The 2025 season of the Driven by DCKAP podcast kicks off with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, president and CEO of First Supply, a fifth-generation plumbing, HVAC, and industrial supplies distributor. A respected leader in the industry, Seymour is a board member of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) and a former chair of the American Supply Association (ASA).

In this episode, she discusses the challenges of leadership transition, the critical role of technology in distribution, and the importance of long-term strategic planning. Her conversation with DCKAP CEO and podcast host Karthik Chidambaram offers valuable takeaways for business leaders navigating a changing industry.

Key Highlights

• Generational Transition and Family Governance: How succession planning and governance ensure business continuity and long-term success.
• Technology’s Impact on Distribution: Investments in automation, robotics, and warehouse management systems to improve efficiency and job creation.
• Strategic Leadership for Growth: Insights on customer relationships, innovation, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Succession Planning and Family Governance

For a company with a 127-year legacy, maintaining strong leadership and a seamless transition across generations is crucial. Seymour highlights the importance of succession planning not just for leadership roles but throughout the organization. 

“All 700+ people in our organization have a succession plan about where they want to go in the business, and when they move up, on, or over, what happens in their role," Seymour explained. "We work with experts to create a governance structure that informs our family members and ensures we continue to be strong stewards of our business.”

Legacy and Business Transformation

Distribution is undergoing rapid change, and First Supply is embracing innovation to enhance operations. Seymour discusses the company's multi-phase investment in a new distribution center, incorporating advanced warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, and robotics. 

“We're automating to grow," she says. "We are significantly increasing the number of people working in our new distribution center. Technology is a job creation strategy for us.

Strategic Leadership and Customer Engagement

With shifting customer demographics and evolving industry expectations, staying ahead requires adaptability and a clear vision. Seymour shares how First Supply fosters strong customer relationships and drives strategic innovation. 

“Many of our customers’ grandparents did business with my grandparents, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll do business with me,” Seymour said. “We have to keep proving why we’re the right partner by continuously innovating while staying true to our values.” 

Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders

This insightful discussion with Kathryn Poehling Seymour highlights the critical factors shaping the future of distribution — succession planning, technological advancements, and customer engagement. Her approach to leadership demonstrates the value of long-term vision and adaptability in an evolving industry. Business leaders can take inspiration from her strategies to foster resilience and growth in their own organizations.

More Information

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