Thank You

to all members of our military, in all branches, past and present, living and dead. 

IMARK Group Member, Vendor, and Supplier Partner Veterans

I come from a family of veterans dating back to the Civil War. It is in times like these that we take a look back and thank all of the men and women that have fought for our freedoms.  I want to thank you and your family members that have served in our military. We wouldn’t be in the best country in the world without their sacrifice.”

John Aykroyd | IMARK Plumbing & Luxury Products Group | President

“Now more than ever, we need to thank our veterans for the service and sacrifices they have made to keep our country safe.  I am so lucky to have them as part of our community and to be able to have them as friends.  Whether we are in a time of peace, or unrest, we should always take the time out to thank veterans for the choices they have made to keep America the wonderful country that it is.” 

Jeff MacDowell | Luxury Products Group | Executive Director

Meet Our Veterans

Gil Moreno

Judy Tomkinson

Chris Ice

Louis Mark Groening

Chad Schroeder

Adam Flint

Curtis Conard

Charlie Cook

Phelan Conner Thomen

Gary Cornett & Gary Cornett II

Gil Moreno

Gil Moreno

Chris Ice

Chris Ice

Chad Schroeder

Chad Schroeder

Curtis Conard

Curtis Conard

Phelan Conner Thomen

Phelan Conner Thomen

Robert Thompson

Robert Thompson

Timothy J. Mullally Jr.

Michael Baldwin

Michael Baldwin

Lauren D. Walter and Barry E. Walter, III

Lauren D. Walter and Barry E. Walter, III

Gerald James Lofton

Gerald James Lofton

Calvin Stang

Calvin Stang

James “Bud” Link

James “Bud” Link

Michael L. Foster

Jennie and Ben Wunderlich

Nathan Bryant

Krishna Maddineni

J. Chatham Howard, Jr. "Chat"

Judy Tomkinson

Judy Tomkinson

Judy Tomkinson

Regional Sales Manager | Liberty Pump
US ARMY

Judy works for Liberty Pumps, a manufacturer of wastewater pumps and a member of IMARK buying group. Judy was in the Army Reserves from 1985 to 1999. From 1985 to 1987 she attended medic unit training to become a medic. From 1987 to 1990 she transferred to the unit that ran an Army Reserve school and trained to be an administrative specialist. From 1990 to 1993 she finished out her initial eight-year commitment in a Drill Sergeant unit and from 1993 to 1999 she went into the Inactive Ready Reserves for 6 years and was finally discharged in 1999. 

Judy has several family members who were also in the military. Her father and my mother were both in the Army, her aunt was a nurse in the Navy and her brother was stationed on a nuclear submarine in the Navy. Judy currently works in the order processing department at Liberty Pumps as the Warehouse Coordinator. She has two grown children and a beautiful granddaughter and juggles her time between her family and taking care of her mom.

Louis Mark Groening

Louis Mark Groening

Louis Mark Groening

Sales Manager | Liberty Pumps
US NAVY

Louis is a regional Sales Manager for Liberty Pumps, US Manufacturer of wastewater pumps, and member of IMARK buying group. He was a member of the U.S. Navy from 1983 to 1987. He served as an Operations Specialist aboard the U.S.S. New Orleans a Helicopter Carrier 2 Western Pacific Tours (Hawaii / Philippines / Hong Kong / Korea / Singapore / Japan / Thailand / Africa)

Dad & Brother

Gary and Gary II

Gary Cornett & Gary Cornett II

Holmes Plbg. & Htg. Supply Co
US MARINE CORPS

Both Gary and Gary the Second, father and brother, served in the United States Marine Corp.  Gary did two tours in Vietnam while Gary the Second served during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War. 

Gary Cornett & Gary Cornett II

Adam Flint

Gil Moreno

Adam Flint

Regional Sales Manager | Liberty Pump
US ARMY

Adam Flint is a Regional Sales Manager for Liberty Pumps, US Manufacturer of wastewater pumps, and a member of IMARK buying group. Adam was in the ARMY for a total of 10 years (1995 – 2006), 4 years active duty, and 6 years in the National Guard.  He spent time at Ft. Hood Texas and was activated during wartime. Adam has 3 daughters and enjoys many outdoor activities. He has worked at Liberty Pumps for over 21 years and started out in the service department in Jan of 1998, working his way up to the Regional Sales Manager position in 2018.

