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First Supply is a wholesale distributor that supplies plumbing, HVAC, waterworks, PVF, pumps, and septic goods to contractors and industrial customers across the Midwest through 53 locations, including 29 distribution branches, 14 Gerhard’s Kitchen,Bath and Lighting stores, and 4 Kohler Signature Stores. It stocks pipes, valves, fittings, kitchen and bath fixtures, water heaters, and air conditioners, serving as a single-source supplier for professional contractors. The company uses a modern warehouse management system and recently opened a new distribution center to boost efficiency, and it expanded into the Chicago area by acquiring Able Distributors. Its goal is to be a dependable, broad-source supplier for building professionals while expanding its footprint and improving supply-chain operations.
Industries
Hardware
Industrial & Manufacturing
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Monona, Wisconsin
Founded
1897
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Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
PTO
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Education Assistance
Adoption Assistance
Wellness Program
Gym Membership
Phone/Internet Stipend
On Demand Pay
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Stock Options
Company Equity
Healthcare
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Kohler Store by First Supply reimagines its flagship Edina location. Modernized showroom introduces experiential features and the most current Kohler Store layout in the United States; grand opening celebration set for March 12. Edina, MN - Kohler Store by First Supply has unveiled a fully reimagined showroom in Edina, Minnesota, transforming the long-standing location into the first to showcase the newest evolution of the Kohler Store layout in the United States. Originally opened in April 2012, the showroom has been completely rebuilt to introduce new experiential features and expanded product displays. "First Supply's relationship with Kohler dates back to the 1890s, and more than 125 years later that partnership remains as strong as ever," said Joe Poehling, Chairman Emeritus of First Supply. "This store reflects how our distribution model brings the Kohler brand closer to the customers and professionals we serve." "First Supply was Kohler Co.'s first partner to invest and open a distributor-owned Kohler Store to provide homeowners and design professionals with a personalized, immersive shopping experience - transforming their kitchen and bath aspirations into reality," said Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainable Living Officer for Kohler Co. "We're so proud to be longtime partners with Joe Poehling, Katie Poehling and the entire First Supply team, and we congratulate them on this inspiring and beautiful store renovation. The Poehlings placed their faith in us early in our Kohler Store journey and continue to demonstrate a significant commitment to our brand, their customers, and local community. This latest store renovation raises the bar on presenting a stunning showcase of timeless and artistic fixtures, smart and sustainable home solutions, wellness experiences, and exclusive collections." The redesigned space introduces experiential features including interactive kitchen faucet displays, suites dedicated to SMART home and wellness offerings, and plug-and-play stations that allow visitors to pair faucets and sinks to explore product combinations. The showroom also features the Kohler x Remedy Ice Bath as a working demonstration unit. "This showroom has always been an important part of how customers experience the Kohler brand," said Katie Poehling Seymour, President & CEO of First Supply. "What's especially meaningful about this moment is that my father, Joe Poehling, and his friend Herb Kohler shared a vision for this store years ago. Now, Herb's daughter, Laura Kohler, and I are excited as the next generation to help relaunch that vision in a city known for its creativity and design." To celebrate the milestone, Kohler Store by First Supply will host a grand opening celebration on March 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Edina showroom, 7101 France Ave. S., Suite 111, Edina, MN. The evening will feature live jazz, craft cocktails, and appetizers. Laura Kohler will also be in attendance and speak during the evening's program. Attendance is open to the public. About Kohler Co. For more than 150 years, Kohler Co. has been a global leader in bold design and innovation, dedicated to helping people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives through its kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile, and lighting; wellness products and services; and luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf. Privately held Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. The company also develops sustainable living solutions to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. Its Innovation for Good platform addresses pressing issues, such as clean water and safe sanitation, with breakthrough products and services for underserved communities. David Kohler serves as Chair and CEO and represents the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership. About First Supply Founded in 1897 in La Crosse, WI, First Supply is a fifth-generation, family-owned leader in HVAC, plumbing, lighting, waterworks, industrial PVF, pump, well, and septic supplies. As the largest Wisconsin-based wholesaler, First Supply serves the Upper Midwest with 56 locations, including distribution branches, Waterworks branches, Gerhard's Kitchen, Bath & Lighting Stores, and Kohler Stores by First Supply. The company continues to invest in the future, including the operation of a state-of-the-art distribution center that expands capacity and supports efficient service across its network.
First Supply expands Chicagoland presence with acquisition of Able Distributors. First Supply adds four branch locations across the Chicagoland area and 48 team members. Family-owned, Madison, WI-based distributor First Supply has acquired Able Distributors, a heating, ventilation, and cooling supplier with four branch locations across the Chicagoland area: Chicago, South Chicago, Northfield, and McHenry. The acquisition supports First Supply's long-term growth strategy and strengthens its presence in a key Midwest market. Able Distributors brings more than four decades of experience serving HVAC contractors and will continue operating with its existing team and locations as part of the First Supply family. "For 45 years, we've built our business on strong relationships with Chicago-area contractors and a reputation for finding solutions, being thoughtful, and showing up when it matters," said Michael Bleier, President of Able Distributors. "First Supply chose Able Distributors because they value that same approach and are committed to protecting what makes us trusted in this market. This partnership allows us to offer more inventory, more support, and more solutions, while delivering the same level of service our customers expect every day." The acquisition adds 48 new team members to First Supply, which supplies HVAC, Plumbing, Lighting and PVF to customers from more than 52 locations in the Upper Midwest. In a news release the comapny stated the acquisition of Able Distributors reflects First Supply's continued investment in its people, customers, and communities, while remaining grounded in a culture built on trust, support, and development. "At First Supply, growth is intentional and guided by long-term strategy," said Katie Poehling Seymour, President and CEO of First Supply and one of MDM's 2025 Women in Distribution. "We continue to invest in markets and capabilities that position us to serve customers better and operate more efficiently. Partnerships like this allow us to expand in a way that makes sense for our business, while giving our teams the tools, infrastructure, and support they need to succeed."
First Supply has acquired Able Distributors, a heating, ventilation and cooling supplier with four locations across the Chicagoland area. The acquisition strengthens First Supply's presence in the Midwest market and adds 48 employees to its workforce. Able Distributors, founded 45 years ago, operates branches in Chicago, South Chicago, Northfield and McHenry. The company will continue operating with its existing team and locations under First Supply ownership, focusing on hydronic heat, radiant systems and high-efficiency HVAC solutions. "This partnership allows us to offer more inventory, more support, and more solutions, while delivering the same level of service our customers expect," said Michael Bleier, president of Able Distributors. Founded in 1897, First Supply is a fifth-generation, family-owned wholesaler operating 52 locations across the Upper Midwest.
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Industries
Hardware
Industrial & Manufacturing
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Monona, Wisconsin
Founded
1897
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today