2020 Gerber Main Pipe Fall Edition

fall 2020

MAIN PIPE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

In this Issue: A FRESH LOOK FOR GERBER – New Website Now Live!

WELCOME, JEFF! Gerber Brings New VP of Sales on Board LOOKING AHEAD AT LAUNCHES – Key Dates to Know

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS Smart Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 In the Know – Executive Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 In the Know – Sales & Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 In the Know – Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Gerber Does Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 By the Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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Smart Spotlight

If you would like to read The Ideal Team Player, you can do so by signing up for a free trial of Audible on Amazon, here.

Seeing Smart in a New Way By: Gabby Murrow, Marketing Communications Manager You may have heard the terms “book smart” and “street smart”, but what about “people smart”?

While some may place knowledge and common sense at the top, I feel there is the most significant importance on truly attempting to understand and communicate the best we can with our friends, family, coworkers, and even the strangers we encounter at the grocery store.

While there is value in being a life-long learner in many areas, I especially find myself pushing to focus growth in better communication and relationship building. With a conscious effort, it has become engrained in the way I interact with those around me.

However, I falter, as all people do, and still have to prompt myself to consider how I am presenting my thoughts.

When I need those nudges, I run through my check list of things to ask myself while speaking with someone: • What tone and word choice is the person using?

• How is the person’s body language?

• Am I aware of anything, either personally or professionally, that the person is going through that may affect their mood?

Taking any observations, I then try to adapt my communication style to how I believe the other person would be most receptive. I constantly push myself to think of the perception of, or reaction to my words or actions before I speak or do anything. Not only to reduce uncertainty and conflict, but to ensure I am treating others with kindness, while still having productive dialogue.

But, I think this mindset goes beyond being purposeful with our words and actions, and extends to how we perceive and absorb information from others as well. I try to remind myself to treat unpleasant feelings and interactions, not as unwelcome disturbances in my day, but as teachable moments for myself. As you can imagine, this is definitely easier said than done.

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Ideal Team Player

Something that has surfaced S m rt quite a bit in the media, as a well as in the world of social media, is the concept of “cancel culture”. This attitude essentially expresses that if an individual makes a wrong move or offends a person or group of people, they are “canceled” and never to be forgiven. If the person in question has not presented a genuine apology and has no intention of personal growth from their mistake, I would be so bold to say that a “cancellation” of such negativity in the world is potentially valid. However, I think this is detrimental to working through conflict.

Rather than holding grudges, abrasive and hurtful comments should be met with constructive criticism and empathy, giving the individual that has made the misstep the chance to bounce back, learn, and change for the better.

Book smarts and street smarts are attained through education and experiences, and vary for everyone depending on their schooling, career path, life events, upbringing, etc. We all have unique perspective and wisdom to share that plays into our individual strengths on a team at work, in our families at home, in our circle of friends, and as members of society.

However, what I find beautiful and empowering about committing to being “smarter” in interactions with others, is that anyone can work to achieve this.

Being receptive, patient, empathetic, responsive, and genuine is something that every human is capable of, regardless of our backgrounds.

If you have reflected and realized that there is room for improvement with this attribute, reassure yourself that deficiency is not for lack of trying or the intention to understand people. This approach is something that requires continuous effort from us all.

It is hard work to constantly monitor your words and actions, while at the same time taking everyone else’s words and actions into consideration. However, I always remind myself that it is absolutely worth it.

We don’t go through life alone, so the attention and care that goes into having healthy, respectful, and effective interactions is a worthwhile investment.

gry un

As food for thought, each quarterly magazine will contain a letter written by a Gerber colleague spotlighting one of the three virtues detailed in the book, The Ideal Team Player. Last quarter, we featured a highlight on “hunger”. This quarter, Gabby Murrow, Marketing Communications Manager, shares her thoughts on noticing subtleties of working with others and how to effectively communicate through “people smarts”.

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How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues

In the Know – EXECUTIVE TEAM

Jeff Kessler Joins Gerber Gerber is pleased to announce that Jeff Kessler has joined the organization as Vice President of Sales and will oversee the Plumbing Wholesale side of the business.

In this leadership role, Mr. Kessler will be responsible for guiding the internal sales team, as well as external manufacturers’ representatives, to further develop and execute the wholesale strategy for both the Gerber brand and the company’s private brand business.

