PHCP and PVF Company News

2014 Supply House Times Young Execs 20

Supply House Times once again asked our industry partners to identify some of these rising stars.

By Nadia Askar

**Steven Adams**
**Age:** 33
**Company:** MKS Pipe & Valve Co.
**Location:** Kansas City, Kan.
**Position:** Executive Vice President
**Experience:** 4 years
**Steven’s thoughts:** “I love this industry because it truly is a relationship business with success predicated on having sound internal standard operating procedures to support those relationships. Training is critically important to our success here and we will make it our largest focus.”

**Doug Drendel**
**Age:** 28
**Company:** Capitol Group
**Location:** Springfield, Ill.
**Position:** President
**Experience:** 7 years
**Doug’s thoughts:** “The best part about working in this industry is the ability to form lasting relationships with great people. Capitol Group is very fortunate to have long-term employees and customers that have contributed to our continued success.”

**Rogers Earl Jr.**
**Age:** 35
**Company:** Valley Supply Co.
**Location:** Elkins, W. Va.
**Position:**President/CEO
**Experience:** 8 years
**Rogers’thoughts:** “I am blessed to be part of such an excellent company. For 109 years, we have placed customers’ needs in the forefront of our decision-making process. Each team’s attitudes and actions of service to others makes the true difference.”

**Cara Highfield**
**Age:** 29
**Company:**Kenny & Co. (Kenny Pipe & Supply)
**Location:** Nashville, Tenn.
**Position:**Showroom Manager
**Experience:** 3 1/2 years
**Cara’sthoughts:** “Kenny Pipe & Supply provides a strong support structure for each employee and the company as a whole. I appreciate how the Kenny’s value the individuality of our showroom, allowing it to operate in its own unique fashion to best provide for our clients’ needs.”

**Michael Hoopingarner**
**Age:** 27
**Company:** Solco Plumbing Supply
**Location:** Brooklyn, N.Y.
**Position:** Purchasing Agent
**Experience:** 4 years
**Michael’sthoughts:** “I am very fortunate to work for a company that constantly provides me with opportunities to grow and learn. Having worked in multiple departments throughout my young career has provided me with invaluable knowledge.”

Keith R Jones — **Keith R. Jones**
**Age:** 32
**Company:** WinWholesale
**Location:** Central Oklahoma Winnelson
**Position:**President
**Experience:** 8 years
**Keith’sthoughts:** “I love the challenge of the hunt. I like coming to work every day to see what sales we can take down and close the door on. The challenge is not selling, but being profitable doing it. Battling the competition for sales is what makes me want to achieve.”

**Audrey Loder**
**Age:** 33
**Company:** Wilkinson Supply Co.
**Location:** Raleigh, N.C.
**Position:** Director of Showrooms
**Experience:** 8 years
**Audrey’sthoughts:** “I am excited about leading the third generation of our company to a successful future. I enjoy taking on new challenges and learning different areas of our business.”

**Kara Macias**
**Age:** 32
**Company:** Chown Hardware
**Location:** Bellevue, Wash.
**Position:** Assistant Showroom Manager
**Experience:** 10 years
**Kara’sthoughts:** “Decorative plumbing and hardware is such an exciting and creative market. I love that every day is different and I am able to work with so many fun and talented people on some amazing projects.”

**Pat McCormack**
**Age:** 31
**Company:** F.W. Webb Co.
**Location:** Newburgh, N.Y.
**Position:**Regional Account Manager
**Experience:** 8 years
**Pat’sthoughts:** “The most rewarding aspect of this fast-paced industry is not only working with great people but providing key products that are in demand. We have a management-training program here that has provided me with the opportunity to learn the industry from the ground up.”

**Grant Millikan**
**Age:** 27
**Company:** C&L Supply
**Location:** Vinita, Okla.
**Position:**Assistant Division Manager
**Experience:** 4 years
**Grant’sthoughts:** “I am very fortunate to be part of the C&L Supply family. We have an excellent management staff that always is willing to share its knowledge and help you grow. I look forward to coming to work every day.”

**Larry Mirson**
**Age:** 29
**Company:** Independent Pipe and Supply Corp.
**Location:** Canton, Mass.
**Position:**Inside Sales Manager
**Experience:** 6 years
**Larry’sthoughts:** “At Independent Pipe we encourage growth in our employees and have a strong focus on customer service. These customer relationships have been a driving factor in our success and growth over the years.”

