Dirk Beveridge’s Post

This is why I go on the road on the We Supply America tour! To all of the 200 associates at Merit Brass Company - Thank you for leading the way and showing how individually and collectively we can, and a business can be a Force For Good! Thank you for having me! And thanks to our partners Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli who make all these connections possible!

8:35 PM pulled into my driveway in Barrington, Illinois for a four day break. And I have to say … I am feeling both inspired and blessed. Today is day 45 of season four of the We Supply America tour - about one-third of the way through the season before we begin premiering this seasons docuseries films. We have four of our films shot and the stories are now unfolding with our creative team in the editing room. These Last three days have been an amazing whirlwind of connecting with Force For Good people and companies with three different tour stops. To all of you at Lancaster Water Group, Wright Tool, and Merit Brass Company thank you for sharing your stories, yiur hearts, passions, and commitment to doing good. I can’t wait to tell your stories! So after four days here at home working on other aspects of our business - you should see the To Do list Bethany Hepler has for me 🤣 - soon I’m off to Green Bay and Milwaukee to film two more films for season four. We also will be backtracking just a bit to South Bend, Indiana for a special We Supply America event in partnership with our amazing friends and partners at Infor Distribution . What is this event you ask? Well, my good friend Andrew Berlin who happens to a world class business leader and and amazing human being, has invited us to spend the day with hime to learn his 20 business principals that transformed a failing distributor into an industry disruptor and juggernaut. As owner of the South Bend Cubs we are going to hold the education session. Near Four Winds Field and the. Head to the ballpark for a personal tour learning how he took the same business principals to transform a professional baseball team to be one of the best run in professional sports. And then we will take in the South Bend Cubs game from the owners suite with Andrew. I have just 2 seats available for this 7/25 event DM me if interested. And from there I head West for the Remsing 60 days of season four meeting great distributors and manufacturers West of the Mississippi Al the way to the Pacific Ocean. Ping me if interested in seeing if our route coukd allow us to stop in and meet your team and tell your Force For Good story. So to you all following along - THANK You! To those I have met, talked to, and hugged, here”s one more hug in thanks! 🤗 And to those I’m about to meet - I can not wait! Thanks to the great people and teams at Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli for the partnership that makes this all possible!

As the sun rises over the nestled in We Supply America RV in Punderson State Park near Cleveland, Ohio, I'm reflecting on the exciting day ahead. Day 45 of the We Supply America tour brings us to Merit Brass, a beacon of innovation and culture in the industry. Founded in 1937, Merit Brass Company has been a family-owned and operated business. Now steered by the third generation, Marc Schlessinger and Alan Lipp, it is stepping into the future with fourth-generation leadership. As a manufacturer and master distributor, Merit Brass is dedicated to selling value and creatively transforming its customers' businesses in impactful ways. Their motto, "How can we help you better? How can we help you succeed?" encapsulates their commitment to fostering growth and success. At Merit Brass, customers are viewed as family—a sentiment that resonates deeply with the values We Supply America champions. Their goal is transformative: to enhance lives and businesses daily, working closely with vendors, associates, and customers alike. The Merit experience is crafted around innovative solutions designed to help customers thrive amidst industry competition. Their legacy of quality, investment in high-value products, and dedication to associate and family success through continuous vision are pillars of their operation. As a family-owned and operated business, every associate at Merit Brass is part of a larger family and is committed to driving proactive improvements that affect not just customers but every individual within the organization. Their team of over 200 associates across six locations exemplifies a commitment to the 'Merit Experience,' ensuring seamless, trouble-free service from order to shipment. Today, as I meet the dedicated team behind Merit Brass, I am reminded that our people—your people—are truly a Force For Good. Join me as we continue to uncover these stories, supported by our committed partners at Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli. Stay tuned as we uncover the stories of family, innovation, and providing value at Merit Brass—a true testament to the meaning of being a Force For Good.