Mr. Kessler brings over 20 years of experience in areas including sales, marketing and wholesale channel management, and will report to Keith Yurko, CEO, North American Group, in his new role.

Mr. Yurko shared, “We are thrilled to have Jeff become part of our team. His tenure in the industry and valuable expertise will help propel our growth in the wholesale channel in new ways, allowing us to be an even better partner to our customers.”

Mr. Kessler was most recently the Vice President of Retail Sales and Marketing at Fortune Brands under the Therma-Tru brand. Prior to this, he was with Moen for 13 years. In his last five years with Moen, Kessler served as the Vice President of Marketing and Wholesale Sales for the bath accessory division.

Kessler earned his Masters of Business Administration in Executive Management from Ashland University and his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from John Carroll University.

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In the Know – SALES & MARKETING Introducing Our New Website What You Need to Know About Gerber’s New Website Refreshed product page layout with easy-to-find organization of information Pages for product categories to help you browse and learn more Dedication to photography featuring people experiencing life alongside our products

WHAT’S NEW gerberonline.com & danze.com will seamlessly redirect to our new web address, gerber-us.com, and gerberonline.ca will direct to gerber-ca.com All products, across Gerber and Danze by Gerber, in one place and organized similarly to the 2020 price book Discontinued products are located separately from active products and can be found by clicking the link in the footer at the bottom of the website

WHAT’S TO COME

Commitment to producing more content for end users, industry professionals, and anyone else looking to learn and get inspired While improved from our previous sites, even stronger filtering capabilities to find exactly what you are looking for using a variety of filter options An online portal to bulk download important resources like technical documents, CAD files and other literature – expected by the end of 2020 Parts will be added to the website with the ability to purchase online directly from Gerber – expected in 2021

WHAT’S DIFFERENT

At the end of 2019, Globe Union Industrial Corporation, parent company of Gerber, announced the integration of Danze® by Gerber products into the Gerber brand family.

Gerber is going to market with a single brand voice and introducing all new products exclusively featuring the Gerber brand name, while executing a running change for the transition of existing Danze by Gerber products.

The new website, officially unveiled in midSeptember, is the next significant step in this brand transition. The site offers more robust functionality, the ability for visitors to engage with the entire line of products in one place, and an overall enhanced experience representing the Gerber brand.

As part of the new website launch, Gerber introduced a new domain name. The United States version of the site is found at gerber-us.com, and the Canadian (in English and French) version lives at gerber-ca.com.

Additionally, gerberonline.com, gerberonline.ca and danze.com all redirect to the new web address for a seamless transition.

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Thank you to every single Gerber team member that had a part in the process. And most, importantly thank you to our customers for your continued support!

Canadian Food Bank Donation Promotion Results

The Gerber team in Canada recognizes that times have been challenging for hundreds of thousands of Canadians, and those around the world, facing the effects of COVID-19, as many have lost their jobs and have seen food programs through schools and community centers suspended due to social distancing.

To help make a difference, Gerber Canada partnered with local food banks to help provide support for those in need. From May 25-August 17, 2020, Gerber donated $2 from each valve and faucet purchased by our supporting partners.

If a plumber purchased $500 or more from one of our supporting partners, Gerber made this donation on their behalf.

We are pleased to announce that the support of our partners has resulted in over $12,000 being distributed to local food banks across Canada. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

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In the Know – PRODUCT Fall Product Launch - Dates to Know

Brushed Bronze (Available via special order in Canada) • Pre-orders: Being accepted now • Launch: November 1, 2020 • Shipping: First week of November

Kinzie® Kitchen Collection (Available via special order in Canada) • Pre-orders: Being accepted now • Launch: November 20, 2020 • Shipping: Second week of December

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Lemora® Bathroom Faucets & Shower Solutions (Brushed Nickel finish is available via special order in Canada) • Pre-orders: Being accepted October 14, 2020 • Launch: December 1, 2020 • Shipping: Second week of December

Floor Mount Tub Fillers (Available via special order in Canada) • Pre-orders: Being accepted in early 2021 • Launch/Shipping: Early 2021

Improvements Made Per Pr oduct Viper®

Kitchen Pull-Down Improvements G0040266

Maxwell® SE

Antioch®

Mid-Town®

Parma

G0040545W

D455221

D404562

D40405

D455221SS

D404562SS

G0040266SS

D404058

Gerber has made some improvements to a selection of kitchen pull-out faucets by updating two parts: D404562BS hose (with Quick Connect) and the hose guide.

