Press Releases

First Companies Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Distribution Center in West Salem

4/23/2024

April 23, 2024 – First Companies held a ceremonial groundbreaking in West Salem, WI, this past Wednesday, April 17th. In attendance were members of the Poehling Family, First Companies staff members, and several esteemed guests including Kurt Bauer, CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), Scott Schumacher, President of the Village of West Salem, and Dirk Debbink, Chairman of MSI General Corporation.

First Companies Announces Plans for a Cutting-Edge Distribution Center

3/25/2024

First Companies has announced plans to build a cutting-edge, 308,000 square feet distribution center in West Salem, WI, a strategic move aimed at enhancing customer service and optimizing supply chain efficiency.

First Supply Announces New Role of HVAC Training and Technical Manager

2/16/2024

First Supply LLC recently announced Thom Hardy as its HVAC Trainer and Technical Manager. 

First Supply Announces Katie Poehling Seymour as Chief Executive Officer and President

6/8/2021

First Supply has announced Katie Poehling Seymour as CEO and President. She will succeed Joe Poehling who assumes the role of Chairman Emeritus.

First Supply Announces the Retirement of Jerry Barnett

6/24/2020

After 8 years with First Supply and 40 total years in the industry, Jerry Barnett will be retiring on July 2, 2020.

Press Release Archives

  • Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

    Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is something that we at First Supply, Gerhard’s Kitchen & Bath Stores and Kohler Signature Stores by First Supply are monitoring very closely.

  • First Supply Announces Succession Plan for the Northern Region

    First Supply LLC has announced that Matt Klika has accepted the role of General Manager for the Northern Region, following the retirement of Ron Cherney.

  • First Supply Announces New Appointments

    First Supply has announced that Scott Boehlke has accepted the role of general manager for the newly created eastern region of the company, and Dave Lyneis has accepted the role of director of logistics and warehouse operations.

  • Gerhard’s Joins Forces with Kohler Signature Store in Edina

    First Supply is expanding its presence in Edina, Minnesota, with the addition of Gerhard’s Kitchen & Bath Store. Both brands are solely owned and operated by First Supply. With Gerhard’s providing expertise in kitchen design combined with Kohler’s renowned plumbing prowess, customers will find the expanded Edina destination to be the perfect one-stop shopping experience for kitchen and bath projects.

  • The Passing of Ed Felten, Chairman Emeritus

    It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Chairman Emeritus, Ed Felten at the age of 80. Having served as the First Supply President and Chairman, as well as the President of the American Supply Association in 1998, Ed was truly a legend in the industry. Even while courageously battling cancer for the past several years, Ed would never hesitate in offering his guidance when asked. He will be truly missed!

  • Gerhard’s Kitchen and Bath Stores Lower the Boom on Country Music Festival

    Country Boom, LLC is proud to announce that Gerhard’s Kitchen and Bath Stores will be the major sponsor of the Country Boom music festival that will be held from July 11 – 13, 2019 at Maple Grove Venues in West Salem, WI. Country Boom will be featuring regional and national country music artists, food and beverages, camping, and a first class facility and venue that are unique in both size and amenities.

  • Gerhard’s Kitchen & Bath Store by First Supply to acquire Wettstein’s Lighting to keep lighting store local

    Downtown La Crosse will retain a locally owned and operated lighting store. With the announcement of Wettstein’s closure, Gerhard’s Kitchen & Bath Store will acquire the former company’s lighting division to offer decorative lighting products at Gerhard’s current kitchen and bath store location on Cameron Avenue. The expanded store will offer trade professionals and homeowners an accessible, innovative, and convenient location for plumbing, cabinetry, tile, and lighting.