Phil Thompson wins ISA lifetime achievement award
Industrial Supply Company Chairman wins John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award.
Phil Thompson, Industrial Supply Company’s Chairman of the Board, has won the John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the 2018 American Eagle Awards at the ISA Convention in Baltimore by Industrial Supply Association, a trade association dedicated to helping members in the maintenance, repair, operations, and production (MROP) supply distribution industry develop and advance their companies and careers.
The award was established as a way to recognize individuals in the MROP channel for longstanding service in the industrial supply industry. To qualify, candidates must have made significant contributions to the success of the industry and/or their community, and have earned the respect of their associates and peers.
Thompson spent his entire business career working for Industrial Supply Company, nearly 50 years in total. He started in the warehouse and held a variety of jobs—from driver to sales team manager. Eventually, he worked his way up and was appointed President and CEO of the company, a position he held from 1979 to 2008.
As former president and now, Chairman of the Board, Thompson helped lead the company from the Industrial Age into the Technological Age. Of the industry changes he’s seen through the years, he says, "The future is here; we just haven't noticed it yet. Everything that can be digitized is going to be moved to cheaper and faster. Everyone should check their job to make sure it has a shelf life."
Thompson and the company have received many awards over the years. Some notable examples include the Ernst and Young 2001 Entrepreneur of the Year, Utah Business Magazine’s 2003 Trailblazer Award, and the Yellow Coat Award. In 2000, the U.S. Small Business Administration chose Industrial Supply as the "Sub-Contractor of the Year." Industrial Supply was also honored by the trade magazine, Industrial Distribution, as one of the four outstanding businesses of the 20th century.
"I can think of no other person who has made a greater lifelong contribution to our industry," said Chris Bateman, CEO of Industrial Supply. "He has meaningfully dedicated his life to his company and this industry and I am honored to have nominated him for this award."
Industrial Supply Company has served the construction, manufacturing, mining, government and industrial community since 1916. This Utah based maintenance, repair and operational, and production (MROP) distributor has seven locations in the Intermountain West, which serve Wyoming, Nevada, Utah and surrounding areas. The company was profiled in the August/September 2015 issue of Contractor Supply.
In addition to supplies, Industrial Supply also offers customized services that enable customers to increase productivity and manage their inventory. These services include product specialist reviews, vendor management inventory (VMI), safety training, storage and shelving design and tool repair. Visit www.indsupply.com for more information.