Hose Guide

Hose Guide

Hose Guide

Improvements include: Spray Hose + Spray Hose + Spray Hose + • Better docking for a more secure hold andQuick less drooping Quick Connect Connect Quick Connect • Updated GripLock® weighted retraction • Consolidation to a common hose, requiring fewer replacement parts

Spray Hose + Quick Connect

Spray Ho Quick Con

Updated Item Numbers

Updated Item Numbers Download a PDF of the full announcement here.

Please contact your Gerber representative or dedicated Customer Care team member questions.

Flow Rate Customization for Kitchen Faucets

Gerber is excited to announce an expansion to the Flow Rate Customization program for kitchen sink faucets, effective immediately. Eligible faucets are included on the Customized Flow Rate Eligible Items List, and Gerber kitchen faucets are available through this custom order process. As we expand our customizable product offering, we will send notifications and update the list.

What you need to know • Available customized to 1.5 gpm flow rate • Product will ship under the standard faucet model number • Both Individual product and master cartons will be modified with a bright yellow label next to the standard label noting the customized flow rate • Once product is customized, it is NON-RETURNABLE • For spec sheets showing customized flow rate or for further questions, please contact your customer care representative.

• Customized orders are not accepted through EDI. Download a PDF of the full announcement here.

Download the list of eligible products here.

Reintroduction of the G0025878 Back Outlet Top Spud Bowl

Gerber recently reintroduced the G0025878 back outlet top spud bowl. This bowl is certified to operate with either 1.6 gpf or 1.28 gpf flushometer valves and is an ErgoHeight™ ADA Elongated bowl.

This model will replace the now DISCONTINUED G0025874 – which is a similar floor mount back outlet spud bowl, but only worked with 1.6 gpf and was not ErgoHeight. This is simply a © 2020 Gerber. All rights reserved. Visit us at: gerber re-introduction of the G0025878 • No change to SKU number or UPC code • No change to list or net price • No change to product dimensions or performance It is currently live on the Gerber website, in the 2020 price book, and included in the list price spreadsheet online.

There is now inventory in each of our U.S. distribution centers with additional inventory on the way.

Download a PDF of the full announcement here.

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Gerber Does Good Santino the Baby Squirrel!

While cleaning out her garage, Dolores Chastain, Customer Care Representative, discovered a five-week-old baby squirrel in the grass. He was alone and his mom was not around and after some time, did not come back for him. The plan was to bring him to a nature rescue the day after finding him, but the rescue could not take him because they were already at capacity.

Dolores has decided to foster the baby squirrel, which her family has named Santino, until he is ready to be out on his own, at around 12 weeks of age.

Organization Spotlight: DigDeep

Supported by: Faith Walker, Channel Marketing Manager, MRO There are over 2 million people within the United States that don’t have running water or basic plumbing like toilets, faucets or sinks. And, there are many more that don’t have clean water that is safe to drink. DigDeep is not a charity but a “human rights non-profit working to ensure that every American has clean, running water forever.”

They are doing amazing things to work towards closing America’s Water Gap. Website: www.digdeep.org

By the Book Book: E ye of the Needle Author: Ken Follett

Book: The Age of Agile Author: Steve Denning

Recommended by: Faith Walker, Channel Marketing Manager, MRO

Recommended by: Carmen Fiordirosa, Director of Marketing

Why Faith Loves It: This is an older novel that the LA Times described best, “Extraordinarily satisfying . . . a truly suspenseful novel . . . heart-stopping, nerve-freezing terror.” It is a really great spy thriller set during WWII. I must include a warning that you won’t be able to put this one down!

Why Carmen Loves It: I love how this book teaches the concept of working in small cross-functional agile teams, how to not get bogged down by strategies that bring no value to the customer, and how to execute and adapt quickly. Additionally, the book gives examples of how large global organizations can be successful in ingraining this in their culture.

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