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First Supply

Wholesale distributor for plumbing, HVAC, PVF

Waterworks Estimator

Full-TimeDeadline 9/29/27
No salary listed
Mid
Associate's
Eau Claire, WI, USA
In Person
Project & Program ManagementProposal Management

About the job

Requirements
  • Previous construction quotation or estimating experience is preferred.
  • Experience reading blueprints, drawings, and building plans.
  • Knowledge of waterworks products.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Pro.
  • Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Suite.
Responsibilities
  • Use project plans, specifications, and drawings to determine needs and prepare accurate material takeoffs.
  • Prepare detailed, competitive quotes and formal bid proposals for municipal, utility, and underground contractor customers.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to gather project details as needed.
  • Obtain bids from vendors and manufacturers for accurate material pricing.
  • Build and maintain relationships with engineers, contractors, and municipal buyers.
  • Maintain cost keys and price masters by updating pricing information.
  • Maintain accurate records of quotes, bid results, and win/loss outcomes.
  • Maintain continuity among corporate, division, and local work teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
  • Follow up on submitted quotes to convert bids into confirmed orders.
  • Assist with resolving pricing discrepancies, change orders, and material substitutions during project execution.
Desired Qualifications
  • Previous construction quotation or estimating experience.
  • A 2-year technical degree.

About the company

F

First Supply

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Website

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.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Monona, Wisconsin

Founded

1897

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What believers are saying

  • In 2026, First Supply bought Able Distributors, adding four Chicagoland HVAC branches.
  • September 2026 awards validated West Salem's automation, sustainability, and fulfillment efficiency.
  • Edina's March 2026 Kohler showroom refresh deepens premium kitchen-and-bath brand pull.

What critics are saying

  • Ferguson, Johnstone Supply, and R.E. Michel outscale First Supply in HVAC distribution.
  • Integration of Able Distributors strains service quality while systems and culture combine in 2026.
  • Manufacturer-direct digital selling from Kohler and HVAC brands can bypass First Supply within years.

What makes First Supply unique

  • First Supply spans plumbing, HVAC, waterworks, PVF, and showrooms across 56 locations.
  • The 1897 family ownership under Katie Poehling Seymour preserves supplier relationships across generations.
  • The West Salem innovation center blends Exotec robotics, solar power, and branch replenishment.

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Benefits

  • 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

Company News

PHCPPros
Sep 18th, 2026
First Supply recognized for Environmental Innovation and Supply Chain Excellence.

First Supply recognized for Environmental Innovation and Supply Chain Excellence. September 18, 2026 First Supply has received two honors recognizing the technology, teamwork and long-term thinking behind the Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center in West Salem, Wisconsin. The company was named a 2026 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment for Environmental Innovation and, in partnership with Exotec, was shortlisted for the 2026 Supply Chain Excellence Awards USA in The Supply Chain Innovation Award category. The Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award was presented by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), with support from award sponsor Waste Management (WM). An independent panel selected nine Wisconsin companies for their leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship and environmental innovation. First Supply was one of three companies recognized for Environmental Innovation. The WMC recognition centered on the 308,000-square-foot Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center, which became operational in May 2025. Sustainability was built into the facility from the beginning through renewable energy, intelligent building systems, high-density storage and automated warehouse technology. The facility's 1,150-panel rooftop solar array, the largest in La Crosse County, can generate approximately 50 to 70 percent of daily energy demand depending on seasonal conditions. Other features include energy-efficient building systems developed with Focus on Energy, electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure designed to support future geothermal cooling integration. "This recognition belongs to the many people who helped plan, build and now operate this facility every day," said Katie Poehling Seymour, president and CEO of First Supply. "Our goal was to make thoughtful investments that would help us serve customers more efficiently while being responsible stewards of our resources. We are grateful to WMC and WM for recognizing that work." National Recognition for Supply Chain Innovation First Supply and Exotec were also named one of eight shortlisted projects for The Supply Chain Innovation Award at the 2026 Supply Chain Excellence Awards USA. The shortlist included projects from Ford, Wesco and other national and global supply chain leaders. Chief Logistics Officer Steve Baer represented First Supply at the Sept. 15 awards ceremony in Dallas. The shortlisted project featured Exotec's Skypod automated storage and retrieval system at the Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center. The system uses 31 autonomous robots and 53,000 high-density storage bins to support faster, more accurate fulfillment for branch replenishment and e-commerce orders. "We are proud of the team and the partnership with Exotec that brought this system to life," Baer said. "Being shortlisted alongside respected companies from across the industry speaks to the work behind this transformation. More importantly, the technology is helping our team improve how we serve customers and prepare for future growth." Together, the two recognitions highlight different but connected aspects of the distribution center: reducing environmental impact while building a safer, more efficient and scalable supply chain. The facility was designed to grow with First Supply and support its customers and communities for years to come.

