Hose Play

It also takes quite a financial investment for distributors not already marketing industrial hose. Mika estimated startup costs of $250,000 for initial inventory for hose and couplings, along with first-year operating cost and having a sizable amount of available warehouse space. Successful industrial hose distributors also typically have staff dedicated to that part of the business."If you're going to put in part-time focus, you're going to get part-time results," he said. "You're either in the industrial hose business or you're not. You have to stock common products, and you have to make the commitment for the people and the resources to make sure they are properly trained."Buzz Hooper of Rubber & Accessories Inc. said he started in the business with a manufacturer and got to visit distributors all over the U.S.

"I saw what a good distributor was and what a bad distributor was," he said. "It's a very good business to be in, but just make sure you're ready to make that commitment because you can't be in industrial hose half way."Eaton also provides support to its distributors by making sure that both outside and inside sales staff are trained on new products. The firm also works with either NAHAD or coupling manufacturer partners to ensure proper training on couplings is provided.Its first choice in looking to add industrial hose distributors is to work with established Eaton distributors, according to Mika. The company has established Aeroquip and Weatherhead distributors for hydraulic lines, and the goal is to get them to convert to Eaton industrial hose if they currently sell another brand or to teach those not in the business what it takes to enter the sector.

Ed Fabacher of Fabacher Inc. said for those in the fluid conveyance industry, it is easy to incorporate industrial hose into the business. "I encourage you to do so because I think you'd find the profitability would be very astounding."Southern Regional Medical Center emergency room technician Doug Shenker and registered nurse Kathleen Peak try out the hospital's new deluge kit fire hose during a disaster preparedness drill Wednesday. Bottlenose is offering a deeper and visual look into what's trending in the global Twitter fire hose with Sonar Solo.