Supply House Times Next Gen ALL-STARS

2024 Next Gen All-Star: Brian Blaushild

Top 20 Under 40 PHCP-PVF Professional

By Nicole Krawcke, Natalie Forster, Editorial Director

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

More than 14 years.

What drew you into the industry?

My great-grandfather, Hyman, started Famous Supply in 1933. The draw to Famous was being able to work with both my father and grandfather, as well as so many people I grew up with.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

Working side by side with some incredible associates and being a part of their personal growth.

What motivates you every day?

Our industry continues to evolve so quickly that you have to constantly think about “what’s next.” If you stay status-quo and get too comfortable, you’ll fall behind. With so many innovative distributors and newer competitors arriving, you must listen, learn, and put things into action. Seeing how our business has evolved to take on these challenges has been incredibly rewarding. Every day as I drive to work, I can’t stop thinking about what is next.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

How much technology is involved. Our industry may have been a slow adopter, but it’s rapidly embracing AI, Advanced Forecasting Software, and Automation.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

In 2022 we spent over nine months building out our 10-year strategic plan, leading us into our 100th year anniversary in 2033. It was a massive project that involved dozens of people, and when it was completed, we shared it with our entire company. Seeing the pride and enthusiasm our team had for the plan was an incredible accomplishment for our entire team.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I take Halloween costumes incredibly seriously. If you see me at an industry event, ask me to show you some pictures.

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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.

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.