L&W Supply, a unit of ABC Supply, appointed Nick Makar to the role of branch manager for Chicago, Ill. Makar will replace Thomas Schramm, who is retiring after 35 years with L&W Supply. Additionally, the distributor promoted Kevin Nicholas to the role of branch manager for Mechanicsville, Md.
Makar began his career with L&W Supply in November 2019, graduating from the company’s accelerated management trainee program, designed to provide associates with the skills needed to be successful branch managers. In the role of branch manager in Chicago, Makar will be responsible for key functions of the branch, including maintaining customer relationships, managing deliveries, and ensuring safety priorities are followed across branch operations.
“Nick is an incredibly talented employee, having already proven himself capable of taking on the task of leading our Chicago branch,” Charles Collins, central region vice president at L&W Supply, said. “With Tom’s retirement, Nick has big shoes to fill in Chicago. I’m confident that he has what it takes to lead the team to success.”
Nicholas has been with L&W Supply for over 25 years, joining the company as a stocker/helper. The newly appointed branch manager has worked in various throughout his career, including as a CDL driver, as a boom operator, and as an inside and outside sales representative. Nicholas graduated from L&W Supply’s branch manager training (BMT) course in 2019. In the role of branch manager, Nicholas will be responsible for leading the company’s branch associates, delivery drivers, and warehouse personnel.
“We’re very pleased to see another BMT graduate rise through the ranks to take on the task of leading one of our branch teams,” John McLaughlin, northeast region vice president, said in a prepared statement. “With Kevin leading the Mechanicsville branch, I’m excited to see the new improvements he can bring to our ability to service customers and get them the products they need.”
Chicago-based L&W Supply, a specialty distributor of gypsum wallboards, suspended ceiling tiles, and other building materials, operates 183 branch locations in 39 states.
