Through the Rearview

In this episode, Lindsay Young sits down with Joe Nettemeyer, retired CEO of Valin, a leading provider of automation, fluid handling, process control, and industrial technology solutions. Their conversation covers leadership, resilience, and the future of business transformation. Drawing from more than 50 years of experience, Joe shares his journey from a working-class upbringing to leading a comp...

What does it take to build a company and a culture that lasts? In this episode of Through the Rearview, Lindsay Young sits down with George Pattee, who turned a teenage summer job at Parksite into a 53-year leadership journey. From working out of a literal (former) chicken coop to becoming chairman of the employee-owned, thriving building materials distributor, George shares stories of resilience,...

Mike Marks, founding partner of Indian River Consulting Group, is a straight-talking distribution industry veteran, consultant, and educator with decades of experience helping companies navigate change. Mike has served on the boards of Hisco, Floor & Décor, HIDA and more. He is also a National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Institute Research Fellow and a permanent faculty member of the Un...

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 c...

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...

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 hi...

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 f...