As we reflect on what makes this season special, we’re reminded of the incredible leadership that drives our family forward. ?? Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President & CEO of First Supply, continues to inspire us with her dedication to tradition, innovation, and our team. This recognition as a 2024 Family Business Magazine CEO to Watch is a testament to her commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Thank you, Katie, for leading with heart—and thank you to our entire First Supply family for making this season one to celebrate. #FamilyBusiness #Thankful #FirstSupply #Leadership #WhereTraditionMeetsInnovation
Meet our Family Business CEOs to Watch, Class of 2024! Kathryn Poehling Seymour was named CEO and president of First Supply LLC in 2020, succeeding her father, Joe Poehling. The company, founded in 1897 as a plumbing supplier, now is a wholesaler serving numerous channels, including plumbing, HVAC, PVF, industrial, waterworks, and kitchen, bath and lighting. It has 53 facilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Michigan. Poehling Seymour, the company’s first female CEO, has a background in accounting and a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School. Prior to her roles at First Supply, Poehling Seymour was a tax consultant at Deloitte. At First Supply she began in sales and then became chief operating officer of the kitchen and bath stores division. Among other industry leadership roles, Poehling Seymour was the 2023 president of the American Supply Association and is currently the 2024 chairperson. She is a board member of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. “Since taking over, she has grown sales and revenue within the company, created policies to benefit our employees, took the lead on our company’s biggest project to date and has had a huge impact on company culture,” says Jessica Lawrence, executive assistant at First Supply. “She has prioritized policies that improve our work environments for all employees, with a main focus on mothers in the workplace, changing outdated policies to make First Supply a comfortable place to work. Katie’s involvement with our employees allows her to make changes that are crucial for not only our team but our customers and vendors.” https://lnkd.in/gAznwy9S #familybusiness #CEOsToWatch2024