Explore every episode of the podcast Through the Rearview

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.

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.

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

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