Market SectorsPlumbing

Next Gen All Star: Greg McLaren

By Natalie Forster, Editorial Director, Nicole Krawcke

AGE: 34
COMPANY: PROLINEBK
TITLE: MANUFACTURERS REP

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
GM: Nine years.

What drew you into the industry?
GM: I started my career in commercial lending with a big bank. I put in some time in a cubicle and decided that I wanted a change of pace. I was considering other positions within the bank when my dad let me know his agency was looking to hire someone. We discussed the pros and cons and I ended up going to work for him. I was fortunate to have that opportunity it’s a great industry and I haven’t looked back.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
GM: Getting to sell interesting products to great people.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
GM: The amount of opportunity available for a fulfilling career and great quality of life. There are so many opportunities from engineering to accounting to programming. I don’t think a lot of people consider a career in our industry out of school because it’s not as ‘glamourous’ as some others, but there is a ton of opportunity and you will most likely love your job.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
GM: I am very proud to be named to this list!

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
GM: I played piano and guitar growing up, occasionally I still break out a tune!

Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“Greg Junior has been in the industry probably for a good 5 to 8 years since graduating from college and pivoting from finance over into our industry. He's been very instrumental in that only the continued success of Proline Sales, but also Very involved with ASA and a number of other industry affiliations. Personally, he has a very stable and assuring demeanor has very interested in addressing customers' needs,” says Todd Cleary, regional sales manager, Legend Valve.

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Natalie Forster is the director of communications for the American Supply Association (ASA), where she leads the association's public and media relations strategy, social media efforts, and member-focused online and print communications. Prior to joining ASA, she was the Editorial Director of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. Before that, she served as an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company focused on the PHCP trades and real estate industries. Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Nicole Krawcke is the former Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical. She joined BNP Media in 2014 and served as Web Editor and Business Management Editor of The ACHR NEWS. Prior to joining BNP, she worked at Patch.com, a hyper-local news platform focused on community journalism. She has 10 plus years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.