Schmalhofer, Hilton Honored at ASA West Southern California Awards Dinner

Continuing its six-plus-decade tradition, a sold-out crowd of more than 300 attendees gathered last week for the ASA West Southern California Awards Dinner at the Long Beach Marriott.
 

Wholesalers, suppliers, and independent manufacturers’ reps from the Southern California area enjoyed an evening filled with networking.
 

Two individuals also were honored during the awards portion of the dinner. Nick Schmalhofer, principal/president of Corona, California-based rep firm Signature Sales, was the recipient of the Person of the Year Award. Schmalhofer was presented by Bradford White’s Cam Thomsen.
 

Jim Hilton, new business development sales manager at Ariston Group and a 46-year industry veteran, was the recipient of the Pioneer Award and was presented by Hirsch Pipe & Supply President and CEO Bill Glockner.
 

The awards dinner received record sponsorship support from A. O. Smith, AB&I Foundry, ASC Engineered Solutions, Charlotte Pipe, Everflow Supplies, InSinkErator, Jomar Valve, Mainline Sales, Mega Western Sales, Merit Brass, Milwaukee Valve, TOTO, and Tyler Pipe.
 

ASA West Chairman Matt Laiolo (Rubenstein Supply) talked to attendees about the 2026 ASA West Summit, which heads to the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines May 12–14 next year, with the second annual ASA West golf outing to be held at Torrey Pines. Registration for the summit and golf outing will open at the first of the year.