The company operates as a sales agency representing approximately 40 manufacturers across three core categories: Plumbing (water heaters, fixtures, fittings, piping, pumps), HVAC (mini-splits, VRF systems, air conditioning), and Hydronics (boilers, circulators, radiant heating). PSI offers services including training programs, warehouse/inventory management, commercial quotation support, and equipment startup services. The company also operates a WooCommerce-based Partner Portal (store.preferredsales.com) for distributing water filtration products, pumps, and accessories. Key represented brands include Bradford White, Armstrong Fluid Technology, Fujitsu, Uponor, Milwaukee Tool, Oatey, Bradley Corporation, LAARS, Spirotherm, U.S. Boiler Company, Magic-Pak, Myers, Gastite, Crowcon, and many others. PSI serves distribution partners, contractors, engineers, and architects across Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Manufacturer's Sales Representation - Plumbing, HVAC, and Hydronics Core agency service: sales representation for plumbing, HVAC, and hydronics manufacturer partners (including Bradford White, Armstrong Fluid Technology, Fujitsu, Uponor, Milwaukee Tool, Oatey, Bradley Corporation, LAARS, Spirotherm, and many others) through wholesale distribution channels, with 21 outside sales experts executing field demand creation across the 4-state territory.
- Training Services Product training, installation training, troubleshooting diagnostics, and continuing education courses for contractors, distributors, and engineers in Ohio and across the territory. Includes OCILB-certified CEU programming covering tankless water heaters, condensing boilers, hydronics, mini-splits, and more, plus Lunch and Learn sessions for engineers and architects.
- Equipment Startup Services Startup and commissioning services for commercial water heaters (e.g., Bradford White), hydronic systems (e.g., LAARS), domestic booster pumps (e.g., QuantumFlo), and VRF mini-split systems (e.g., Fujitsu AIRSTAGE) to ensure proper equipment operation from day one and reduce callbacks.
- Warehouse and Inventory Management Inventory management and logistics services utilizing warehouses in Hermitage, PA (25,000 sq ft headquarters warehouse) and Oakwood Village, OH to support supply chain efficiency for manufacturer and distribution partners. Strategically located at the Pennsylvania/Ohio border near I-80 with 48-hour shipping to most of the US.
- Commercial Quotation Services Commercial quotes team that supports wholesale distributors with pricing from bid to buy for commercial and multi-family construction opportunities, accessible via the [email protected] mailbox.
- Partner Portal (E-Commerce) WooCommerce-based partner portal (store.preferredsales.com) offering water filtration products, pumps, replacement cartridges, and accessories for distributor and contractor partners. Includes terms of service governing partner account usage.
Quantifiable outcome
- Serves territory with population exceeding 22,000,000
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Preferred Sales
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Preferred Sales technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Preferred Sales partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
42 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Story Equipment Sales Inc.coreCleveland-based manufacturers' representative agency specializing in hydronic and HVAC products. Effective May 1, 2021, the Story Equipment team became part of Preferred Sales Inc.'s Northern Ohio sales team. The acquisition added 10 manufacturers including Armstrong Fluid Technology, Burnham Commercial Boilers, Creatherm, Holby Valve Company, New Yorker Boilers, Spirotherm, Sterling Inc., Super Radiator Coils, Thermo Products LLC, and U.S. Boiler Company. PSI retained existing office space and warehousing in Oakwood Village, OH.
- AIM/R (Association of Independent Manufacturers' Representatives)coreIndustry association where rep agencies share best practices and enhance their businesses. PSI leadership (Pete Lewnes, Alan Guidish) have served as AIM/R Presidents. Michelle Lewnes-Dadas on track to become company's third AIM/R President in 2025.
- ASA (American Suppliers Association)majorPSI participates in ASA events including NETWORK, Women in Industry, and Emerging Leaders conferences. Active in local NCWA (North Central Wholesalers Association) chapter.
- Armstrong Fluid TechnologycoreRepresented for 30 years. Expert in fluid flow, heat transfer, and demand-based control. Manufacturer of intelligent circulators and pumps stocked in PSI warehouses.
- Bradford WhitecoreRepresented for 28 years. The only American-strong, American-owned, wholesale-only water heater and boiler manufacturer in the US. PSI provides commercial water heater startups.
- Bradley CorporationcoreManufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures and washroom accessories. PSI territory expanded to include West Virginia effective February 14, 2022. PSI hosts BradVan mobile showroom events.
