CANCUN, Mexico - Establishing and maintaining a customer base can prove to be a challenge for many distributors. Breathing new life into an old trend, Modern Supply Co. has risen to that challenge.

The family that plays together stays together. That's the philosophy of Modern Supply Co.'s CEO Pace Robinson. Robinson, whose father founded the Knoxville, Tennessee

based wholesale distributor over half a century ago, said that family traditions are just a way of life for this company.

"We have been hosting the Modern Family on incentive trips for 30 years,"he noted.

"It's great to get away from the office, get to know your customers' families, and build solid personal relationships that actually enhance our business relationships all year long."

Moon Palace on the Mayan Riviera was the destination for 142 Modern Supply customers, vendors, friends, and family who flew together on a charter flight. It is one of Cancun's exclusive, all inclusive resorts.

"In our market, no one offers a trip on this scope," Dottie Ramsey, Modern Supply COO explained. "And our customers let us know how much they appreciate it, not only for the fun they have but also because it enhances networking for their businesses. HVAC people hook up with contractors, builders meet plumbers - the environment we can offer with this trip builds everybody's business."

Letters and e-mails pour in - even a custom-made scrapbook documenting the trip- from customers who express their appreciation for the experience.

"You have done it again, everything is so well planned," said one participant.

"It was great seeing many of our old friends and making some new ones," said another. "It's a privilege to be part of the Modern Family."

Publication date: 10/09/2006