The choice of a supplier can set one contractor apart from another. This is especially true in the plumbing and HVAC business. In the race to stay ahead of the competition, everything counts—speed of delivery, quality materials, product knowledge and expertise, and, of course, cost.

Randy Duke, Branch Manager at Northeastern's new location at 6009 Farrington Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, understands this all too well. For more than 25 years, Randy has been working behind the scenes to help plumbing and HVAC contractors succeed. Now, Randy is building his own team at Northeastern and he's driven to succeed.

"We're fully staffed and ready to show customers in the Northern Virginia area what Northeastern-style service is all about," says Randy. "We offer customers added value, including 24-hour emergency service, extended counter hours, extensive inventory, product training, online ordering, competitive pricing, self-selection, and more. We see ourselves as an extension of our customers' businesses, and we're willing to do whatever it takes to help our customers succeed."

Randy, a native of Virginia, has gained fame in the industry for his innate ability to answer ANY question that arises about residential and commercial water heater and boiler installations. For a contractor, he's an invaluable resource and at times, a godsend. Working with Randy is Ross McDaniel, HVAC Hydronics Division, Southern Manager. Ross is one of the leading authorities in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. areas when it comes to designing, installing, and troubleshooting multiple types of boiler applications. They are assisted by Dave Hoag, Inside Sales Rep; Kevin Lewis, Inside Sales Rep; Ken Corbin, Counter Sales Rep; Cecil Fickling, Truck Driver; Doland Barb, Counter Sales Rep; Gary Wilson, Outside Sales Rep; and John Hart, Inside Sales Rep.

Randy believes that while there are no shortcuts to success, he and his team can make their customers' journey a little smoother. "Our experience, along with Northeastern's vast resources, provides an immeasurable value to plumbing professionals and contractors. The Northern Virginia area is undergoing rapid growth. Within this growth environment lies new challenges. We're here to help them succeed in meeting these challenges," Randy explains.

Although the new store has only been open a short time, the response has been tremendous. Its location puts it within easy access of customers and allows for fast delivery to area job sites.

"Thanks to Mike Cornbrooks, Vice President of Operations, and his crew, as well as the entire Northeastern team, we've had a smooth start," notes Randy. "A lot of hard work has gone into getting this store opened so quickly and the outpouring of good wishes from the community has been wonderful. I can only say that we're happy to be here and we're dedicated to delivering the quality, selection, and service that has been Northeastern's trademark for more than 55 years."