- FujitsucoreRepresented for 13 years. Leading manufacturer of energy-efficient residential and commercial mini-split and VRF systems. PSI team factory-trained to commission Fujitsu AIRSTAGE VRF systems.
- Milwaukee ToolcoreRepresented for 8 years. Industry-leading manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories and hand tools for professional users. PSI won Milwaukee Agency of the Year 2020.
- OateycoreDistributes over 6,000 plumbing products under Oatey, Cherne, Hercules, Dearborn, and Harvey brands. PSI provides merchandising support including planogram refreshes.
- UponorcoreRepresented for 19 years. World's premier PEX-a pipe manufacturer for commercial and residential potable and hydronic applications. Featured in Wick Tower high-rise renovation project.
- U.S. Boiler CompanycoreAmerican-made residential and commercial heating products. Added to PSI line card through Story Equipment acquisition.
- LAARScoreInnovative manufacturer of hydronic boilers for residential and commercial applications. PSI provides hydronic system startups.
- SpirothermcoreIndustry leading high efficiency Spirovent coalescing type air elimination products and Spirotrap dirt separators. Stocked in PSI warehouses.
- BeckettmajorRepresented for 7 years. Leader in combustion products. PSI hosts Beckett's National Education Program (NEP) residential hands-on training at multiple territory locations.
- Myers (Pentair)coreRepresented for 36 years. Sump, sewage, effluent and submersible pumps for domestic water distribution. Stocked in PSI warehouses.
- Magic-PakmajorRepresented for 10 years. MagicPak All-In-One HVAC Systems for apartments and condominiums. PSI offers AIA credits for Lunch and Learn training.
- GastitemajorRepresented for 26 years. Flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) for natural gas and propane distribution.
- CrowconmajorRepresented for 4 years. Manufacturer of combustion analyzers and gas detection products. Annual calibration performed at PSI warehouse in Hermitage, PA.
- TigrecorePVC fittings for DWV and Schedule 40 applications. Stocked in PSI warehouses.
- E.L. MusteemajorRepresented for 29 years. Fiberglass tubs, tub walls, laundry tubs, mop basins, shower floors and more.
- FluidmastermajorToilet repair brand with complete line of repair parts including flush valves, flappers, tank levers, and connectors.
- Merit BrassmajorPress Technology portion of catalog. Offers industry's only Visual Leak Before Press Ring (VLBPR) solution.
- Python Line SetsmajorPERT-AL-PERT line sets as alternative to traditional line sets. Light-weight, chemical resistant, UV resistant, tear and kink resistant.
- SolventummajorRepresented for 24 years. Master distributor of water filtration products for healthy drinking water and efficient water systems.
- Red-White ValvemajorRepresented for 39 years. Valve products for domestic water and hydronic heating systems.
- Heritage PlasticsmajorRepresented for 17 years. PVC & HDPE pipe for municipal, irrigation, plumbing, and industrial markets.
- Westinghouse HVACmajorResidential ductless mini-split systems offering energy-efficient solutions in single- and multi-zone applications.
- ThermoPridemajorRepresented for 5 years. Warm air furnaces, heat pumps, central air conditioning systems, and accessories.
- TjernlundmajorQuality products solving exhaust, ventilation and heating/cooling issues.
- BackstopmajorRepresented for 15 years. Thermal expansion tanks for safe operation of water heating systems.
- Burnham CommercialcoreLeading manufacturer of high-quality boilers and control systems for commercial and industrial applications. Added through Story Equipment acquisition.
- CreathermmajorRadiant floor panels for slab-on-grade, snow melt, and retrofit heating. Added through Story Equipment acquisition.
- Holby Valve CompanymajorFocused on simple, durable valve design and high-performance tempering valves. Added through Story Equipment acquisition.
- New Yorker Boiler CompanycoreReliable residential hydronic-heating products including cast iron and steel boilers and indirect water heaters. Added through Story Equipment acquisition.
- SterlcomajorCondensate & Boilerfeed Systems, Steam Traps & Strainers, and Temperature Control Valves. Added through Story Equipment acquisition. Stocked in PSI warehouses.
- AK IndustriesmajorComplete line of Poly and Fiberglas Sump Pits, Lids, Sewage Basins, Covers, and Guide Rail Systems.
- QuantumFlomajorEnergy-efficient variable-speed domestic booster systems for commercial applications. PSI provides commercial booster pump startups.