As the sun casts its first light over Akron Airport, where the We Supply America RV and I staged last night, we’re gearing up for today’s exciting tour stop at Wright Tool in Barberton, Ohio. For nearly a century, Wright Tool has stood as a beacon of American manufacturing excellence, crafting tools that build the nation. Today, I’m eager to meet the dedicated individuals behind Wright Tool, the craftspeople who forge tools for the men and women shaping our country. Over 99% of Wright-branded products are proudly made in the USA using only U.S. steel and an unwavering stringent quality standard. Wright Tool is more than a tool manufacturer; it is a community of respect and partnerships. Its vision has always been to provide confidence and protection to those building our future. Today, I’ll witness this ethos in action as three members from NetPlus Alliance join us, highlighting the strong partnerships that enhance Wright’s impact. Located in Barberton, Ohio—Wright Tool's steadfast home—this privately-held company has flourished under the guidance of just four presidents over its nearly 100-year history. The pioneering spirit that built America is infused into every tool they create, a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. During my visit, I’ll delve into the company's early years, exploring the innovations, patents, and world-class manufacturing processes that set Wright apart. At the heart of Wright Tool is a culture where human relationships are paramount, driving its business forward. Today is about more than just understanding what makes Wright Tool unique—it's about celebrating the vibrant manufacturing scene in America. It's about pride in careers that produce high-quality products and contribute to the noble calling of distribution, with a commitment to fulfilling 98% of orders within 36 hours. Join me as we showcase how Wright Tool exemplifies being a Force For Good in our industry and our country. Thanks to our partners at Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli for making this journey possible. Stay tuned as we uncover the stories of passion, innovation, and community at Wright Tool—a true testament to the spirit of American manufacturing.

As the sun rises over the peaceful valleys and farmland of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I find myself reflecting on the day ahead. Day 43 of the We Supply America tour is set to be a remarkable one, as the RV and I are gearing up to visit Lancaster Water Group. Nestled in this historic landscape, Lancaster Water Group is a testament to the ingenuity and commitment of American manufacturing. This fourth-generation family-owned business has been at the forefront of water treatment technology for over 75 years, dedicating itself to providing clean water solutions that enhance the quality of life for everyone. Josh Wenzel, the President, often speaks about how their work is more than just a business—it's a mission to ensure that every drop of water they touch is safe and sustainable. As the country becomes increasingly aware of the importance of water quality, with infrastructure challenges and emerging contaminants threatening our water supplies, Lancaster Water Group’s commitment has never been more crucial. Their state-of-the-art facilities and expert engineering team embody the spirit of innovation, turning water treatment into an art form that ensures peace of mind for consumers nationwide. Today is not just about seeing the operations of a leading water solutions manufacturer. It's about meeting the people behind the machinery—the dedicated team members whose stories weave the fabric of Lancaster Water Group's legacy. Some employees have been part of this family for 30, 40, and over 56 years, each with a story that adds depth to the company’s rich history. Josh told me about Lancaster’s commitment to community well-being, such as offering free water testing to help Americans understand and manage their water quality better. This service exemplifies their dedication to customer care—tailoring solutions with precision and speed, ensuring recommendations are in customers’ hands within 24 hours of sample receipt. I am also intrigued by the company’s commitment to partnering exclusively with our nation's distributors as their channel of choice. For example, our friends at APR Supply Co. have been partners for over 70 years. As I prepare to pull into their facility in just a few hours, I'm eager to embrace, listen to, and learn from each individual who contributes daily to making Lancaster Water Group a force for good in our society. As I've been reminded, it’s not the brick-and-mortar that defines this company but the collective spirit of its people. A special thanks to our partners Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli, whose support helps us bring these empowering stories to you. Thanks, too, to Joe Kuklis for seeing the vision of We Supply America, its possibilities, and the introductions that made today's visit possible. Stay tuned for more from Lancaster Water Group, where every drop of water tells a story of innovation, care, and integrity.