Charlie Cook

Charlie Cook

Charlie Cook

Owner & CEO | Liberty Pump
US ARMY

Charlie is the owner and CEO of Liberty Pumps, Inc. US manufacturer of wastewater pumps and member of IMARK buying group. Charlie was drafted into the US Army in October 1968. He attended Basic training at Fort Dix, NJ and Advanced training at Fort Gordon, GA as a radio-teletype operator. In his class of 96, 93 went to Viet Nam, one went to Ethiopia, and he was one of two who went to Korea (so lucky!) Half of his tour was on a secure and encrypted radio network; the other half was inventory control for the C-company motor pool. Charlie was honorably discharged in July of 1970 as a sergeant E-5.

"I love this country and would serve again." - Chris Ice | Merfish United

Fond Memories 

Gil Moreno

Gil Moreno

Sales Representative | Merfish United
US ARMY

Gil Moreno joined the United States Army right out of High School with a couple of friends. His father, and both great grandfathers, all served in the military. Gil did his training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri (The Million Dollar Hole) as it was called then. 

Prior to the Gulf War, he went to Air Assault school out of pure boredom and was the base NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) NCO. Gil trained Army and Marine troops in personal and equipment decontamination methods but ended up serving as a Combat Engineer during Desert Storm. 

Gil received a Service Metal, his Over Seas Ribbon with a couple of clusters, a Certificate of Achievement, and a couple of small commendations. Gil managed to qualify expert on 10 different weapons during his time……..which he fondly remembers as “fun”. 

Soldier of the Year

Baldwin

Robert Thompson

Jason International
US ARMY

Rob joined the Army in 1992 and went to Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After his time there, he served with the 527th Engineering Battalion in two different companies in Louisiana. Rob graduated at the top of his class at the NCO academy, and after serving as a squad leader on both domestic and foreign project sites, he was lucky enough to be named Soldier of the Year for his Battalion.

A new job in Arkansas brought Rob and my family northward and he transferred to the ISU unit at Camp Robinson in 2001. After a few years, he decided to trade in his time being spent with the Arkansas National Guard for time to spend with his three sons and the Boy Scouts of America.

“I truly enjoyed my time in the military and can honestly say that I have utilized a great deal of the skills learned, in both my personal and professional life. I respect all of those that have sworn the oath of military service and consider it an honor to be part of the military family and tradition.” Robert Thompson

Called to See The World Through Service 

Chris Ice

Chris Ice

Outside Sales Representative, California and Arizona | Merfish United
US NAVY

Chris Ice joined the US Navy in 1983 while still in college under the DEP with the intent on seeing the world. He got his wish and served a total of 10 years with the United States Navy, the majority of that time spent launching fighter aircraft onboard the USS America CV-66 and a short stint on the USS Eisenhower. Chris was involved in military action in Beirut, Libya and served as air support trainer onboard the Ike during Desert shield operations off the coast of Kuwait. He has been to the North Pole (Bluenose), through the Suez Canal and into the Gulf (Shellback), and swam in the Indian Ocean.

Chris visited 26 countries on 4 continents. He received the Navy Expeditionary medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and several service ribbons and weapons qualifications. Qualified and served as Shipboard Fire Marshall, he was put to the test in Rota Spain when a Supply helicopter missed its landing and exploded on deck. Launched sorties in Ocean Safari 1985 against the (then Soviet Union) from the Vjestfords of Norway, just before embarking on that operation, he met Mrs. Nancy Reagan who visited us while President Reagan was recovering from surgery. 

Chris Ice

Managing Service and Education 

Gil Moreno

Curtis Conard

Canature Water Group
US ARMY

Curtis was a 19 D10 Armored Cavalry Scout, he did three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He served 9 years of active duty in the United States Army and was Honorably discharged. During his service he spent time in Germany, Ft Hood tx Ft Knox KY , Ft. Irwin Ca. and Ft Riley Ks.