**Andrew Myers**
**Age:** 23
**Company:** Mayfield Plumbing & Electric
**Location:** Mayfield, Ky.
**Position:** Manager
**Experience:** 2 years
**Andrew’sthoughts:** “My family has been in business for more than 80 years and I am proud to carry on the family tradition. I see great potential in the plumbing industry and look forward to what the future has to offer.”

**David Neil Pena**
**Age:** 32
**Company:** Central Plumbing and Electric Supply
**Location:** Weslaco, Texas
**Position:**Purchasing Manager
**Experience:** 12 years
**David’sthoughts:** “Having worked at Central since I was young, I understand that employees are the driving force behind any successful company. I have gained a greater appreciation for the business and the relationships you build in this industry.”

**Jeff Peterson**
**Age:** 33
**Company:** Penco Corp.
**Location:** Seaford, Del.
**Position:** Secretary/Treasurer
**Experience:** 20 years (overall); 11 (full-time)
**Jeff’sthoughts:** “I like the fact we can work hard, provide exceptional customer service and have a friendly atmosphere at Penco. This industry is built upon strong working relationships from vendors to customers. It’s those relationships that provide the base for a strong future.”

**Ryan Pruitt**
**Age:** 31
**Company:** Energy Metals Inc.
**Location:** Houston, Texas
**Position:** Regional Sales Manager
**Experience:** 7 years
**Ryan’sthoughts:** “The sales and support staffs at Energy Metals are second to none in the industry, which makes work and overall quality of life more enjoyable. I appreciate the knowledge being shown to me by the veterans in our organization and their acceptance toward me as I grow and learn.”

**Michael Edward Pscenicka III**
**Age:** 33
**Company:** General Mill Supplies
**Location:** Jefferson, La.
**Position:** IT Director & Purchasing
**Experience:** 8 years
**Michael’sthoughts:** “I have the opportunity to work in an industry that many people in my generation have possibly never heard or thought of. Luckily, I am given the autonomy to make decisions knowing that we, as a company, are nimble and capable of seeing those decisions become reality.”

**Ian Raeburn**
**Age:** 34
**Company:** Ferguson Enterprises
**Location:** Newport News, Va.
**Position:**Director of Finance
**Experience:** 12 years
**Ian’sthoughts:** “I really enjoy that success in this industry is founded on developing relationships and partnering with vendors and customers. I love that our associates are not only talented, but passionate about the role they play in Ferguson’s success.”

**Heath Robertson**
**Age:** 33
**Company:** Southern Pipe and Supply
**Location:** Meridian, Miss.
**Position:** Corporate Inventory Manager
**Experience:** 10 years
**Heath’sthoughts:** “I love working for a company that strives to be the most profitable and the most enjoyable place to work in the industry. I truly believe Southern Pipe and Supply’s culture is the best in the industry and is one of the key areas that set us apart from our competition.”

**Henry Swager**
**Age:** 31
**Company:** B.M. Kramer and Co.
**Location:** Pittsburgh, Pa.
**Position:** Sales Manager
**Experience:** 10 years
**Henry’sthoughts:** “As a third-generation family business, I pride myself on continuing the traditions and values of those who came before me. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities in this fast-paced industry. Working with great people and developing relationships is the most gratifying aspect.”

**Jennie Wunderlich**
**Age:** 32
**Company:** Plumbers Supply Co.
**Location:** Iowa City, Iowa
**Position:**Showroom Manager
**Experience:** 6 years
**Jennie’s thoughts:** “I love helping people find the perfect items for their home while providing the best service to our contractors. I’m thankful for outstanding employees and the challenge to help shape the future of our company.”

Josh Ervin of Catawba Valley Supply — **Name:** Josh Ervin
**Age:** 35
**Company:** Catawba Valley Supply
**Location:** Newton, N.C.
**Position:** Vice President
**Experience:** 13 years

**Josh’s thoughts:** “What I like most about working at Catawba Valley Supply is that it is my family business. I work beside my father and brother every day. This sense of family stems out beyond my blood relatives and long-time employees in both directions of the supply chain, to the sales representatives and manufacturers, and to CVS’s loyal customers.”

**Name:** Paul Figuly

**Age:** 29

**Company**: Famous Enterprises |J.F. Good

**Location:** Akron, Ohio

**Position:** Director of Sales | J.F. Good

**Experience:** 12 years

**Paul’s thoughts:** “The core values of Famous (Family, Trust, Communication, Teamwork and Continuous Improvement) align with my personal values. Promoting these core values has helped protect the great culture throughout the Company. Famous has also given me exposure to all aspects of the business, which has allowed me to succeed within the organization.”

