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Winsupply Breaks Ground on Richard W. Schwartz Center for Innovation

Winsupply Inc. broke ground on the future home of the Richard W. Schwartz Center for Innovation. Located at the corner of Kettering Blvd. and Big Hill Rd. in Moraine, Ohio, the facility will also be the new home of Winsupply of Dayton. Winsupply of Dayton will move from its current location. Opening is expected in the summer of 2021.

The Richard W. Schwartz Center for Innovation will serve as a local training facility for Winsupply Support Services employees and is where new support services for the company’s 600 distributor locations will be piloted and finalized.

Winsupply has some 275 people working at its adjacent two-building campus in Moraine. The employees in those buildings play a key role in the success of Winsupply’s 600 operating companies nationwide by offering back office support services. These services include capital and financial resources, management consulting, sourcing and logistics, e-commerce, information technology, accounting, payroll, and more.

“Our chairman, Rick Schwartz, spearheaded automation at Winsupply with our first IBM computer system not long after he joined the company in 1972,” said John McKenzie, president of Winsupply Inc. “He led the development of our enterprise resource planning system that every Winsupply location uses for order processing, accounting and financial reporting, inventory management, and so much more.

“We named this the Richard W. Schwartz Center for Innovation because of the legacy Rick created at Winsupply in advancing the way we do things, making it possible for our distributor locations to work efficiently and serve their customers as the best in the industry,” McKenzie concluded. “This facility continues his heritage of finding new ways to automate and grow our company.”

“I want to thank the executive leadership for naming the facility in the spirit of what I believe in. This training company is something I’ve been advocating,” said Schwartz. “The ability for our support services teams to work side by side with an operating local company will be invaluable and will actually help speed up the time to market for our newest services.”

The new facility will encompass 28,000 square feet and connect to the existing campus by a walkway.

Connelly Plumbing, Heating & Air Installs cfm Distributors-Donated HVAC System for Injured Veteran

Connelly Plumbing, Heating & Air and cfm Distributors Inc. recently partnered with local contractors and Building Homes for Heroes during a Welcome Home ceremony in Springfield, Missouri, for Army Sergeant Curtis Crawford.

Crawford, who joined the military in 1987, sustained multiple injuries throughout his service, including a gunshot wound, traumatic brain injury, degenerative spine disease, and nerve damage. His injuries require specific modifications to his home in order to live safely and focus on his recovery.

HVAC FOR HEROES: The contractor and cfm Distributors team delivered with a York system including a WiFi-enabled touchscreen thermostat.

To support Crawford, Johnson Controls and cfm Distributors donated a York heating and cooling system with a Wi-Fi enabled York touch-screen thermostat to better assist him with adjusting his home’s temperature without the need to get up. Connelly Plumbing, Heating & Air donated the HVAC installation services for the veteran’s new home.

“We are honored to partner with Johnson Controls, Connelly Plumbing, Heating & Air, and cfm Distributors to gift a home to Sergeant Crawford and his family,” said Andy Pujol, founder and CEO of Building Homes for Heroes. “The customized amenities that Johnson Controls brings to these homes provide not only a foundation for these heroes, but a hopeful path to a bright future with the opportunity to reach dreams he may have never thought imaginable when injured.”

"Teaming up with Johnson Controls and Building Homes for Heroes gives us an opportunity to give back to real local heroes who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Donna Sexton, estimator, Connelly Plumbing, Heating & Air.

NAW Announces Eric Hoplin as New CEO

FILLING BIG SHOES: After 41 years, Dirk Van Dongen has retired as CEO of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. New CEO Eric Hoplin has built experience with Wells Fargo, Booz Allen Hamilton, and in politics.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) announced the appointment of Eric Hoplin as CEO, effective October 19, 2020. As announced in February, current CEO Dirk Van Dongen retires after a 41-year tenure leading the organization.

“Throughout the pandemic and recession, wholesaler-distributors have kept America’s supply-chain running, ensuring businesses have the goods they need to serve their customers,” Hoplin said. “I am honored and excited to join NAW and to advocate on some of the most important issues facing this critical industry. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark under Dirk Van Dongen’s leadership at NAW.”

“I am delighted to welcome Eric to NAW, and I am confident he is the right person to lead the organization forward,” said Van Dongen. “Eric is an incredibly talented executive and demonstrated leader who understands the real challenges facing American workers and businesses in the current crisis and beyond.”

“Eric is the right leader for NAW,” said Doug York, chairman of the NAW Board and CEO of Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply said. “He has a compelling vision to guide the organization and our industry into the future, standing on the shoulders of Dirk and the incredible NAW team.”

Hoplin most recently served as head of external relations for Wells Fargo & Company in Washington. In this role, Hoplin served as an ambassador for Wells Fargo.

Before joining Wells Fargo, Hoplin served as the executive director at the Financial Services Roundtable (now BPI). Prior to that, Hoplin worked in management consulting at Booz Allen Hamilton. Earlier in his career, Hoplin worked in politics.

A Minnesota native, Hoplin holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, an M.B.A. from Augsburg College, a B.A. in political science and communications from St. Olaf College, and a certificate in Change Management from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. He serves on the boards of the Trust for the National Mall and the Reagan Ranch.

HARDI Fills Gaps in Market Intelligence and Membership Teams

Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced the addition of two new employees: Joe Hartge, data analyst, and Warren Patrick, account manager.

Under the Market Intelligence pillar, Hartge plays a key role in helping HARDI achieve its vision to provide economic analysis and forecasts that allow HARDI members to realize a competitive advantage. Hartge will join Tim Fisher, team leader of Market Intelligence, and Brian Loftus, market research and benchmarking analyst, and will play an integral part in supporting HARDI’s Market Intelligence services, including the research and econometric analysis essential to delivering insightful industry forecasts.

“Joe is incredibly bright as has the necessary pedigree to help Market Intelligence support the needs of HARDI members,” said Fisher. “He also shares our team’s vision for how to grow Market Intelligence and will be integral to our efforts moving forward.”

Hartge is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Economics at The Ohio State University and is an Eagle Scout.

Patrick joins HARDI’s membership team as an account manager, assisting HARDI members in capitalizing on the products and services HARDI offers. With previous experience in managing and supporting accounts in different industries, Patrick brings added knowledge and passion to support current and prospective HARDI members. Patrick’s role will have a focus on HARDI’s wholesaler membership categories.

“Warren is an excellent addition to the team. He not only brings previous experience establishing and cultivating valuable relationships, but also is a great team player and collaborator,” said director of marketing and sales Chris DeBoer. “I look forward to Warren meeting and connecting with our members very soon.”

Patrick is an avid Columbus Blue Jackets fan and co-runs The CBJ Artillery fan group and podcast.

Patrick takes on the account manager role following Sarah Jilbert.