Is Membership open to start-up business?
Our primary growth comes from existing wholesalers converting to Johnstone, and existing owners who wish to expand. Typically, Johnstone Supply has not attempted to start new operations without a local pre-established HVAC/R customer base. However if you have five years’ experience in the HVAC/R wholesale distribution business, are well known in the HVAC/R community, and have strong financials there may be an opportunity to become a Member and open a Johnstone Supply. I don’t fit the above criteria, but have been in a related field. Are there other options open? The cost of opening a new HVAC/R distribution business has risen dramatically over the years, and vastly increased competition has driven profit margins down. Presently, the traditional return on investment for a start-up business in this industry is not acceptable. Unless the business can start with a significant customer base, it is not profitable for a new Member or for the Johnstone Supply Cooperative. How much does it cost