Curtis received an Associates’ degree in Criminal Justice while serving and has successfully used the skills learned in the Army to become a Site Supervisor for Canature Water Group in Pottstown Pa. 

To Continue the Family Military Heritage 

Phlean Conner Thomen

Phelan Conner Thomen

Jason International
US ARMY

Phelan is a soldier in the Arkansas National Guard, training to become an officer. Phelan went to basic training in May 2019 at Fort Sill Oklahoma and is currently stationed at Camp Robinson. He joined the national guard to continue my family heritage of military service and give back to the country.

Phelan started at Jason a few months ago as an engineer intern and began taking on more and more management tasks.  Phelan is the industrial engineer and maintenance supervisor for Jason. 

Pride, Faith, and Service 

Gerald James Lofton

Chad Schroeder

Outside Sales Representative, Florida | Merfish United
US MARINE CORPS

My name is Chad Schroeder and I am the Merfish United Outside Sales Representative for the state of Florida. I served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990-1994. In 1989, after graduating High School with Honors, I was looking for a purpose in life. I had been working and attending college and playing basketball at Pasco Hernando Community College in Florida. Life was good. My parents had worked very hard to provide for me, including a good home life, vacations and more, but we weren’t considered wealthy. One day, a high school friend of mine, Tony Bolden, came home to visit. He was now a Marine, having just graduated boot camp at Parris Island, SC. During the conversation, he asked about me joining. I thought for a minute, and decided, “why not?” Shortly after, I met with a recruiter and found myself in basic training on February 4th, 1990. 

After three months of intense, stressful training, it was finally my day to walk the Parade deck in my Dress Blues, receive my Eagle, Globe and Anchor and Earn the title of Unites States Marine. It was the proudest moment of my life (at least until my kids were born, but it’s still up there!). After a ten day leave, I was sent to Fort Sill, OK where I spent months training to become an Artillery Man. My job in the Marines was Fire Direction Control (FDC) and I was attached to an artillery unit. I controlled the Gun Line, directing them on how high, in what direction and when to pull the trigger. My next duty station and first home base became Camp Lejeune, NC.

In October of 1990, just before the Holidays, our First Sergeant called for an immediate mandatory formation and informed us that we had received orders. We would be leaving for Saudi Arabia within a month. After a few days leave at home with my family, I was back in North Carolina and boarding a plane. Nineteen hours later, we landed on the other side of the world. It was December 3rd, 1990. We spent a month positioning, inching closer to Kuwait and getting ready for the unknown. Desert Shield Started had started in August and was now in full swing. We heard a constant stream of airpower overhead and knew strategic bombing wasn’t far in front of us. By this time Saddam Hussein had ordered his army to light the oil fields, they held on fire. At one point, at one o’clock in the middle of the afternoon, is was so dark from the burning oil and smoke that you needed flashlight to see in front of you. We kept moving closer to enemy lines, moving in the pitch-black across rigorous desert terrain. It was now January 13th, 1991 and my nineteenth birthday. I thought, “is today the day that all of our training, the sacrifices we made up to this point, was going to put into play?” One night, just before midnight, a formation was called. Our senior officers were there as usual, but this time a chaplain was with them. Our Captain announced that it was time. He said, and I’ll never forget these words, “men, in three hours at O-three-hundred-hours, while the enemy is sleeping, we will blow the berm and enter into enemy territory.” He continued, “they will be trying to kill us and some of us will not make it back.” The chaplain prayed with us and gave us something like last rites. Those next three hours were quiet and almost peaceful, even with constant bombings from our Air Force only a few thousand yards in front of us on the other side of the berm. The clock struck 0300 hours and the combat engineers blew up the berm that separated us from enemy territory. 

