Market SectorsPlumbing

Next Gen All Star: Stephen Chestnut

By Natalie Forster, Editorial Director, Nicole Krawcke

AGE: 35
COMPANY: COLORADO SPRINGS WINDUSTRIAL
TITLE: PRESIDENT/OWNER

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
SC: I have been in the industry for a little over eight years now.

What drew you into the industry?
SC: Honestly, I was looking for a career change and a friend introduced me to Winsupply and the Spirit of Opportunity that they offer. The opportunity for entrepreneurship and financial freedom was very enticing and I jumped at the chance to prove myself. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else!

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
SC: The most rewarding aspect of this industry would have to be the relationships I have made over the past 8 years. I have made some really great connections with people that I not only get to work with, but can genuinely call my friends. Insert the age-old cliché, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” But it’s true, I love the people I get to wake up and work with every day.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
SC: I wish more people knew how much comradery there was in this industry. It is really fun to be a part of. It may not have all the bells and whistles of a tech company, but it is extremely rewarding. My team and I work really hard, but we have a lot of fun doing it.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
SC: Truthfully, this might be it. My family and I have put a lot of blood sweat and tears into this company; to be nominated and recognized by others in this industry is really an amazing feeling. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what the future brings.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
SC: I went to school to become an educator and spent about three years teaching elementary school kids before I decided to make the career change to wholesale distribution.

Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“Stephen has the ability to run a successful business while being able to be the boss amongst his peers. Most of his employees are roughly the same age as him. It is impressive to see how he has been able to grasp the industry know-how in a short 8 years. There are many different aspects of running a business and Stephen does those very well,” says Jeff Baylor, salesmen, Marshall Rodeno.

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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.