Three years ago yesterday, July 5, 2021, Mark Chirgwin invited We Supply America to visit Bender for the first ever non-filming tour stop. I remember it all like it was yesterday, meeting the team and learning about what makes the noble calling of distribution, the noble calling. Here is where I heard for the first time about helping people become the best versions of themselves, purpose meetings, doubling-down on culture transformation, and so much more. And here we are … in season four after 24 documentary films, 80+ distributors and manufacturers visitors and one manufacturers rep (thanks Charlie Parham and Pepco Sales and Marketing!), 45,000+ miles, 4 million LinkedIn engagements, and enough stories and lessons for at least one book! After a week of behind the scenes work - and a little R&R in the Georgia mountains, the tour visits for season four pick up in earnest again next week: Monday we visit the team at Lancaster Water Group whose legacy is only surpassed by its commitment to the future Tuesday the tour pulls into Wright Tool to visit this great American manufacturer And on Wednesday we immerse the tour at our first master distributor Merit Brass Company to meet this innovative, customer focused and people committed team. Needless to say I can not wait for what the week and the rest of the tour will reveal. To all of you following along, and who I have met virtually or with a hug - THANK YOU! Yiur stories and lessons are … and will continue to make a difference! And to our partners at Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli thank you for your commitment to the distribution and manufacturing sectors and their noble calling! And, Bethany Hepler - none of this happens without you! THANK YOU!

Freedom: What’s Stirring Inside of you? That inner invoice that beautiful whispering inner voice deep within you something is brewing there’s a yearning you know it’s asking calling for something more. Yes, something is stirring within you. You can often feel the stirring within before you can name it - or voice it, but it’s there. You can feel it. You know it’s there. When you try to voice this creative vision to others, well they cannot not only see it - They can’t feel what you feel. They can’t know what you know because something is stirring within you and not them. You need to protect what you feel. Those around us even those you respect and love, will try to protect you. Keep you safe from pursuing the unknown not fully starring within you. Unknowingly they will try to take your freedom away from you. What is stirring inside of you? Listen, acknowledge, embrace, and work on it. Work on pulling out this stirring, this creative vision, this intuition. This beautiful whispering voice is divine. This whispering voice is your freedom. There’s something all knowing about this voice. It knows things - that if you listen - you are about to discover. You are about to see a path towards who you are what you are capable of. You are about to see your inner beauty and genius coming into the light. Into the light of day. You are about to find your freedom. July 4, 2024 Shanandoha National Park

On June 5th, the We Supply America tour made its way to Liberty Pumps in Bergen, NY. This visit marked our second stop of the season and introduced the second manufacturer we'll feature in our Season Four docuseries, which celebrates the stories of businesses and people who are a true Force For Good. Liberty Pumps isn't just a business; it's a vibrant, dynamic community, a family and employee-owned powerhouse where innovation meets a deep commitment to excellence. Having known CEO Robyn Brookhart Bookhart and other leaders through various American Supply Association (ASA) and Affiliated Distributors (AD) events, I've always been impressed by the spirit and drive of this remarkable team. Walking into Liberty Pumps, you feel the energy of a place that values its people not just as employees, but as integral members of a tight-knit family. I had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals like Russell Cunningham, whose resilience and outlook on life are nothing short of inspiring. His father, Don, joined us on set, and the pride and emotion were palpable. Then there's Jeff Green, who started working at Liberty Pumps in high school and has grown with the company ever since. Jeff's story exemplifies how a nurturing work environment can help individuals become the best versions of themselves. During my visit, I also saw the tangible impact of Liberty Pumps' customer-centric approach. On the glass wall of Brenda Lee Heineman’s office, customer accolades shine a light on the exceptional service they provide: “You are the best!!! Thanks for helping our customer for the support you give us.” – Jim Boatright, Baker Mitchell Co. “Dang that was fast, THANKS!” – Ryan, at Hughes Supply “You are da best! A big mahalo! I am grateful!” – Victor Jay, Delco Sales Hawaii “I only wish all of our vendors were as diligent and responsive as Liberty Pumps!” – Todd Switzer, Fel/Pollard Water “Jennifer - that is the most fulsome reply to a query that I could imagine! Thank you - it is very helpful. You represent the company well. It assures me that my faith in Liberty Pumps is well placed.” – Steve Lashbrook “Thank you for making this easy. I appreciate you.” – Garry Jervis, Winsupply These testimonials are just a glimpse of the many stories we are excited to share when we premiere the Liberty Pumps film in September. Liberty Pumps is dedicated to creating opportunities for their members to excel both professionally and personally, crafting a workplace where everyone is empowered to achieve greatness. A special thank you to our partners at Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli for making this journey possible. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights from Liberty Pumps, where every day is a testament to what it means to be a Force For Good.

