DAYTON, Ohio — Winsupply Inc., one of the largest distributors in the nation, has opened Winsupply of Smithtown (N.Y.), serving contractors in the plumbing and hydronic heating industries on Long Island and in the New York City metropolitan area. Winsupply of Smithtown is the ninth new company Winsupply has opened in 2016.  

Rob Butler joins Winsupply as president of Winsupply of Smithtown. He leads a team of six who have 75 combined years of experience in the plumbing and hydronics industries. Butler was previously vice president and general manager of Kelly & Hayes, an electrical supplier that formerly also distributed plumbing supplies.

“Rob Butler has 20 years’ experience in plumbing distribution and has strong customer relationships throughout Long Island and beyond,” said Roland Gordon, president of Winsupply Inc. “Rob took the opportunity to invest in the unique equity partnership that Winsupply offers. A graduate of West Point and a former captain in the U.S. Army as an armor officer, he has the skills that have proven successful for so many of our company leaders.”

In the Winsupply co-ownership business model, Winsupply Inc. has majority equity in each of its locations, while the local company president and sometimes employees own substantial equity. With this model, local companies have the autonomy and flexibility to decide how best to meet the needs of the customers in their markets. Co-ownership gives them “skin in the game,” pride of ownership, and the ability to share in the company’s profits without caps. Winsupply provides its local company locations purchasing power, distribution and other support services such as business consulting, accounting, payroll, IT, and marketing. The centralized support allows local operators to focus on their customers, local markets, and products.

Winsupply has 580 wholesaling locations in 45 states. Its companies conduct business-to-business wholesale distribution of supplies and equipment in plumbing and heating; hydronics; pipe, valves, and fittings; HVAC and refrigeration; electrical; fastening hardware; waterworks and utility; pumps; turf irrigation and landscape; and fire system fabrication. For more information, visit www.winsupplyinc.com.