Libsyn Directory

Katie Poehling Seymour - Inside a 5th Generation Distribution Giant - EP.264

Think Like an Owner

Release Date: 04/08/2025

Richard Emery - Building Private Jet Sales Teams [Replay]

Think Like an Owner

Alex (@Aebridgeman) is joined by Richard Emery (@Richardemery2).

Evolving Dynamics of Engine Programs with Delray Dobbins - EP.268

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Delray Dobbins, Director of Sales at Engine Assurance Program (EAP), to dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential components of business aviation: jet engine maintenance programs. With a career spanning Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and now EAP, Delray brings a deep and practical perspective on the engine lifecycle—and what operators need to understand to avoid million-dollar surprises.

Governance and Family Harmony in Business (From EP.267)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode with Dave Whorton here - https://youtu.be/KPcgK3lm-mw

Building Evergreen Companies with Dave Whorton - EP.267

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Dave Whorton, founder of Tugboat Institute and author of Another Way, to explore a different path for entrepreneurs—one built on permanence, purpose, and long-term thinking. After an early career in venture capital and tech startups, Dave walked away from the high-growth, high-exit model to focus on what he calls “Evergreen companies.”

Henry Schuck - Creating Ambitious Teams at ZoomInfo - EP.266 [Replay]

Think Like an Owner

My guest today is Henry Schuck, founder and CEO at ZoomInfo, one of the most successful data businesses in recent times with a market cap today around $12B. I’ve been looking forward to this podcast for a long time because Henry has proven to be an effective founder, acquirer, and public CEO capital allocator, which is a rare combination of skills to find in a single CEO. He’s thought very deeply about building high performing organizations, sales functions, and how his own role needs to evolve as the c

How Flying in America Lost it's "shine"

Think Like an Owner

From Episode 265 with Erika Armstrong. Watch the full video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Nc2vgTLhbYA

A Tour of Aviation Safety with Erika Armstrong - EP.265

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Erika Armstrong, a pilot, author, and aviation expert whose career has taken her from corporate jets to major airlines to the university classroom. Erika shares stories from her early days in aviation, from sleeping on crash pads with seven other pilots to flying charter flights into some of the most challenging airports in the country.

AI Breakthroughs in the Distribution Sector (From Ep.264)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode here - https://youtu.be/GTxWeRXap9Q

Katie Poehling Seymour - Inside a 5th Generation Distribution Giant - EP.264

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President and CEO of First Supply, a fifth-generation, family-owned distribution business with over 700 employees and 53 locations across the Midwest. We cover everything from leading a 128-year-old company through generational transition to building one of the largest distribution centers in company history.

Hill Hamrick on Relentless Prioritization (From Episode 263)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/UTNl0xeSgZY

More Episodes

Kathryn shares what it was like taking over as CEO during COVID, the insights she gained from touring every branch in the company, and how she’s leading First Supply through a major operational shift—from a regional hub model to a centralized distribution center strategy. We also talk about how customer expectations have evolved, especially around e-commerce and data transparency, and the company’s efforts to meet those demands while maintaining deep local relationships.

We dive into:

The long-term thinking behind First Supply’s massive investment in infrastructure
How family governance and values guide decision-making across generations
Using AI and data tools to improve pricing, inventory, and customer experience
The importance of culture fit in acquisitions and why they're not chasing growth at all costs
Kathryn’s leadership style, influenced by her background in law, accounting, and family business

This conversation is a masterclass in thoughtful leadership, multigenerational stewardship, and building for the long haul—without losing sight of what matters most: people, relationships, and values.

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GTxWeRXap9Q

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Kathryn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-poehling-seymour/

First Supply - https://www.firstsupply.com/

Support our Sponsor:

Inzo Technologies - https://inzotechnologies.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:04:00) - Becoming CEO and taking an in-person tour of all facilities to get a sense of the situation on the ground

(00:07:25) - Customer feedback

(00:09:56) - How larger distribution locations affect the direction of the business

(00:15:22) - What are the keys to a good location for a massive distribution center?

(00:17:33) - How does e-commerce sales impact data?

(00:19:53) - AI breakthroughs

(00:25:47) - Customer service evolutions

(00:31:19) - Acquisitions

(00:34:09) - Debt utilization

(00:37:58) - Katie’s career before First Supply

(00:41:52) - How do you describe your style as a CEO?

(00:44:42) - Constructing a board

(00:46:30) - Succession planning

(00:49:33) - Lessons learned from other family-run businesses

(00:52:43) - The next generation of the business

TOPICS