FROM THE CONTENT STRATEGIST
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After a cautious start to the year, the PVF market found its footing during the second quarter. Projects that had been delayed by pricing uncertainty and evolving trade policies gradually began moving forward, resulting in increased quoting activity and stronger order flow across much of the industry. More importantly, it's not just the volume of quotes that's changing—customers want their orders yesterday. Demand for quick turnaround has reached a level I haven't seen in quite some time. If I could offer expedited delivery on every product I sell right now, I'd practically be a superhero.
The Gulf Coast, particularly Texas and Louisiana, continues to lead the way with strong activity in the energy sector, while infrastructure improvements, municipal water projects, data center construction, and ongoing plant maintenance are creating steady opportunities for manufacturers, fabricators, and distributors alike.
The PVF Roundtable is experiencing that same momentum. Membership continues to grow, sponsorship support is stronger than ever, and participation across our fundraising events has been outstanding. Because of your generosity, this August the PVF Roundtable Charitable Foundation will once again present scholarship donations to the colleges and trade schools we proudly support, helping students pursue careers in the PVF industry.
Beginning on page 12, you'll find heartfelt thank-you letters from scholarship recipients at Texas A&M University. I encourage you to read each one. They serve as a powerful reminder that our industry's generosity extends far beyond financial assistance—it creates opportunities, relieves burdens, and helps shape the next generation of PVF professionals.
We're also proud to recognize two companies that have made significant contributions to our charitable mission. Texas Pipe Family of Companies (page 25)
and Ferguson Industrial (page 26) have each made generous donations to help ensure scholarships remain available for future industry leaders. To everyone who continues to support these efforts, thank you. Your generosity isn't simply appreciated—it is essential to fulfilling our mission. Year after year, you help us change lives one scholarship at a time.
This issue is packed with great industry insight. Take a look at photos from our Annual Golf Tournament beginning on page 28. Joan Adams discusses the importance of setting meaningful sales goals in The Sales Mystique on page 44. Kyle Nix explores When Tomorrow Can't Wait: The Rise of Master Distribution on page 48, while Scott Clary reminds us in You Already Know What to Do. That Was Never the Problem. on page 54 that execution often matters more than information. On page 60, my husband Gabe Hatfield, DBA, shares why Curiosity Closes More Than Deals, and on page 72, Shanna McKelvain provides an update on the continued growth and success of PVF Young Professionals.
Looking ahead, most distributors remain cautiously optimistic that the second half of 2026 will outperform the first. If manufacturers can gain just a little more ground keeping pace with demand, I may have to start shopping for that custom superhero cape after all. And to those of you somehow managing to expedite nearly every order that comes your way—my hat's off to you. I can't wait until I'm right there with you.
Special thanks to the magazine committee Kyle Nix and Shanna McKelvain - the three of us make a great team!
Krystal Hatfield, CMO OK Pipe & Fittings, Inc., is the Magazine Chair for PVFRT Board of Directors.