- ArmacellmajorCustom engineered foam products and components for insulation needs. Stocked in PSI warehouses.
- SmartLockminorRepresented for 2 years. Cutting-edge metal to metal sealing HVAC fittings for more secure and permanent seal vs rubber o-ring fittings.
- Electro IndustriesminorRepresented for 1 year. Energy-efficient electric heating solutions including heat pumps and boilers for residential and commercial needs.
- Zip WaterminorPremium all-in-one faucet systems delivering instant boiling, chilled, and sparkling filtered water for residential and commercial applications.
- OCILB (Ohio Construction Industry Laboratory)majorPSI team members certified by OCILB to teach over a dozen CEU courses for Ohio contractors. Courses cover tankless water heaters, condensing boilers, hydronics, mini-splits, and more.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Preferred Sales competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Winsupply: Major U.S. wholesale distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and building products with 600+ company-owned locations. Functions as a key distributor partner type in PSI's territory and operates its own in-house rep-style business development function.
- Watsco: Largest U.S. distributor of HVAC equipment and parts with over 600 locations nationwide. As both a competitor to PSI's distribution partners and a potential direct customer, Watsco represents the broad incumbent that increasingly shapes HVAC channel economics.
- Johnstone Supply: Wholesale HVAC distributor cooperative with 450+ independently owned locations across the U.S. PSI's field sales team calls on Johnstone branches across its territory as part of standard demand-creation activity.
- Ferguson Enterprises: Largest U.S. wholesale distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and waterworks products. PSI's primary distributor partner and a major industry incumbent whose strategic decisions directly influence rep agency economics across the territory.
- Hajoca Corporation: Large U.S. wholesale distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and industrial products with 400+ locations. A key distributor partner class for PSI and a broad incumbent that influences product specification decisions in PSI's territory.
- R.E. Michel Company: Wholesale distributor of HVAC products serving contractors across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. A direct channel partner in PSI's territory and a representative example of the distributor customer base PSI depends on.
Direct peers
- Diversified Sales & Marketing: Manufacturer's representative agency covering HVAC, plumbing, and industrial markets with field sales representation through wholesale distribution channels. Comparable in rep agency model and territory-based coverage approach.
- Pannier Sales: Independent manufacturer's representative agency covering HVAC, plumbing, and hydronic products across multiple U.S. states. Operates the same rep-to-distributor business model as PSI with field sales coverage of wholesale distributors and contractor training programs.
- Mid-South Sales: Manufacturer's representative agency serving HVAC, plumbing, and hydronic markets across multiple states. Directly comparable to PSI in business model, customer base (wholesale distributors and contractors), and service offerings.
- The Joyce Agency: Long-established manufacturer's representative agency serving the HVAC, plumbing, and hydronics industries through wholesale distribution. Directly comparable business model with outside sales coverage and value-added services like training and equipment startups.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Preferred Sales social profiles
Digital presencePreferred Sales financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Preferred Sales leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Preferred Sales funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Preferred Sales M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Preferred Sales
What does Preferred Sales do?
Preferred Sales Inc. (PSI) is a manufacturer's representative agency that represents approximately 36 plumbing, HVAC, and hydronics manufacturers across Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The agency operates exclusively through wholesale distribution channels, generating demand at the contractor, engineer, architect, developer, and builder level, and providing complementary services including product training, equipment startups, commercial quotation support, warehouse/inventory management, and BI-driven market intelligence to manufacturer and distributor partners.
Is Preferred Sales a public or private company?
Preferred Sales is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Preferred Sales founded?
Preferred Sales was founded in 1961. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Preferred Sales based?
Preferred Sales is headquartered in Hermitage, United States, in the North America region.
How does Preferred Sales make money?
One revenue line is on record: manufacturer's Representative Commissions.
Who are Preferred Sales's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Winsupply, Watsco, Johnstone Supply, Ferguson Enterprises, Hajoca Corporation and R.E. Michel Company. Direct peers are Diversified Sales & Marketing, Pannier Sales, Mid-South Sales and The Joyce Agency.
Does Preferred Sales have an API?
No public API is recorded for Preferred Sales.
What industry is Preferred Sales in?
Preferred Sales's product category is Manufacturer's Representative Services (Plumbing, HVAC, Hydronics). Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAOAFAJ, HVAC, Water Heaters & Indoor Air Quality Distribution. Its NAICS code is 423720 and its SIC code is 5070.