Challenge: A leading distributor of residential and commercial plumbing supplies with over 1,800 branches across North America, launched a strategic initiative to modernize local services and elevate the in-branch experience for trade professionals. The initiative required consistent, high-quality technology deployment across a wide variety of branch types to support offerings like Pro Pick-Up, advanced inventory management, and onsite training services.
As the initiative scaled, they needed a partner who could move fast, execute reliably, and scale alongside the program’s demands.
Solution: Connext was brought in to support the expanding infrastructure needs across both new and existing branch locations. Connext deployed teams for:
- Site Surveys to assess existing infrastructure and plan efficient upgrades.
- Network Installation including rack and stack of core equipment like Meraki wireless access points, routers, switches, patch panels, UPS systems, and cable management.
- Structured Cabling – everything from new Cat6/6A runs and fiber drops, to DEMAR extensions and cable clean-up.
- Mounting Services for phones, TVs, speakers, paging horns, wireless access points, and time clocks.
- Ad Hoc Requests – such as trenching for fiber repair or specialized PBX projects.
- Project Management Office (PMO) – with a dedicated project management team ensuring each deployment was handled with care, clarity, and speed.
Benefits: By listening first and executing with intention, Connext provided a trusted partner capable of delivering at scale, without sacrificing precision or service quality. The impact:
- Faster Time-to-Readiness: Connext’s streamlined site surveys and rapid deployments helped reduce branch activation timelines, enabling new locations to open faster and existing branches to upgrade with minimal downtime.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Standardized cabling and equipment installs across sites simplified network management for the customer’s internal IT team, reducing troubleshooting time and support requests.
- Cost Control at Scale: By offering a flexible service model Connext matched investment levels to site needs, optimizing spend without compromising quality.
- Stronger In-Branch Experience: Reliable wireless connectivity, mounted tech (phones, TVs, speakers), and modern infrastructure support the program’s goal of delivering faster service and a better experience to trade customers.
- Scalable, Long-Term Partnership: With a dedicated PMO team, Connext laid the groundwork for ongoing national support.
With every install, Connext is helping bring the strategic vision to life—ensuring each branch is wired, connected, and ready to serve the tradespeople who rely on them every day.
