Eastern Industrial Supplies announced a transition to second-generation leadership. Kip Miller, Eastern’s current President and CEO, who has led the company for 37 years, will be stepping back from day-to-day operations on October 1, 2024, as Caleb Owen, Executive Vice President, takes the reigns as President. 

“It is an exciting time knowing that Eastern will continue on as a family-owned company and remain an independent distributor for years to come,” Miller said. “I have the honor of passing the torch to the next generation, confident that the values and culture we are building here will continue to thrive. Family members tend to be deeply personally invested in the business, not just financially but emotionally.  Continuing the business allows this investment to bear fruit and maintain the family's collective effort. Our legacy is in great hands, and I trust that under Caleb's leadership, this company will reach even greater heights on the path forward. I am excited for the future of Eastern knowing this next generation brings fresh ideas, perspectives, and innovations while maintaining The Eastern Way and the values that have helped to make the business successful in the first place.”

Miller joined the company as a sales trainee in 1980, took ownership of Eastern in 1987, and has since served as President and CEO. Miller’s leadership saw impressive sales growth, Eastern’s expansion from a single supply house to a nationally recognized brand with warehouses across six southeastern states, and the creation of a culture centered around caring for people - based on 28 fundamentals that make up The Eastern Way.

“We want to honor God in all we do, and our care for people is at the heart of Eastern,” Miller continued. “That care all begins with the people within the company. Our associates know that Eastern continuing to operate as a family-owned company provides a long-term perspective focused on market relevance and enduring success rather than short-term profits. Caring for people is also about our customers who depend on our products and service along with our reliability, trust, and quality. Maintaining a family business can only strengthen these relationships and support continued customer loyalty. Care also extends to our vendors and service providers who depend on us for part of their livelihood. Over the years, we have seen that generosity has helped drive cash flow.  Because of this, it brings us much joy knowing that we can continue to be a pipeline of blessings to others in our company, communities, country, and cultures around the world.”

“When we consider our path forward, we will always prioritize our people and customers,” added Owen. “I'm very optimistic about what lies ahead. We have great people and customers that I see in action every day. We are nothing without our people. Our company has been built on values that will stand the test of time, which gives me hope for an even brighter future regarding the impact we can have in our industry." 

Owen rose through the ranks at Eastern over the past 16 years. He was hired as a sales trainee, served in inside and outside sales positions, was the branch manager of Eastern’s Spartanburg, SC branch, and saw impressive sales growth as Regional Vice President of the Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina region before he was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2023. Fortified with an unrelenting commitment to the Eastern Way and a clear vision for the future, Owen is well prepared to guide Eastern in continuing to honor its purpose while achieving new milestones.

“Our path forward is bright because of our reputation, which has been created by our people," Owen added. “Just one person hasn't done this. Our whole team has done it. As our Eastern Cares Director, David Kay, says, ‘Hope isn't a strategy, but having a strategy gives people hope.’ Eastern’s strategy will be focused and strong. Awareness, forward-thinking, and marketplace relevance will be key to our influence as we think bigger and grow. The best is yet to come.”

Miller will continue to represent Eastern within the industry as he will retain the title of CEO while leaving the day-to-day decision-making in Owen’s hands.

“I will also work alongside Caleb to continue to provide oversight for Eastern's care and culture, our quality movement, and I will continue to serve on the executive leadership team,” Miller stated.

“We (Eastern) will not forget where we came from,” Owen concluded. “I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this company, and will work harder each and every day to ensure Eastern continues its journey, achieves its purpose, and builds a world-class culture for its people.”

The leadership transition is expected to be seamless, ensuring that Eastern remains on its path of purpose-driven success.