IMARK Plumbing members have played a significant part of PRIER's growth over the past 30 years. Members have been reaping many benefits of working with PRIER such as taking advantage of rebates, the ability to take part in the GainShare program, spring and fall promotions, FBI membership, an e-commerce database of more than 700 SKUs, among other benefits.
However, PRIER’s origins date back to 1881 when a German emigrant by the name of Anton Prier came to the United States. The company made a variety of brass products including coach lanterns, plaques and household goods. In the 1900s, various floods in the industrial district forced the company to relocate to higher ground. Grit and determination prevailed with each move. Efforts during WWII turned toward manufacturing specialty products for the U.S. Navy. After the war, the company introduced its first freezeless outdoor faucet to the market.
During the 1950s, operations shifted to support the U.S. military in Korea. As time progressed, the company found its niche in heavy brass plumbing parts. In 2003, PRIER introduced a hot and cold wall hydrant. As the company grew, in 2007 it acquired the brass division of Mansfield Plumbing Products Inc. allowing it to further expand its line of residential plumbing hydrants.
From its early roots, the company has always been an innovator. “Within the past year, we launched several new products including the first freezeless outdoor shower, an exposed pipe angle sill faucet, the Signature Series modern outdoor faucet and a unique irrigation valve,” said Scott Brady, PRIER R&D. “This summer, we will launch a sanitary roof and a sanitary bury hydrant among other new items.”
Today, many IMARK Plumbing members rely on PRIER as a single source for a wide range of residential, commercial and ground hydrants, angle sill faucets, plumbing brass, drainage products and specialty valves. PRIER purposely builds products with the customer in mind. Whether a customer needs a special hydrant length or inlet style, PRIER likely has it or will make it at its production facility in Kansas City, Missouri. It’s known for offering an array of products to meet any price point and shipping orders within eight working hours.
The company has earned a reputation in the industry for designing and building heavy-duty brass plumbing products that are easy to install, maintain and last the life of the plumbing system. As a mass-custom shop, it can fulfill any size order from one to 1,000. And the company backs its products with a live customer service team and dedicated regional reps across North America to answer questions and ensure expectations are met.
PRIER doesn’t force IMARK Plumbing members into minimum orders, restocking fees or unnecessary hassles. Its goal is to make doing business easy for the member and their customers, whether that means making a versatile product that reduces the number of SKUs on a shelf or taking on a special request to meet a need. Its location is a bonus. Being in the center of the United States offers many advantages to customers, including the ability to ship coast-to-coast with less transit time.
Part of PRIER’s entrepreneurial spirit comes from a dynamic and diverse team of associates. “Each associate fully embraces PRIER’s mission statement that serves as a compass for decisions,” said Jeff Madden, PRIER marketing manager. “And associates continually bring new ideas to improve upon products or processes to help the customer.”
As part of its mission to enjoy work and give back, a spirit committee ensures fun activities are planned throughout the year. From holiday parties to four-square tournaments, monthly lunches and an ice cream social, the spirit committee is always finding new ways to build an incredible culture. Years ago, PRIER established a foundation to give back to causes that help those in need. Each year it donates 10% of profits from every product sold to organizations such as United Way, KC Scholars, Plumbers Without Borders, Harvesters and others that fit its mission.
“Creating a legacy begins with knowing an organization’s purpose,” said Nick Manning, PRIER President. “When the company shifted its focus toward people, it realized an increase in quality and profitability, which created more opportunities.”
The company has aggressive growth goals. “However, the growth will never be at risk of losing touch with customers’ needs,” said CEO Joe Poskin. “PRIER aims to be a customer’s top advocate and go-to source for needs.” PRIER’s focus is rooted in creating plumbing products that stand the test of time, providing unmatched service and making it easier for the customer. PRIER continuously looks for ways to strengthen its partnership with IMARK Plumbing to make its members more successful.
For more information, visit prier.com.
As part of its mission to enjoy work and give back, a spirit committee ensures fun activities are planned throughout the year. From holiday parties to four-square tournaments, monthly lunches and an ice cream social, the spirit committee is always finding new ways to build an incredible culture.