We entered Kuwait on February 17th, 1991 and Operation Desert Storm began. I wasn’t a scared nineteen-year-old anymore, I was a Marine, a combat warrior and it was time to shine. After only two hours, Saddam launched SCUD missiles at us which were mixed with Mustard Gas and nerve agents. We had to immediately deploy our Mop Level 5 Gear, which covered us from head to toe and we stayed in it for nine hours before we got the all-clear. While advancing, we took our first Prisoner of War, an Iraqi soldier who was hiding in a fighting hole he had dug in the desert. He was the first of 300 POW’s we would take, eventually getting to the point where we stopped checking them. We had them get behind us and keep walking where they would be safe. We moved so fast into Kuwait that we didn’t have time for all the Iraqi’s that were surrendering to us. While driving with other Humvees, mine ran over a land mine while passing another. It blew the front right tire off, disabling that vehicle for good. We found ourselves in the middle of a mine field without a way to drive out. While there were some minor injuries from the blast, all we had lost was a vehicle. We spent that night in our broken Humvee, not being able to step out to go to the bathroom. We held our position, taking fire from the ground and SCUD Missiles from above. At dawn we were able to see enough to clear the minefield with probe rods (lower-ranking Marines got this honor… me and my friends). We cleared the way and continued to Kuwait. After other close calls and sleepless nights, coalition forces led by the United States had liberated Kuwait in 42 days. A couple of months later we rotated home. It was May of 1991, and we came back to the U.S. to a Hero’s Welcome. After Desert Storm, we had some down time before we got orders sending us to Okinawa, Japan for 6 months. 

These were some of the best times I had in the Marine Corps; I was team captain and quarterback of the football team, captain of the volleyball team, and won a long drive competition on a drive of 327 yards on a set of wood-headed rental clubs. We had several typhoons hit the island while were there, the largest being a Category 5. It came in directly over the island and our barracks. We went out briefly and stood in the eye of the storm, which was like being in the center of a washing machine without getting wet. You couldn’t even feel the massive circulation around you. Returning home from Japan for a short while, we were next sent to 29 Palms, CA for two months of desert training (I suggested just sending new Marines, as I has seen enough desert for a lifetime by this point!). While there, we played at the famous La Quinta Golf Course that used to host the Skins Game for top PGA players. After that we returned to North Carolina, where we got new orders; this time we were going on a cruise (not an all-inclusive with a pool, an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean). We were sailing back to the other end of the world. During the cruise, we stopped for refueling and resupply every two weeks. We docked in Spain, Italy, Africa, Israel, Greece and more. This would be my final deployment and last of three trips around the world. I visited seventeen different countries, deployed for six months during wartime, received numerous medals and returned home safely after four years in the Marines.

 

Chad Schroeder
Chad Schroeder

There were some very intense times, and I put my life on the line to defend freedom, liberty and the flag of the United States of America. Some of the questions I get asked the most is, “was it worth it and would you do it again?” My answer is, “hell yes, to both,” without blinking an eye. For the people of this great country that hate and also hate it, burn it’s flag, lose friendships over politics or don’t appreciate what you have here, I say this; wait until someday when you don’t have those rights, liberties, and freedoms, find yourself in a lawless country, or even worse having to live by the rules of a dictator, then you will see what I saw in Operation Desert Storm, which is life at its worst. I have seen the word. 

We live in an amazing country, no matter who is President, what the economy is doing or where you’re at in your personal life. I was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1994. Now I’m with another great organization, Merfish United, and I thank God every day for the opportunities I have in this country. God Bless the USA!

 

A Disciplined Approach 

Timothy

Timothy J. Mullally Jr.

E-Commerce & Southern Regional Sales Manager | Mr. Steam
US ARMY

TJ enlisted in the US Army after high school in 1995. He served in Scout Platoons in Texas, Germany, and Kosovo.  A Cavalry Scout is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the commander during battle. They engage the enemy in the field, track and report their activity, and direct the employment of weapon systems to their locations. TJ left active duty military as Staff Sergeant after serving 6 years and served another 3 years in the National Gaurd.

TJ’s  Dad, Uncle, Cousins, and wife all work in the industry.  Originally he started a representative agency after the military and eventually sold it to friends in Texas. Fun Fact: TJ met his wife at KBIS Chicago and got married the following year at KBIS Las Vegas!