WisBusiness
Sep 17th, 2026
First Supply: recognized for Environmental Innovation and Supply Chain Excellence.

First Supply: recognized for Environmental Innovation and Supply Chain Excellence. Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center earns statewide award and national industry recognition. MADISON, WI, September 17, 2026 - First Supply has received two honors recognizing the technology, teamwork and long-term thinking behind the Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center in West Salem, Wisconsin. The company was named a 2026 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment for Environmental Innovation and, in partnership with Exotec, was shortlisted for the 2026 Supply Chain Excellence Awards USA in The Supply Chain Innovation Award category. The Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award was presented by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), with support from award sponsor Waste Management (WM). An independent panel selected nine Wisconsin companies for their leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship and environmental innovation. First Supply was one of three companies recognized for Environmental Innovation. The WMC recognition centered on the 308,000-square-foot Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center, which became operational in May 2025. Sustainability was built into the facility from the beginning through renewable energy, intelligent building systems, high-density storage and automated warehouse technology. The facility's 1,150-panel rooftop solar array, the largest in La Crosse County, can generate approximately 50 to 70 percent of daily energy demand depending on seasonal conditions. Other features include energy-efficient building systems developed with Focus on Energy, electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure designed to support future geothermal cooling integration. "This recognition belongs to the many people who helped plan, build and now operate this facility every day," said Katie Poehling Seymour, President and CEO of First Supply. "Our goal was to make thoughtful investments that would help us serve customers more efficiently while being responsible stewards of our resources. We are grateful to WMC and WM for recognizing that work." National Recognition for Supply Chain Innovation First Supply and Exotec were also named one of eight shortlisted projects for The Supply Chain Innovation Award at the 2026 Supply Chain Excellence Awards USA. The shortlist included projects from Ford, Wesco and other national and global supply chain leaders. Chief Logistics Officer Steve Baer represented First Supply at the September 15 awards ceremony in Dallas. The shortlisted project featured Exotec's Skypod automated storage and retrieval system at the Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center. The system uses 31 autonomous robots and 53,000 high-density storage bins to support faster, more accurate fulfillment for branch replenishment and e-commerce orders. "We are proud of the team and the partnership with Exotec that brought this system to life," Baer said. "Being shortlisted alongside respected companies from across the industry speaks to the work behind this transformation. More importantly, the technology is helping our team improve how we serve customers and prepare for future growth." Together, the two recognitions highlight different but connected aspects of the distribution center: reducing environmental impact while building a safer, more efficient and scalable supply chain. The facility was designed to grow with First Supply and support its customers and communities for years to come. About First Supply Founded in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1897, First Supply is a fifth-generation, family-owned wholesale distributor serving the Upper Midwest. Its family of brands includes First Supply, First Waterworks, Able Distributors Powered by First Supply, Gerhard's Kitchen, Bath & Lighting Store and KOHLER Stores by First Supply. Together, they provide customers with a local partner that combines modern distribution capabilities with trusted relationships built over generations. First Supply operates the Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center, which expands inventory capacity and supports efficient service across its network. Learn more at FirstSupply.com. Brooke Barney

First Supply
Mar 10th, 2026
Kohler Store by First Supply Reimagines Its Flagship Edina Location

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.

MDM
Jan 13th, 2026
First Supply Expands Chicagoland Presence with Acquisition of Able Distributors

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."

WisBusiness
Jan 13th, 2026
First Supply acquires Able Distributors to strengthen Chicagoland HVAC presence

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.