This month's Personal Profile focuses on George G. Conyngham, Jr., President of Eastern Pennsylvania Supply Company in Wilkes-Barre. The company has been in business for an impressive 113 years, having been founded by George's grandfather, William H. Conyngham, to supply the booming Anthracite mining operations in northeastern Pennsylvania in the late 1800s. Original deliveries of dynamite, mule shoes and other mining equipment were made by horse and wagon out of the company's Wilkes-Barre location. As the area developed and prospered, plumbing and heating products were added. In the 1970's, with the acquisition of Charles B. Scott Co., electrical products were added to the mix.

EPSCO now operates nine locations in northeastern Pennsylvania, and because of its mix of plumbing, heating, PVF, industrial mill supplies, water systems and electrical products, as well as building finishes, serves as a "jack of all trades" to the suburban/rural markets.

George himself has been with the company for 23 years, and like so many other independent company executives, started his career in the warehouse. From there he made the "rounds" to the counter, inside sales desk, purchasing office, operations management, and was named president in 2000.

He and his wife, Maureen, have four beautiful girls ranging in age from 3 to 17. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing, as well as volunteering in his regional and national associations.

Having recently been voted in as one of ASA's new Vice Presidents (his term officially begins January 1, 2003), George recognizes that associations like ASA depend on its volunteers for leadership. "I try to be as active as possible in the associations to which we belong. They not only serve the industry, but provide excellent networking outlets and the chance to make lifelong friends."