**Name:**Ethan Flowers
**Age:** 35
**Company:** Texas Plumbing Supply Co, Inc
**Location:** Houston, Texas
**Position:** Vice President
**Experience:** 11 years

**Ethan’s thoughts:** “I enjoy this industry because it is somewhat underappreciated nationwide but very vibrant with a lot of opportunity. At Texas Plumbing Supply, now in our 52nd year, I get to be a part of one of the fastest growing independents in the nation that is very involved with ASA and Affiliated Distributors (Network 403).”

**Name:**Anderson Hill
**Age:** 33
**Company:** Kenny Pipe & Supply, Inc.
**Location:** Nashville, Tenn.
**Position:** Industrial PVF Manager
**Experience:** 8 years

**Anderson’s thoughts:** “Having the opportunity to work with good customers and good vendors alike makes working at Kenny Pipe enjoyable. Having worked in another industry for 5 years prior to joining Kenny Pipe really makes me thankful to be a part of our team and involved in the PVF/Plumbing industry. We’ve got some good people!”

**Name:** Chuck Hitchcock

**Age:** 32

**Company:** American Metals Supply Co. Inc.

**Location:** Indianapolis, Ind.

**Position:** Branch Manager and Steel Purchasing Agent

**Experience:** 9 years

**Chuck’s Thoughts:** “The most enjoyable part of the industry is helping cities, towns and communities grow and thrive through the new construction projects our contractor partners design and develop. The most enjoyable part of working at American Metals is the support and friendships formed with the customers we serve, our coworkers at the branch level and the leadership at the top.”

**Name:**Colin Kelly
**Age:** 31
**Company:** Professional Supply
**Location:** Virginia Beach, West Palm, Palm City and Boca Raton.
**Position:** Director of Sales and Development
**Experience:** 2 years

**Colin’s thoughts:** “I enjoy being able to interact with customers and help them find products that meet their needs and demand. From new construction to renovations and remodels, we get to see projects succeed and be a part of that success. I really enjoy helping our customers grow their business in new ways and grow their profit with our help.”

**Name:** Trey Moluf

**Age:** 25

**Company:** Moluf’s Supply

**Location:** Charleston, S.C.

**Position:** Manager

**Experience:** 3 years

**Trey’s thoughts:** “I am proud to be working in an industry that dates back to the ancient civilizations of Persia, China and the first Roman aqueducts. It is exciting to help homeowners, builders and local plumbers take advantage of today’s state of the art products and services that we offer at Moluf’s Supply. I enjoy all aspects of the plumbing industry.”

**Name:**Allen Moore
**Age:** 34
**Company:** Ameripipe Supply, Inc.
**Location:** Oklahoma City, Okla.
**Position:** Branch Manager
**Experience:** 11 years

**Allen’s thoughts:** “I place a high value in relationships. Through my work with Ameripipe associates, our vendors and our customers, I am able to maintain and grow a very impressive network of knowledgeable professionals on all levels and on all sides of our industry.”

**Name:**Joshua Moss
**Age:** 23
**Company:** Advance Plumbing & Heating Supply Co.
**Location:** Walled Lake, Mich.
**Position:** Operations Manager
**Experience:** 2 years

**Joshua’s thoughts:** “The thing I like most about working at my company is that I get to work with my family every day. The thing I like most about working in the industry is that it is always evolving and manufacturers are continuously coming out with the latest and greatest products that I get to sell.”

**Name:**Justin Wool
**Age:** 35
**Company:** Wool Plumbing Supply
**Location:** Miami, Fla.
**Position:** CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
**Experience:** 14 years

**Justin’s thoughts:** “I like that our company, and our industry as a whole, is somewhat of a blank canvas when it comes to leveraging my technology background to revolutionize our processes and efficiencies. There are so many ways to make a real impact and yield measurable, positive results.”

Young talents continue to make an impact in our industry. From counter sales to marketing to management, up-and-coming leaders are growing by the day. Supply House Times once again asked our industry partners to identify some of these rising stars. The result is the second annual Supply House Times Young Execs 20.

Check out the slideshow above to see who made the Supply House Times Young Execs 30* list this year. Congratulations to all!

*We have added 10 more young execs exclusively online for this year's Top 30 list.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Nadia Askar is the former group multimedia editor for BNP Media’s Plumbing Group. She was responsible for leading the direction of the brand’s digital and social presence by ensuring the brand websites and social media outlets are consistently updated, and interacting with readers and followers.