Supply House Times Next Gen ALL-STARS

2024 Next Gen All-Star: Mari Witzeling

Top 20 Under 40 PHCP-PVF Professional

By Nicole Krawcke, Natalie Forster, Editorial Director

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

It has been ten years for me in the industry already (since April 2014).

What drew you into the industry?

Honestly this industry has been a large part of my family’s history. My grandfather supported his wife and 10 kids in this line of work, and my father followed in his footsteps after serving in the Navy. It’s what has put food on our table for generations.

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

One of the best aspects of my role in wholesale is being able to work directly with a wide variety of manufacturers, reps, and customers. It’s very rewarding to know that I can help get our hardworking field professionals the products and knowledge that they need. It’s a bonus that I get to learn about new products and systems almost every day… even after ten years!

What motivates you every day?

Being able to solve issues and get answers for customers when things go wrong. I’m also passionate about increasing efficiency in day-to-day procedures. I’ve become a primary resource for problem solving with my peers and customers. Knowing that I can make a difference is all the motivation I need!

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

There are so many opportunities for growth in all areas of this industry. It’s a spectacular starting place for a broad range of careers.

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

There’s no single specific moment that comes to mind for me. What really stands out is every time I’m recognized for my efforts, no matter how big or small. I am so thankful to the customers who take time out of their day to let me know I’m doing a great job, even if it’s just a quick thank you. Our team in the office is very generous with shoutouts when I help out, and I have even received recognition multiple times from executives. Hearing the positive feedback really gives me a sense of pride in what I do.

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

I’ve been playing piano since I was five years old and singing since even before that. Now I like making music in my free time. I have 8-10 instruments at home that I regularly play.

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

I have been in the industry for 40+ years, about 20 yrs at the wholesale distributor level and 20 in the mechanical contractor area. My nomination for Mari didn't take much thought in that Mari came in green a few years ago and as far as I am concerned, she has taken complete ownership of her inside sales position with more energy and service minded thinking than anyone I have ever done business with. She is on top of everything that I challenge her with on a daily basis, and the most important attribute that I could tag her with would be that she cares, about getting it done, and done right. I do know that she is well regarded amongst her peers and co-workers at First Supply. I cringe when she takes a well deserved day or two off of work, because no one I do business with reaches her level of service. First Supply has other people, good people that I speak with, but Mari's skill sets for her position are better than, in my opinion, anyone else I interact with at their Appleton, WI branch.

– Mark Colwin, Sabel Mechanical

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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.