Leep's Supply is leaping ahead of its competitors with its innovative Web site.
Looks can be deceiving. A first glance at Leep's Supply Co.'s office and warehouse in Merrillville, Ind., gives the impression of a small, basic plumbing wholesale business with a contractor counter, a good-sized showroom, a typical warehouse and courteous personnel. Nothing extraordinary, right?
But a second look reveals that this independent company of 49 employees is doing something many of its colleagues in the PHCP industry are not: It's jumping modem first into cyberspace with an impressive Web site and even more impressive sales figures.
Leep's Internet guru is Doug Van Der Weide. Originally a Leep's showroom salesman with a background in advertising and marketing, he was selected by company owner and President Allen G. Leep (nicknamed Sam) to build a Web site for the firm.