FNW/Alaska Pipe managers receive award

FNW/Alaska Pipe regional sales managers Gray Mesick and Louis Strahler were recently named Ferguson 2003 Presidents Circle by FNW's sister company Ferguson Enterprises Inc. president and CEO Chip Hornsby. Regional HVAC sales manager Strahler said that the award came as a shock.

"We've just recently merged with Ferguson, so it was quite a surprise," said Strahler, who has worked for FNW for 14 years.

The Presidents Circle winners' criteria for selection includes leadership provided at the branch, overall volume, profitability and growth of the business, company performance at an extremely high level, significant contribution to the branch, support of corporate initiatives and recognition by peers as a leader. Both Mesick and Strahler traveled to New Orleans earlier this month to receive their awards.

"It's quite a colorful place, kind of a culture shock," Strahler said. Both Strahler and Mesick are Valley residents.

FNW is a statewide wholesaler distributor of plumbing, industrial, geosynthetic, fire protection and heating/ventilation products. The business is located in Wasilla, with branches in Anchorage, Soldotna and Fairbanks. Ferguson/FNW has more than 800 branches in the United States and Canada.

Mesick, who has worked at FNW/Alaska Pipe for more than 17 years, was not available for comment.