Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than materials and inventory management, right?… Right?

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Featured Member | Ryan Berger - Ply

With a foundation in manufacturing and real estate, Ryan is passionate about bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds—helping hands-on industries adopt modern tools without disrupting the workflows that make them successful.

The impact Ply is having on real customers’ businesses is pretty incredible…

Budd’s Plumbing: How Technology Transformed Their Operations and Bottom Line

About Budd’s Plumbing

Founded in 1988 by two brothers, Budd’s Plumbing built its reputation on quality craftsmanship and reliable service. Nearly four decades later, the next generation continues that legacy, ensuring top-tier service while embracing new ways to improve efficiency and operations.

The Challenge

Like many construction businesses, Budd’s Plumbing relied on traditional, manual processes to manage inventory and purchasing. Without a centralized system, technicians spent hours at supply houses each week, limiting their ability to focus on higher-value work.

The lack of a structured purchasing process also meant vendor options were limited, making it difficult to price shop effectively. Over time, these inefficiencies compounded, cutting into profitability and slowing down operations.

The Solution

Recognizing the need for a more streamlined approach, Budd’s Plumbing turned to Ply, a platform designed to simplify inventory management and purchasing. The transition wasn’t just about adopting new software—it was about shifting how the business operated.

With Ply, Budd’s Plumbing implemented tools that allowed them to:

✅ Automate inventory tracking, reducing time spent on manual counts.

✅ Quickly generate RFQs, and send them to multiple vendors for better pricing.

✅ Compare vendor pricing with mixed bids, leading to smarter purchasing decisions.

✅ Eliminate unnecessary supply house trips, giving technicians more time on the job.

While change management is never easy, having the right technology partner made the process seamless.

The Results

The impact was immediate. Technicians no longer had to make frequent supply house runs, giving them more time to focus on the job. Purchasing became more strategic, leading to significant cost savings. In one instance, Budd’s Plumbing saved $3,000 on a single replenishment order by using Ply’s mixed bid feature.

Beyond the numbers, the shift to a tech-enabled system improved overall efficiency and team morale. Processes that once felt tedious became seamless, allowing the business to operate with greater control and clarity.

Why It Matters

Construction businesses are often slow to adopt new technology, relying on outdated systems that have worked in the past. But as labor costs rise and margins tighten, efficiency is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Budd’s Plumbing is a prime example of how even well-established companies can evolve by integrating the right tools. By embracing technology, they’ve not only improved their operations but also set themselves up for long-term success.

✅ More efficiency

✅ More savings

✅ Less wasted time

In an industry where time is money, the businesses that adapt will thrive.

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Until next time,

Emma & Sawyer