1. What regulations are you preparing for or watching in the coming year?
Erik Larson: The regulations relating to the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) continue to be at the top of our watch-list. As a US-based manufacturer, we're well positioned to support the implementation, which continues to be a priority. National discussions around tariffs and other potential market-adjustment activities which may impact the industries we supply to, will certainly be carefully watched.
2. What key trends have emerged over the past year, and how are they shaping the market?
Erik Larson: System integration and monitoring continues to drive new product innovation in our industry. We are excited at how this improves customer understanding of how their systems are performing and supports more informed pump selections.
3. How have any price increases of products or materials impacted you or your company?
Stacie Vaughan: Thanks to strong relationships with suppliers, we work together to minimize price increases as much as possible.
4. What training or educational initiatives are being implemented to prepare the next generation of professionals?
Erik Larson: Initial and ongoing training is a must-have in this industry, and the style of training must accommodate the learning styles of everyone involved. Vaughan Company and supporting sales representative companies facilitate in-person training as frequently as possible, as well as virtual and on-demand video training.
5. What upcoming technologies or innovations do you foresee having the most significant impact on the industry in the next five years?
Erik Larson: From manufacturing to design, operations or even just records management, AI will continue to drive innovation in our industry.
6. How has the global supply chain affected your business in the past year?
Stacie Vaughan: Thanks to our extensive parts inventory, we have not seen a major impact from supply chain issues.
7. How have customer expectations changed in the past year, particularly regarding service, performance, and sustainability?
Erik Larson: This past year we have seen increased focus on quality and reliability, with many jobs requiring additional certifications or increased testing and warranties. This focus is rewarding companies like us who already stand behind their products, in addition to helping customers reduce costly downtime and maintenance.
8. What’s on your mind/what are you most concerned about?
Erik Larson: There is a significant shortage of skilled labor in the workforce, and we don’t expect this to improve in the short term. Within our company and in the field, having enough trained people to support our nation’s water systems is critical.
9. What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
Erik Larson: There are so many projects funded for construction in 2025, we are excited to see all the new equipment go online and the continued spending on improving our infrastructure.
10. What else should end users know about the year ahead?
Erik Larson: We are working on some great new products which we hope to unveil this coming year, so keep an eye out!