Supply House Times Next Gen ALL-STARS

2024 Next Gen All-Star: Benn Harms

Top 20 Under 40 PHCP-PVF Professional

By Nicole Krawcke, Natalie Forster, Editorial Director

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

12 years – All with Plumbing & Heating Wholesale.

What drew you into the industry?

Peoples’ willingness to teach and encourage growth. I had very little knowledge of anything related to our industry when I started at P&H, and thought I was simply applying for a warehouse job to pay the bills after college. I was fortunate enough to have found a company with people willing to mentor and provide opportunities to those that want to grow. The people I work with, and the encouragement I received to go outside my comfort zone, are what ultimately drew me in and allowed me to make a career in this industry.

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

Being able to take the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained over the years in PHCP-PVF to help and encourage others I’ve met through this industry, whether that be personally or professionally. I’ve felt first hand the effect that can have, and being able to provide those same opportunities to individuals and watching them take hold and find success is one of the most rewarding things I get to do today.

What motivates you every day?

I’m motivated by the fact that every day presents a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn; and I need to be ready to take those on. There’s never a dull moment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

It is so much more interesting and challenging than most people see and understand. There really is an opportunity for anyone to jump in, build a career, and make an impact in so many different ways; and have a blast doing it!

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

Being recognized here is certainly a highlight for me at this point. It has always been uncomfortable for me to talk about myself and things I’ve accomplished because I owe so much of that success to those that I’ve had the privilege of working with at P&H, and this is no exception.

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

As much as I crave and enjoy exploring new places with my family and going on long trail runs, I could easily be just as content spending my weekends holed up in my basement tinkering with my 3D printer, reading the latest James A. Corey sci-fi novel, and catching up on my backlog of PS5 games.

Why he was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:

Benn Harms is a classic example of a talented individual that worked hard to rise through the ranks in a distribution Company. When Benn was hired at Plumbing and Heating Wholesale back in 2011 it was evident to management that we would need to continue to challenge Benn in order to keep him interested in our company and our industry. Through hard work and an eagerness to learn Benn quickly moved from warehouse to counter sales and then Location Manager.

In 2016 company leadership determined it was time for us to look into a business operating systems. Ultimately engaging with EOS. While in the Location Manager role, Benn had been exhibiting true leadership ability and was asked to join the leadership team and take on the role of Operations Manager while continuing to perform his Location Manager role. Benn was eager to accept and continued to demonstrate the qualities that earned him that opportunity. Today Benn's role is Director of Operations and he is in the Integrator role on the EOS/PHW Accountability chart.

All positions in the company report to Benn and Benn to the companies Visionary. Recently Benn was asked and accepted a role on the ASA Advisory Committee for the Emerging Leaders division in ASA. Benn understands and embraces the the opportunity to give back to our industry by supporting the organization that leads the charge for Advocacy, Education and Networking for our industry. Benn has also taken the opportunity to become an investor/owner in Plumbing & Heating Wholesale, another way he has demonstrated his commitment to PHW and the industry. Benn has the respect of his Leadership Team piers and of those that report directly to him as the Director of Operations. PHW is grateful that Benn is playing a significant role in our growing organization.

– Mike Plasier, Plumbing & Heating Wholesale

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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.