In a recent white paper released by Sonnhalter, a communications firm marketing to the professional tradesman in the construction, industrial and MRO markets, contractors reflect on how the economy impacted business in 2009, what keeps them up at night and their outlooks for 2010.

Nearly three quarters of the contractors interviewed said business was down in 2009, and the same number said their outlook for 2010 was better. One of their current big concerns is finding and hiring qualified people. 

Sonnalter conducted phone interviews with HVAC and plumbing contractors across the United States.

“The majority of Sonnhalter’s clients are manufacturers who sell into the contractor marketplace,” said John Sonnhalter, rainmaker journeyman at Sonnhalter. “We contacted these contractors to see how their business was in 2009 and what their outlook is for 2010. This white paper allows us to offer beneficial information to our clients.”

“Contractor White Paper. 2009: A retrospective from contractors and an early outlook for 2010” focuses on several areas such as:

• Contractor’s sale percentages in 2009 
• Three main areas of concern in the marketplace 
• Steps manufacturer’s could take to help contractors

For more information and to download the white paper, please visit https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1416330/acctId:1407011