For Scott Williams, vice president of Maumee Supply, leading the third generation of his family’s business is both a passion and a privilege. The company’s roots date back to 1953, but the Williams family’s connection began in 1959, when Scott’s grandfather, George Williams, bought into the business. Since then, Maumee Supply has weathered shifts in ownership, customer needs and market dynamics—emerging each time more focused, more resilient and more aligned.
In recent years, the company underwent a major generational transition. Scott’s father, Greg Williams, and uncle, Doug Williams, co-led the business for decades, until Scott’s father officially retired at the end of 2024. Today, Scott and his uncle carry the torch—Scott serving as vice president and Doug as president. It’s a shift that many independent distributors are facing, and one Scott believes must be handled with intentionality and care.
“The biggest thing I can say is: plan, plan, plan,” Scott explains. “Make sure everyone is on the same page about expectations, valuation and what the transition will actually look like. Surprises in a family business can create real problems.”
To help guide that transition, Maumee Supply implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—a strategic management framework that’s become instrumental in structuring and scaling the business.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE WITH EOS
Maumee Supply adopted EOS about three years ago, and according to Scott, it couldn’t have come at a better time. EOS provided clarity, structure and a framework for accountability during a critical phase of leadership change.
“EOS helped us identify our organizational shortcomings and implement real processes and procedures,” he says. “It made sure that everyone—from the newest employee to someone who's been here 45 years—knows their roles and responsibilities, what success looks like and how they contribute to the larger vision.”
That vision has become more tangible. With EOS, the leadership team has mapped out shortand long-term goals, from quarterly targets to five- and 10-year benchmarks. The system also instilled a culture of accountability and alignment that has elevated communication, performance and customer satisfaction across the board.
“We don’t make changes just to be more efficient—we do it to add value for our customers. EOS helped us ensure those two goals are always aligned,” says Scott. “It’s given everyone a better understanding of their impact, which creates pride and purpose.”
THE VALUE OF CULTURE AND CORE BELIEFS
Scott attributes much of Maumee Supply’s longevity to its deeply rooted culture and clear core values. These include Making it Happen, Caring Commitment, Embracing Change and maintaining a Fun, Family Atmosphere.
“We genuinely live our values. Candidates seek us out because they’ve heard about our culture,” Scott says. “People think caring is soft. I think it takes strength to lead with empathy—and that includes caring for customers, coworkers, community, health and faith.”
That culture also shows up in action. When a vendor failed to ship crucial parts on time, one of Scott’s sales reps drove four hours roundtrip to ensure a customer could complete their job that night. “That’s who we are,” he says. “We don't expect heroics daily, but our customers know we’ll go the extra mile.”
NEW DIRECTIONS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Maumee Supply has evolved alongside customer needs. As the company has expanded product offerings, it has rebranded throughout the years from the original name, Maumee Plumbing Supply, to Maumee Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Industrial Supply in 2024 to reflect the addition of new cooling lines, including ductless mini splits and high-velocity small-duct AC systems. The company is also exploring future growth in waterworks and irrigation—a long-term move based on clear demand signals from customers.
Another opportunity? Geographic expansion. For decades, Maumee Supply has operated from a single location, but the team is now actively evaluating opportunities to expand their physical footprint and better serve new markets.
THE DECORATIVE SHOWROOM
A distinctive part of Maumee Supply’s offering is its decorative showroom—Waterhouse Bath & Kitchen Studio. First opened in the early 1970s as the Kohler Bath House, the space was expanded and rebranded in 2006. While no longer the only plumbing showroom for hundreds of miles, it remains a boutique destination known for personalized service and deep product expertise.
Scott’s sister, Julie Williams, serves as the showroom’s senior sales associate and has more than 20 years of experience guiding homeowners, builders and designers. LPG membership has added further value by introducing unique vendors and providing top-tier training resources that set the showroom apart.
IMARK: A CORNERSTONE PARTNERSHIP
Maumee Supply’s success is also supported by its strong relationship with IMARK. Scott credits the buying group with providing critical support for rebates, vendor relationships and operational leverage—especially for small, independent distributors.
“IMARK makes wholesale distribution viable for companies like ours,” he says. “We prioritize IMARK vendors and scrutinize any purchase that falls outside the group. It’s that important to our sustainability.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As Maumee Supply moves into its next chapter, Scott remains focused on continuing the family legacy—rooted in service, culture and innovation.
"IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT SUSTAINING WHAT WE’VE BUILT—IT’S ABOUT GROWING IT IN THE RIGHT WAY. AND THANKS TO EOS, IMARK AND OUR INCREDIBLE TEAM, WE HAVE A CLEAR ROADMAP FOR DOING JUST THAT."
Whether delivering materials on time, expanding into new sectors or mentoring the next generation, Maumee Supply proves that legacy and leadership can go hand in hand—especially when guided by purpose, planning and a culture that puts people first.
Jennifer Kohlhepp
Jennifer Kohlhepp is the managing editor of IMARK Today and has more than 20 years of experience developing award-winning content for various platforms. Reach her at jkohlhepp@cmasolutions.com.