“Mr. Steam and our parent company Sussman Automatic Corporation have always held a deep respect for the veterans who have served our country. TJ Mullally experience as a veteran has brought a disciplined approach to handling his job and responsibilities and he has used his experience as a veteran to help our company grow our business in the regions he is responsible for. He is responsible, he cares for the company, the brand, and his co-workers and these are all traits that come from his time as a veteran. We couldn’t be happier to have him as an important part of our team.” – Dan Reinert | Mr. Steam | Vice President

Timothy-2

The Heart To Serve 

Baldwin

Michael Baldwin

Owner | Desert Industrial Supply
US ARMY

Mike Baldwin, a co-owner of Desert Industrial Supply and our current V.P. served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Mike not only served our country proudly but continues to work at helping other, less fortunate Veterans. He quietly, but consistently helps the V.A. as well as a local non-profit called “Vets 4 Veterans”.    

Upon returning from Vietnam, Mike began driving trucks in 1971 for a 2-year-old company called “Desert Industrial Supply”. Fifty-two years later he is still a driving force behind this company. Over the decades, Mike has not only helped and watch many of us grow up but has been a mentor and father figure to some of us within our company.

Thank you, for showing gratitude to the men and women who fought and continue to fight for the freedoms we ALL enjoy. May we NEVER forget their sacrifices.  

Michael Baldwin

"Let us all remember our Veterans service and sacrifice to our country and countrymen for they are the reason we are free today. God bless all of our Veterans, and God bless America!" - Lexi Sullivan | Immerse by Atlas

A Family Legacy 

Lauren D. Walter and Barry E. Walter, III

Lauren D. Walter and Barry E. Walter, III

Barry E Walter Sr. Co.
US NAVY

Both Lauren and Barry Walter served in the U.S. Navy. Lauren worked for Hirsch Pipe and Supply after WWII, where he was a machinist in the Navy. During the time working for them and H.E. Holzemer, he developed the Plumber’s Index for Concealed Valves. Basically the first stem guide. When he went to work for P&M he began to manufacture parts for them in his garage on hand lathes and mills.

His great-grandson Barry III is now stationed at Sigonella Air Station in Sicily.

Lauren D. Walter and Barry E. Walter, III

Proud to Serve

Calvin

Calvin Stang

FLITZ International
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Calvin joined the Army National Guard in 2008. He went through training and was deployed to Iraq from 2010-2011. He proudly served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard until his last deployment to the Southwest border in 2018.

He left the Army as an E-5 Sergeant after 11 years of service in December 2019.  

Calvin Stang

The Character of a Generation 

James “Bud” Link

James “Bud” Link Father In Law of Frederick Chang, Delta Faucet Company, served in the Navy. He quit high school to volunteer for service at 17. He served on the deck at Pearl Harbor as a medic and saved many lives and dealt with all the human carnage you would expect. He never mentions this to anyone. When he is asked, he talks about it like any of us would talk about “another day of work” and dismisses his contributions and moves the conversation to something else, usually with a big smile on his face. After his service, he never took a single benefit from the government until just recently to help with the expense of assisted living, and has never participated in an honoring ceremony of any kind. 

He has told me “This is just what I did at this time in my life.”  This is a testament to his generation.” – Fredrick Chang | Delta Faucet Company

 
He is currently 94 and residing in an assisted living facility in WA. He lost his wife in 2014 and she was his world. Although he is surrounded by family, he is isolated during COVID at the facility as are all the Seniors. The loneliness and isolation weigh on him,  however, you will never hear a complaint come from him! 

[James "Bud" Link] has told me "This is just what I did at this time in my life.” This is a testament to his generation." - Fredrick Chang | Delta Faucet Company

Building Skills For Life

Isabel Lopez-Quesada Design

Lexi

Michael L. Foster

Director, National Sales | Sioux Chief Mfg. Co.
US ARMY

Michael was born and raised in the Kansas City, MO area, and graduated from a Jesuit high school in May 1985. He was not really interested in 4 more years of school so he chose to serve his country in the military as his first career path.

Michael enlisted in the US Army and left for basic training in June of 1985 and would go on to serve in an infantry division as a bridge-builder. In his first tour of duty, Michael was stationed at Anderson Barracks in Dexheim Germany. Michael’s next tour of duty was at Fort Polk, LA where he spent another year at this duty station. Based on his previous experience and abilities Michael was assigned to an engineer battalion to again work as a bridge-builder. During his check-in process, he was asked about qualifications that were needed to work for the Headquarters Company. After a review of his credentials and experience, Michael was selected to become a driver for the Lt. Colonel of the company. This position allowed Michael to interact with many people in various levels of authority, which was a tremendous experience for a person of his age. These interactions with high ranking commissioned and non-commissioned officers enabled him to not only build many strong relationships but also develop communication skills that would prove to be invaluable for his career after the Army.

