Supply House Times Next Gen ALL-STARS

2024 Next Gen All-Star: Austin Hayes

Top 20 Under 40 PHCP-PVF Professional

By Nicole Krawcke, Natalie Forster, Editorial Director

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

Almost 20 years now. I started working for a large mechanical contractor between semesters at school in 2005 and joined APR Supply Co. in 2010.

What drew you into the industry?

The people. The PHCP-PVF industry is full of hard working, red-blooded Americans that share many of the same values I do.

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

For me, it’s the relationships and comradery. And not just with my APR Teammates, but with our customers as well.

What motivates you every day?

Simple: I like winning and hate losing. I wake up every day with the goal of outworking our competition.

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

There are an endless number of opportunities. You just need to be willing to put in the hard work. If you can do that, you can make a great living in a very stable industry.

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

About two and a half years ago we transitioned to a new WMS system in our main distribution center. We were anticipating some complications but were not expecting anything close to what we actually experienced. And though I am proud of how I personally navigated the crisis; I am even more proud of how my team persevered. While I was in the background working to fix the root cause, they remained at the tip of the spear working tirelessly to correct the customer facing issues that arose. A task that I do not envy or wish upon anyone.

Ultimately, APR Supply Co. is better off having implemented the new technologies. But we could not have endured the change if it weren’t for the grit and determination of our branch teams. Their unwavering dedication is what makes me most proud.

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

While attending Elizabethtown College I was a member of Phalanx, an all-male A Cappella group.

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

Austin joined the industry in 2010 as a LEAD Trainee at APR Supply Co. He has shown an impressive ability to rapidly learn, adapt, and excel within the industry. Austin’s success within the LEAD program is evident from his quick progression through various roles. His initial rotation in the Distribution Center provided a foundational understanding of supply chain operations, which would prove invaluable in his future leadership roles.

After completing his training, Austin spent two years working at the counter gaining direct experience in customer service, product knowledge, and day-to-day operations. This hands-on experience at the frontlines of the business is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of the industry's needs and challenges.

His promotion to Location Leader of two branches marks a significant milestone in Austin’s career. Managing multiple locations requires strong organizational skills, the ability to lead teams effectively, and a deep understanding of local market dynamics. The fact that he was entrusted with this responsibility after just two years at the counter speaks volumes about his performance and potential.

The next major career advancement came with Austin’s promotion to Regional Branch Leader, overseeing three branches. This role involves coordinating operations across a wider geographic area, managing larger teams, and developing strategies to meet regional business objectives. The expansion of his responsibilities to include three more branches, for a total of 6, only a year later further underscores his success in this leadership position and the company's confidence in his abilities.

Beyond his core responsibilities, Austin has shown a commitment to continuous learning and industry engagement. His attendance at UID (University of Innovative Distribution) demonstrates a dedication to staying current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. This kind of professional development is crucial in an industry that is constantly evolving, and it positions him as a forward-thinking leader.

Austin’s involvement in APR Supply's Young Leaders group and then Emerging Leaders group shows an early commitment to leadership development, focus on growth and a desire to take on even greater responsibilities within the company and industry.

In conclusion, Austin’s career progression, leadership roles, and ongoing commitment to professional development make him a standout contributor to the plumbing industry. His journey from trainee to regional leader showcases the potential for growth within the sector and serves as an inspiration to others entering the field. Austin’s consistent advancement and expanding responsibilities demonstrate not only personal success but also a significant positive impact on APR Supply Co. and, by extension, the broader industry.

– Jenna Hoertz, APR Supply Co.

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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.