Through the Rearview is a podcast about legacy. Hosted by Lindsay Young of 3 Aspens Media, each episode invites a seasoned voice to reflect on the moments that defined their journey: what they built, what they sacrificed, and what they’d do differently. These are stories of navigating change, handing off the baton, and learning through experience. The guests share the kind of wisdom you can only gain by looking back – offering perspective and guidance to today’s business leaders.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to Through the Rearview, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Righting the Ship: Mike DeCata on Leading Change at Lawson Products
Season 1 · Episode 4
Friday, July 18, 2025 • Duration 01:19:08
In this episode, Host Lindsay Young talks with Mike DeCata, former President and CEO of Lawson Products, a distributor of maintenance and repair supplies to the industrial, commercial, and institutional markets. Mike candidly shares his role in Lawson’s turnaround, taking a struggling company and steering it toward profitable, sustainable growth through disciplined process improvements, cultural change, and a commitment to service.
With decades of experience across distribution and manufacturing – including time at Grainger, General Electric, and United Rentals – Mike reflects on the core principles that guided his leadership over his entire career: humility, trust-building, and a willingness to face tough realities. He also discusses the importance of knowledge sharing across teams, his active role in the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Whether you’re leading a transformation or just starting out in your journey, this conversation offers insights into what it takes to drive meaningful change.
Leadership & the Lessons of History: Through the Rearview with Ernie Coutermarsh (FW Webb)
Season 1 · Episode 3
Friday, June 6, 2025 • Duration 58:49
Host Lindsay Young interviews Ernie Coutermarsh, a veteran of the plumbing and PVF industry with over 50 years of experience, mostly at FW Webb. They discuss Ernie's journey from the Marine Corps to a successful career at the distributor, the importance of maintaining a company's legacy while fostering growth, and the lessons learned from his military service.
Ernie emphasizes the significance of mentorship and community involvement in shaping the next generation of leaders in the industry. He also talked about the rise of integrated supply, the creation of SupplyForce, and the early days and evolution of Affiliated Distributors (AD).
Ernie also shared stories from his early life; Ernie has a unique perspective on history:
• He met President Kennedy, served during the Cuban missile crisis, and attended the president’s funeral.
• He learned the price of freedom early in his life in the U.S. Marines.
• He sang happy birthday to George W. Bush’s mom.
Great quotes:
• “Relevant is a very important word. And you can't define your own relevance; your customer does.”
• “You’re not buying a building. And you don’t buy people either. They have to want to stay. And that’s why your culture’s important. That’s why they will stay. And if they didn’t stay, what you bought was nothing.”
• "People want to feel in the course of their day that they matter."
Takeaways:
• His military background shaped his leadership style and commitment to service.
• He emphasizes the importance of company culture in maintaining legacy.
• Companies must adapt to changes in customer needs and market dynamics.
• Collaboration among industry players can lead to innovative solutions.
• Understanding history helps in making informed decisions for the future.
‘Always on Stage’: Ronald Paulson (Grainger, Paulson Advisory) on Servant Leadership, Connection & Embracing Opportunity
Season 1 · Episode 2
Friday, May 30, 2025 • Duration 01:00:31
In this conversation, Ronald Paulson shares his extensive journey in the distribution industry, particularly his 30-year career at Grainger, which he started unloading boxes in 100+-degree heat. Ron served in several leadership positions, including the director of Grainger’s grant program, the VP of business development, the RVP of branch services, and the president of FindMRO.com.
He discusses his early experiences, lessons learned, and the importance of servant leadership. Ron reflects on transformative moments in his career, including Grainger’s response to the 9/11 crisis, and emphasizes the significance of relationships and communication. He also addresses the challenges distributors face and offers advice to the next generation of leaders, encouraging them to embrace opportunities and be a positive influence in others' lives.
Includes:
Early Career and First Impressions of Grainger
Lessons from Warehouse Experience
Significant Transitions in His Career
Responding to National Crises: The 9/11 Experience
The Invisible Backbone: The Role of Distributors
Leadership Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Navigating Modern Challenges in Distribution
Always On Stage: The Importance of Presence
Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders
Passing the Torch: Dan Judge (NetPlus Alliance) on Family, Technology and Change
Season 1 · Episode 1
Friday, May 23, 2025 • Duration 01:01:00
In this episode of Through the Rearview, host Lindsay Young interviews Dan Judge, founder of NetPlus Alliance, who shares his extensive experience in the wholesale distribution industry. Dan discusses his family's legacy in distribution, his front-row seat to the evolution of technology in the industry, and the importance of networking and collaboration. He reflects on his journey from running a family business to leading a cooperative, the challenges of merging industry associations, and the successful transition of leadership to his daughter, Jennifer. Dan emphasizes the value of personal relationships in business and offers insights for the next generation of leaders.
This episode includes:
Introduction to Dan Judge and Family Business Background
The Evolution of Technology in Distribution
Transitioning to Computerized Systems
Developing an Internal ERP System
Key Lessons from Technology Adoption
Founding ID1
Merging Industrial Distribution Associations
Navigating Organizational Change
The Evolution of NetPlus Alliance
Lessons in Business Evolution
Family Business Transition
Advice for Future Leaders