Michael was honorably discharged from the Army in November of 1988 and took a little time off to reflect on these last few years but was ready for the next chapter in his life. He put together his resume and sent it out to several companies in the Kansas City area. One opportunity that came up in February of 1989 was from Sioux Chief Manufacturing. This was a small family-owned plumbing manufacturing company that he had heard of but didn’t know much about. They were looking for a customer service representative and Michael knew that the skills he had learned in the Army would be excellent for this type of position. Over the years Michael worked his way up the ranks at Sioux Chief working in many positions in sales & product development and now over 31 years later Michael is currently the Director of National Sales.

Michael has been happily married to his wonderful and understanding wife, Katie, for 30 years and they have 4 grown sons who he is very proud of, all of which are also Eagle Scouts like Michael!

Serving Country And Family

Lexi

Jennie Wunderlich and Ben Wunderlich

Owner & Vice President Respectively | PSC Distribution
US ARMY

Jennie and Ben Wunderlich of PSC Distribution in Iowa City met at the United States Military Academy in 1999 when Jennie was just a plebe (freshman) and Ben was a cow (junior). Yes, they do call them cows at West Point because years ago the first time cadets could leave the academy after entering was their third year, and the “cows could come home.” While at West Point Jennie and Ben got to know each other working as church youth group leaders for the officer and enlisted personnel’s kids on post. They were friends and both secretly liked each other but played their cards close to the vest, or uniform, and never let on to the other about their feelings while Ben was still at West Point. 

After Ben graduated in 2001, he attended the Ordnance Officer Basic Course (OBC).   Soon after Ben graduated from OBC, the United States was attacked on September 11th and Ben deployed with the 101st Air Assault Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While on that first deployment, Jennie started writing Ben letters, and then she started getting letters back. A few months in, Ben wrote Jennie’s Dad, the president of PSC, and asked permission to court Jennie via correspondence. A few months later Jennie received her first email from Ben overseas and their romance continued to blossom.   After Ben returned from deployment he drove straight up to West Point to visit Jennie, and soon after she came to visit Ben back in Clarksville, TN. Ben would say it was after Jennie came to visit that he went looking for a ring. Ben ended up proposing to Jennie near Bear Mountain in New York and they were planning to be married at West Point after Jennie graduated in May 2003. The needs of the Army changed those plans when Ben deployed to Iraq where he served as a platoon leader of an ordnance platoon as a First Lieutenant. Although delayed, Ben and Jennie were able to enjoy a fun and snowy wedding in Iowa in December of 2003, four days after Jennie graduated from her OBC in Fort Lee, Virginia.  

Jennie’s first duty assignment was to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a Quartermaster Officer and Ben was able to get a transfer to Hawaii to be with Jennie after they were married – thank goodness! However, after Jennie reported to her first unit, she was informed they were deploying in a few short weeks to Bagram, Afghanistan with the 25th Infantry Division. Jennie packed up her large green duffle this time and headed across the ocean. While in Bagram, she led a platoon of Soldiers covering a wide range of specialties, such as fuelers, fuel testers, transporters, and mortuary affairs. She was also the Accountable Officer for the Supply Support Activity, the large warehouse housing all the parts, paper, and more coming into the air base. It was one of the most humbling and challenging periods in Jennie’s young career and marriage.   

Thankfully, Ben was able to persuade the command back in Hawaii to deploy him to Bagram approximately four months after Jennie. They slept in a room in the warehouse in a twin bed – newlyweds together at last! Ben was selected to be the Aide-de-Camp to an Infantry general, BG Jacoby, and spent a great deal of time in helicopters traveling across the country. After redeploying back to Hawaii after their tour, they enjoyed some R&R in the tropics before getting back to work as logisticians.   In 2007, Jennie and Ben deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jennie worked for Major General Mixon in northern Iraq while Ben was the Liaison Officer from the 45th Sustainment Brigade to Multinational Division-North. They both began their deployment on different bases but were once again blessed with a transfer, bringing Ben to Jennie’s location. They slept in a CHU (Containerized Housing Unit) during this period, which was basically a 10’ x 20’ box, but with a queen-sized blow-up mattress this time! As their deployment was nearing its end, they got word that an extension was being considered for some of the units, and sure enough, Jennie’s unit was extended from 12 to 15 months. While those additional three months seemed incredibly long, Ben’s return to Hawaii enabled him to get their living quarters squared away and prep a great welcome home for Jennie.

