Think Like an Owner

Katie Poehling Seymour - Inside a 5th Generation Distribution Giant - EP.264

Apr 8, 2025

Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President and CEO of First Supply, leads a fifth-generation distribution giant with over 700 employees. She shares her journey of taking the helm during COVID and the challenges of transitioning to a centralized distribution model. The discussion includes the integration of AI for operational efficiency and evolving customer expectations shaped by e-commerce. Kathryn also highlights the importance of family governance and relationships in a multigenerational business, offering insights into thoughtful leadership and cultural alignment.

01:00:33

Episode guests

Kathryn Poehling Seymour

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Kathryn Poehling Seymour emphasizes the significance of adapting to evolving customer expectations by enhancing e-commerce capabilities and fast-tracking efficient service delivery.

The podcast highlights the CEO's proactive leadership approach, conducting extensive site tours to engage with employees and gain insights to improve operational efficiency.

First Supply's strategic decision to invest in a centralized distribution center reflects their long-term vision for improving inventory management and service levels.

Deep dives

The Enduring Mantra of Distribution

Distribution remains a fundamental business model characterized by delivering the right product at the right place and at the right price. While these core needs persist, their priorities and methods of delivery evolve based on consumer expectations. Today's consumers, whether large corporations or small contractors, reflect their purchasing behaviors from platforms like Amazon and grocery delivery services in their professional dealings. Consequently, businesses must adapt their strategies to meet these enhanced consumer expectations, emphasizing quick access, responsiveness, and high-quality service.

Intro

4min

Connecting Leadership with Front-Line Insights

3min

Transforming Distribution: Customer Insights to E-Commerce Expansion

13min

Embracing AI in Business

5min

Evolving Customer Expectations in Distribution

6min

Navigating Family Business Dynamics

24min

Family Meetings in Multi-Generational Business

5min

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President and CEO of First Supply, a fifth-generation, family-owned distribution business with over 700 employees and 53 locations across the Midwest. We cover everything from leading a 128-year-old company through generational transition to building one of the largest distribution centers in company history.

Kathryn shares what it was like taking over as CEO during COVID, the insights she gained from touring every branch in the company, and how she’s leading First Supply through a major operational shift—from a regional hub model to a centralized distribution center strategy. We also talk about how customer expectations have evolved, especially around e-commerce and data transparency, and the company’s efforts to meet those demands while maintaining deep local relationships.

We dive into:

The long-term thinking behind First Supply’s massive investment in infrastructure
How family governance and values guide decision-making across generations
Using AI and data tools to improve pricing, inventory, and customer experience
The importance of culture fit in acquisitions and why they're not chasing growth at all costs
Kathryn’s leadership style, influenced by her background in law, accounting, and family business

This conversation is a masterclass in thoughtful leadership, multigenerational stewardship, and building for the long haul—without losing sight of what matters most: people, relationships, and values.

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GTxWeRXap9Q

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Kathryn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-poehling-seymour/

First Supply - https://www.firstsupply.com/

Support our Sponsor:

Inzo Technologies - https://inzotechnologies.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:04:00) - Becoming CEO and taking an in-person tour of all facilities to get a sense of the situation on the ground

(00:07:25) - Customer feedback