Paul Ardente, co-owner of Ardente Supply Co., of Providence, is part of the third-generation in his family to run the business, which boasts being the oldest operating plumbing, heating, cooling and industrial supplier in Rhode Island.
This year Ardente’s WaterSpot showrooms, which have locations in Providence, Westerly, Woonsocket and Natick, Mass., have won awards from Rhode Island monthly and Boston magazines.
Ardente recently hired new employees in sales and customer service and Paul Ardente took some time to discuss how his venerable company is adapting to the 21st century.
PBN: Your WaterSpot showrooms have been getting a lot of attention recently. Is retail becoming a larger part of your business?
ARDENTE: Yes. We made the conscious decision five years ago to upgrade our retail presence and focus on the higher-end customer.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
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PBN: Ardente most recently expanded into air conditioning. How is that part of the business going and do you see entering any new markets in the future?
ARDENTE: Air conditioning as a whole has been increasing in New England given the hotter summers and the decline of second-home sales in costal communities. We are seeing the largest rise in ductless product for retrofit.
PBN: How has the prolonged slump in the housing market changed your business?
ARDENTE: It has made us become leaner and concentrate our efforts on efficiency. We are also trying new markets; we opened a 10,000-square-foot showroom in Natick, Mass., in June 2009. We have also made a commitment to alternative energy, such as solar, radiant, and high-efficiency appliances. When we remolded our Providence location we incorporated a 30-seat classroom to conduct training seminars to the trade to educate and provide the latest technology that is available.
PBN: You recently hired two new employees. Is this a sign of optimism for the future?
ARDENTE: One thing the downturn in the economy has provided is a potential employee pool of very qualified applicants. We are taking advantage of this to bolster our commercial sales and provide highly trained salespeople. Let’s face it, a knowledgeable sales force is your greatest asset. Unlike our competition, we feel this is the best time to recruit potential prospects.
PBN: Of the markets you supply – plumbing, heating, cooling, lighting and industrial – where do you see the best prospects for growth?
ARDENTE: Lighting and Decorative Hardware is the newest undertaking in our retail business, and green sustainable products are new in our wholesale division. One stop shopping and sustainable products are the future in our industry.
