2025 Season Premiere: Fifth-Generation Leader Shares Insights on Succession Planning and Growth
Austin, TX—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 Founder & CEO and podcast host Karthik Chidambaram offers valuable takeaways for business leaders navigating a changing industry.
Key Highlights:
- Generational Transition and Family Governance: Seymour shares how structured succession planning and governance ensure business continuity and long-term success.
- Technology’s Impact on Distribution: Discussing First Supply’s investment 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 explains. “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.”
Investing in Technology for the Future
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 says. “We have to keep proving why we’re the right partner by continuously innovating while staying true to our values.”
Conclusion: 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.
For more insights from this conversation, listen to the full episode of Driven by DCKAP on your favorite podcast platform.
More Information
- For more details, visit the Driven Podcast portal or tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
- For information about ERP integration, check out the DCKAP Distributor Blog.
- Subscribe to the Driven by DCKAP Podcast.
About the Driven Podcast
The Driven by DCKAP Podcast is an audio and video show that explores leaders’ stories, digital journeys, and insights on trends in B2B and distribution. The podcast is hosted by Karthik Chidambaram, Founder & CEO of DCKAP, who grew the company from a start up to a global team of more than 200 employees. DCKAP earns several trust badges by G2.com, the world’s largest tech software marketplace, including category “Momentum Leader”, “High Performer Americas” and “Users Most Likely to Recommend.”
About DCKAP
DCKAP is a leader in digital solutions that help distributors systems’ talk to each other. Its technology solutions simplify software integrations, e-commerce, and product information management for B2B companies. DCKAP’s flagship product, DCKAP Integrator, helps distributors and manufacturers to automate data between ERP, e-commerce, and CRM systems. Founded in 2005, DCKAP is a global and distributed team headquartered in Austin, TX. Visit DCKAP at dckap.com or follow on LinkedIn.
About First Supply
First Supply is a leading plumbing, HVAC, industrial, well, and septic supplies distributor, serving the Upper Midwest for over 120 years. Family-owned and operated, First Supply provides exceptional service, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships to support contractors, builders, and businesses across the region. To learn more, visit www.firstsupply.com.
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