Plumbing and Heating Wholesale Raises Funds for Veterans
Plumbing and Heating Wholesale Inc., a leading plumbing and heating wholesale distribution company in the Midwest, proudly supports our military. This commitment was recently demonstrated by hosting the “Tee It High, Let It Fly” golf tournament at Rocky Run
Golf Course in Dell Rapids, South Dakota on May 17. The event successfully raised substantial funds for Midwest Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing veterans with an all-expense-paid trip to our nation’s capital.
Thanks to the generous support of customers and vendors, the company raised enough funds to send four esteemed veterans on their “One Last Tour” to Washington, D.C. Midwest Honor Flight serves veterans from northwest Iowa, South Dakota, northeast Nebraska and southwest Minnesota, offering them the respect, honor and closure they deserve.
“Our mission goes beyond providing exceptional products and services; it’s about giving back to those who have given so much for our country,” said Mike Plasier, CEO and owner of Plumbing and Heating Wholesale Inc. “We are incredibly proud to support Midwest Honor Flight and the incredible work they do for our veterans. Being able to send four veterans to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. is a profound honor for us, and it’s our way of showing our deep gratitude and appreciation for their service.”
For more information, visit pandhwholesale.com.
Western Supply Company Celebrates 75 Years
In 1949, Willis Martin, along with two partners, founded a wholesale plumbing supply business in Hutchinson, Kansas. Over the decades, the company underwent various transformations, including expansions, shifts in focus and closures of some stores. In 1970, Willis bought out his partners, Howard Bentley and Henry Howe, who were more inclined toward manufacturing, thereby rebranding the company as Western Supply Company (WSC). Its headquarters remained close to downtown Hutchinson.
Willis’ son, Jack Martin, the current president of WSC, began his involvement from a young age, starting with tasks like sweeping floors and taking out the trash. His commitment continued through high school and college, eventually increasing to a part-time role after his father suffered a stroke in 1972.
Jack pursued a business management degree from Wichita State University, graduating in 1974. Following his passion, he founded his own venture, Motor Sports Specialties, dealing in automotive accessories. However, in 1982, Jack and his wife, Lora, who he had met at Hutchinson High School and married after college, made a pivotal decision to join WSC full time. This move marked a significant turning point for both the business and the family.
In 1985, Jack acquired the company from his father, subsequently selling his own business to Dennis Woolsey, a former employee who managed it until April 2023. Under Jack’s leadership, WSC experienced substantial expansion. By 1985, a larger warehouse on the east side of Hutchinson was acquired to enhance logistical capabilities, accommodating increased demand and offering improved shipping and receiving facilities. Additional locations were established through mergers and acquisitions in Hays (1989) and Dodge City (1995), with Great Bend having been a location since 1952.
Following the celebration of WSC’s 70th anniversary, the company faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Jack’s expertise, longstanding industry relationships, deep product knowledge and proactive supply chain management, WSC successfully navigated turbulent market conditions. Despite the uncertainty, the company achieved record-breaking sales in many months, affirming their resilience and adaptability.
Jack’s sons have also been integral to WSC’s legacy. Doug, who joined in 1990, recently transitioned from IT director to vice president, while Scott, joining in 1997, moved from location management to a vice president role. Lora retired as human resources director after four decades of service.
Today, the company looks toward the future with the involvement of the fourth generation. Martin’s older grandchildren, including Doug’s daughter Harley and Scott’s sons Jace and Maddox, are actively engaged in the business, contributing across administrative roles and summer operations support.
WSC’s management team includes long-serving members LeAnn Knight, operations director since 1985, and Candace Winkel, credit and marketing manager since 1997. The Kansas-based company employs 32 individuals across its four locations in central and western Kansas.