Isabel Lopez-Quesada Design
As Ben and Jennie were completing their active duty commitments, Jennie’s father asked the couple if they would like to come to Iowa to learn the family business. It was offered without pressure or required commitment and after much prayer and consideration, Ben and Jennie said aloha to Hawaii and headed to Iowa. They were also excited to be closer to the family as Jennie was pregnant with their first child, a daughter, Samantha, who would be born later that year.   Ben and Jennie served in the Army Reserve for a few more years while learning the distribution business and showroom operations. They have now been back in Iowa for twelve years and are loving the industry, its people, and the possibilities. 

Ben is currently the Vice President and Jennie and her cousin Tom will be taking ownership of the business next year from Jennie’s and Tom’s fathers. Ben and Jennie reflect often on how well West Point and the Army prepared them to lead and handle the challenges of a small business. They continually praise God for keeping them safe through their time in military service and calling them to serve in this dynamic industry. 

"Giving back to the country that has given so much to me, This is the right thing to do and I have become a naturalized citizen in the process. I'm proud to be an American and serve our great country." - Krishna Maddineni

The Experience That Changed Him

Lexi

Nathan Bryant

The Tap of Kansas Plumbing & Irrigation .
US NAVY

Nathan Bryant with The Tap of Kansas served in the US Navy for 4 years, and in the ready reserve for an additional 4 years. He enlisted at 17 with the support of his parents and was sent to Bootcamp at the ready age of 18.   He served the majority of his time at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and also served aboard the USS CHOSIN and CG65.   

Bryant’s most memorable time at Bootcamp was all the running he endured. Bryant fondly remembers all the teamwork and team-building exercises.  In addition, he is honored to have served this country. Bryant joined to serve and protect, and the experience changed his view on how people live. 

Isabel Lopez-Quesada Design

Giving Back: It’s the Right Thing To Do

Krishna Maddineni

Krishna Maddineni

Quality Assurance | PRIER Products Inc.
US ARMY

“Giving back to the country that has given so much to me, This is the right thing to do and I have become a naturalized citizen in the process. I’m proud to be an American and serve our great country.” – Krishna Maddineni

With a background in Quality and Mechanical engineering, Krishna always loved the idea of working with a local manufacturing company. He believed many make an impact in the communities in which we live and work. PRIER is a great company that deeply values its employees and it makes a positive impact on the local community. Krishna believes in their mission statement which is why he joined the company 5 years ago. 

Isabel Lopez-Quesada Design

Serving Through A Crisis

Lexi

J. Chatham Howard, Jr. “Chat”

Founder | Sandpiper Supply
US COAST GUARD

Chat Howard was with the U.S. Coast Guard for 8 years – from 1962 – 1970. He served mostly in the reserves, working training and serving the Savannah area with their patrol boats.

While on a training cruise on the Coast Guard Cutter Unimack in 1962, he found himself in the middle of the Cuban missile crisis. For 24 hours, all hands were at battle stations and standing watch before being recalled to their home port.

Chat started working in the plumbing industry as a counter salesman and delivery driver for Plumrite in Savannah. After many years there, he went to Eagle Wholesale in their Savannah and then Atlanta branches. He was moved to Centerville, Virginia, and then Birmingham, Alabama while working a short time for Ferguson before moving back to Savannah to open his own company. Sandpiper Supply was started in the barn that used to house the delivery horses for the Starland Dairy before outgrowing that and moving to a bigger building on the same lot. His children, Chat III and Christy, came on board and expanded the business and added a showroom. The success of Sandpiper today is a testament to Chat’s hard work and vision.

Isabel Lopez-Quesada Design