Through the Rearview

All In for 53 Years: George Pattee (Parksite) on Building Companies That Last

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, purpose and people-first leadership. You’ll hear: • How culture – not just having an ESOP – carried Parksite through disruption • How teamwork, accountability and the golden rule shaped his leadership. • Insights into succession planning, the realities of ESOPs and advice for the next generation of leaders. • Personal reflections on building both a 50+ year marriage and a 50+ year career. George also talks about giving back to the industry; he served a term as chairman of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) Board of Directors. Tune in for stories, humor and timeless wisdom from one of distribution’s most respected voices.

No BS: Mike Marks on Trust, Change and the Future of Distribution

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 University of Innovative Distribution. From his early days translating engineering jargon to plainspeak, to leading at one of the nation’s largest semiconductor distributors, to building Indian River Consulting Group, Mike shares candid lessons on leadership, trust, AI and the value of saying “yes” before you feel ready. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover everything from sales grit and critical thinking to mentoring Gen Z and why bigger isn’t always better.

Righting the Ship: Mike DeCata on Leading Change at Lawson Products

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 change, and a commitment to service. With decades of experience across distribution and manufacturing – including time at Grainger, General Electric, and United Rentals – Mike reflects on the core principles that guided his leadership over his entire career: humility, trust-building, and a willingness to face tough realities. He also discusses the importance of knowledge sharing across teams, his active role in the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Whether you’re leading a transformation or just starting out in your journey, this conversation offers insights into what it takes to drive meaningful change.

Leadership & the Lessons of History: Through the Rearview with Ernie Coutermarsh (FW Webb)

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 mentorship and community involvement in shaping the next generation of leaders in the industry. He also talked about the rise of integrated supply, the creation of SupplyForce, and the early days and evolution of Affiliated Distributors (AD). Ernie also shared stories from his early life; Ernie has a unique perspective on history: • He met President Kennedy, served during the Cuban missile crisis, and attended the president’s funeral. • He learned the price of freedom early in his life in the U.S. Marines. • He sang happy birthday to George W. Bush’s mom. Great quotes: • “Relevant is a very important word. And you can't define your own relevance; your customer does.” • “You’re not buying a building. And you don’t buy people either. They have to want to stay. And that’s why your culture’s important. That’s why they will stay. And if they didn’t stay, what you bought was nothing.” • "People want to feel in the course of their day that they matter." Takeaways: • His military background shaped his leadership style and commitment to service. • He emphasizes the importance of company culture in maintaining legacy. • Companies must adapt to changes in customer needs and market dynamics. • Collaboration among industry players can lead to innovative solutions. • Understanding history helps in making informed decisions for the future.

‘Always on Stage’: Ronald Paulson (Grainger, Paulson Advisory) on Servant Leadership, Connection & Embracing Opportunity

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 his early experiences, lessons learned, and the importance of servant leadership. Ron reflects on transformative moments in his career, including Grainger’s response to the 9/11 crisis, and emphasizes the significance of relationships and communication. He also addresses the challenges distributors face and offers advice to the next generation of leaders, encouraging them to embrace opportunities and be a positive influence in others' lives. Includes: Early Career and First Impressions of Grainger Lessons from Warehouse Experience Significant Transitions in His Career Responding to National Crises: The 9/11 Experience The Invisible Backbone: The Role of Distributors Leadership Lessons Learned the Hard Way Navigating Modern Challenges in Distribution Always On Stage: The Importance of Presence Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders