Lehman Pipe and Supply, a family-owned and -operated wholesale distributor headquartered in Miami, prides itself on the relationships it has built with customers. Proudly stated on its website, “Our customers are the core of our business and their needs and wants are our top and only priority.”  

For 77 years, Lehman Pipe has gone the distance in taking care of its customers, both domestically and internationally. It started with having the locations and the inventory needed to supply its customers’ needs. The company recently added another location in Florida, making its footprint of three locations with more than 2 acres of warehouse space and more than 18,000 warehoused products. It’s easy to understand how the distributor’s reach is not only coast to coast but also international. 

 We sat down with Josh Aberman, president, to learn more about its expansion and what else is on the horizon.  

The Wholesaler: With the recent opening of your third facility in Fort Myers, how does this new location fit into the company's long-term vision? 

Josh Aberman: Since we opened our Miami Distribution Center in 2017, we have been looking at expanding our operation. We realized that this new platform gave us the potential to  one day serve the entire state of Florida. In 2020, we opened our first branch in Pompano Beach. As this branch established itself, we began penetrating the Fort Myers/Naples markets. We found the market in genuine need of a distributor focusing in the PVF space and, in May 2023, we officially opened the Fort Myers facility. 

TW: Being in operation for 77 years is a testament to Lehman’s resilience and adaptability. Could you share some pivotal moments or decisions in the company's history that have shaped its current success?  

JA: Looking back at our 77-year history, there is really one moment that was the driving force in where we are today: the decision to build our Miami Distribution Center. We knew we had space constraints, and that the size and physical layout of our facility limited our growth; however, we did not realize how much. This new facility gave us the means to better serve our customers; they returned the favor with increased loyalty and purchases. 

TW: Family businesses often come with their own unique blend of strengths and complexities. How have family values influenced Lehman’s operations and relationships with clients and employees over the years?  

JA: Family values are truly the core of our business and directly impact all our operations and relationships. Employers like to say that their employees’ matter, but often their actions speak differently. We pride ourselves in our family dynamics and the culture we have. We understand that the decisions we make will not only impact our lives but the lives of our employees and their families, and we take that into account daily. 

TW: The PVF industry has seen considerable evolution and change. How has Lehman innovated or differentiated itself from competitors to remain at the forefront? 

JA: I think the thing that truly differentiates us from our competition is that we acknowledge there is always room for improvement, and we are not afraid to invest in that improvement. Throughout the years, we have invested in our operating software, inventory management systems and business development tools. We continuously look at improving our operational workflow to better serve our customers and to provide additional opportunities for our business and employees.  

TW: As you reflect on Lehman's past and look to the future, what are your aspirations for the next chapter? Are there particular markets, technologies or trends you're excited to explore or embrace?  

JA: Our thought process is simple — we like to think that we do what we do better than anybody else in our market. We are a niche business that is employee-centric and customer-focused. Our goal is to continue to grow and expand. Fortunately, we have the resources to do so and the personnel to make it happen.