On June 30th, the We Supply America tour achieved a notable first—we visited the NIBCO INC. manufacturing facility in Stuart’s Draft, VA, accompanied by our film crew. This marked an exciting expansion of our tour into manufacturing, spotlighting how businesses can profoundly impact their community as a Force For Good. During our visit, the essence of what it means to be both family and employee-owned was unmistakably clear. Each person at NIBCO embodies the company’s commitment to not just creating outstanding products but also cultivating good people who continue to drive their legacy forward. While walking through the entrance, a serendipitous moment caught my eye—a coffee table book titled NIBCO: Forging the American Dream. Particularly striking was a quote from Alice Martin in Chapter Five: "Goodness is the only investment that never fails. NIBCO is making that investment.” This sentiment was echoed in a story shared by Ashley Martin about her great grandfather, the founder, who believed, “The best product NIBCO makes is good people.” For 120 years, NIBCO has exemplified what it means to be a Force For Good, influencing the industry and the fabric of the community. Special thanks to Ashley Martin, Dawn Bloch, and Tami Holbert for making this visit possible and enriching it with their perspectives. I was truly inspired by every employee I met, from the newest hires to those marking over 50 years with the company. The spirit at NIBCO is undeniably ‘Crazy Good’! We are honored to premiere the film capturing this inspiring story in September. Thank you to our partners Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli, whose support makes it possible to bring these Force For Good stories to light. Stay tuned for the premiere, where we celebrate the enduring goodness and impact of NIBCO.

Tomorrow, we begin the second month of season four of the We Supply America Tour. Championing the noble calling of distribution and sharing the stories of businesses and people who are a Force For Good is at the very heart of why Bethany Hepler and I created the We Supply America tour. Distribution is more than just moving products from point A to point B; it's about the people, the passion, and the purpose behind every single item that keeps our country running. The truth is that distribution is an American success story, one built by hardworking individuals who often go unrecognized. When the pandemic hit, the distribution industry stood up, faced the challenges head-on, and kept our schools, hospitals, and essential businesses operational. The resilience, innovation, and sheer determination I witnessed inspired me to tell these untold stories. Each We Supply America tour stop has been a treasure trove of human spirit and leadership. From Matt, the 27-year-old branch manager who found a place that values people over profit, to Chico, who discovered new opportunities and a brighter future at his current company, these stories are powerful testaments to the human element in distribution. These real, authentic narratives show how businesses can be a force for good, elevating their people and positively impacting their communities. By bringing these stories to light, we're not just celebrating the past and present of distribution; we're shaping its future. We're emphasizing that business is fundamentally human, and every individual in this industry is a dreamer, seeking meaning and purpose in their work. This tour is about more than just miles traveled; it's about the connections, lessons, and inspiration shared. Thank you all for following along and sharing your stories with us all. And a world of thanks to our partners at Infor, Infor Distribution, Enable, and Wipfli, who make this all possible! And - We are just getting season 4 started! Special thanks to these Force For Good organizations who helped us kickoff Season 4 by inviting us in, this first month: NIBCO INC. Liberty Pumps Savings4Members Thos. Somerville Company & The Somerville Bath & Kitchen Store Brame Specialty Company The Home Depot ProSource Supply