Holland Supply Company
Empowering Gas Utilities Through Expertise, Faster Lead Times, and American-Made Products

Holland Supply Company (HSC), a veteran-owned supplier and distributor of natural gas products, masterfully balances expertise, customer-centricity, and innovation in the rapidly evolving gas utilities sector. The business upholds this balance through three core pillars—industry-best lead times, American-made products, and a steadfast commitment to customer service. Adhering to these values, HSC consistently raises industry standards and delivers solutions that exceed the evolving demands of the sector.

“Although eighty percent of all orders we receive are shipped within 10 calendar days, that’s a figure we’re constantly trying to improve,” says Danny Fields, the president of HSC. This achievement is not just a statistic. It reflects the company’s comprehensive understanding of client needs and operational challenges.

HSC’s ability to swiftly fulfill orders is supported by a comprehensive inventory that includes a wide range of regulators and meters suited for all measurement and regulation (M&R) applications, from residential to commercial and industrial. The meter selection includes diaphragm, ultrasonic, rotary, and turbine meters, catering to diverse client needs. Its advanced regulator lineup, featuring both spring-loaded and pilot-operated models, ensures clients have the precise tools to maintain seamless operations.

Strategic stockpiling further minimizes operational downtime for customers ranging from sprawling utility companies to localized providers. The reliability of these offerings is boosted through a partnership with Utility Solutions Group (USG), a leading provider of high-quality gas utility equipment. This collaboration enables HSC to deliver durable, industry-standard, American-made regulators that enhance performance and safety across utilities.

Beyond hardware, HSC provides cutting-edge solutions that are pivotal in today’s increasingly tech-driven industry. These include several software products and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions, such as smart meters and comprehensive data management systems, which enable the precise and seamless transfer of gas consumption data back to a utility. This real-time data analytics capability is essential for optimizing operations and enhancing decision-making.

HSC’s vendor list also includes odorization systems, which add a distinct smell to odorless but hazardous natural gas. This crucial safety measure helps utilities detect leaks and maintain a safe and secure gas distribution network.

Commitment to American-Made Products

The foundation of HSC remains a compelling aspect of its operations. Established over six decades ago by Earle Wathen, a celebrated Navy frogman turned gas utility engineer, the company differentiates itself with a customer-first approach. Wathen’s deep industry expertise enabled him to understand and prioritize customer problems more effectively, competitors who typically are only focused on creating revenue, not solutions. His commitment to quality and customer service also forged a loyal customer cohort, transforming HSC into an established brand name throughout the Midwestern United States.

Today, Wathen’s legacy has passed from his son, Craig Wathen, to HSC’s current owners, Danny Fields and Steve Reis. The celebrated combat veteran duo brings a unique dimension to the company’s identity, instilling a strong sense of discipline, integrity, and commitment to excellence. They have upheld the company’s core values and expanded its focus on supporting American manufacturing.

“As much as possible, we are dedicated to promoting American-made products by partnering with companies that source American labor and manufacture within the U.S.,” explains Fields.

HSC is committed to offering their customers high-quality natural gas products. In a globalized market where outsourcing is often the norm, HSC’s dedication to American manufacturing is a testament to its values and desire to positively impact its industry.

Mastering Industry Challenges with Innovative Solutions

The gas utilities sector is dynamic, yet it faces significant challenges. HSC distinguishes itself by effectively addressing issues like generational turnover and supply chain disruptions, propelling its clients toward sustained growth and success.

Generational turnover poses a substantial hurdle as seasoned professionals retire, taking their extensive knowledge with them. To combat this, HSC has launched its work order and asset management software, HSC Cloud. This digital platform documents a utility’s processes and institutional knowledge, enhancing critical institutional knowledge, enhancing operational efficiencies and eliminating risks associated with “tribal knowledge.” It replaces obsolete paper-based systems, allowing utilities to track and manage asset lifecycles precisely. By digitizing asset management, HSC Cloud preserves the invaluable experience of departing employees, equipping a new generation of professionals with historical insights and operational expertise.

The world is an unpredictable place, where global supply chains face significant disruptions, causing many companies to experience production delays and extended lead times. HSC, however, takes proactive steps with its strategic inventory management approach. As one of North America’s leading stocking distributors of measurement and regulation (M&R) products, HSC expertly forecasts market demands and pre-ordered supplies. This foresight ensures uninterrupted service during critical periods, maintaining HSC’s reputation for timely deliveries and reinforcing its status as a dependable partner.

Customer-Centric Strategies Fuel Clients’ Growth

HSC’s operational philosophy is firmly rooted in a consultative, customer-centric approach, setting it apart in the utilities sector. Instead of generic solutions, HSC tailors its product portfolio to solve the unique challenges and needs of the industry. This focus on bespoke solutions ensures that all products are not only delivered but also practically implemented and utilized effectively.

The strength of HSC is further enhanced by the deep technical expertise of its team of seasoned professionals who bring a rare and invaluable depth of industry knowledge. Leveraging their expertise, the business offers nuanced, adequate support to each client, ensuring that the solutions are not just theoretical but also pragmatically viable.

Fields and Reis recognize the importance of technical knowledge and building that skill set within the organization. They have instituted a robust system to capture and disseminate their staff’s wealth of experience, ensuring that their invaluable insights benefit current projects and empower the next generation of employees.

The focus on continuous learning and professional development is encouraged through incentives and opportunities to participate in industry trade shows and training events. By staying at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies, HSC enhances its team’s capabilities and enriches the quality of service offered to clients.

Expanding Horizons: Strategic Vision for Future Growth

As the gas utilities sector evolves, HSC stands on the brink of transformative growth, poised to broaden its product offerings in an effort to serve a larger customer base. Over the next 12 months, HSC plans to enrich its vendor list and increase its headcount to uphold the exceptional service standards that clients expect.

An element of HSC’s strategy involves delving into the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector. By collaborating with skilled RNG skid fabricators, HSC positions itself at the vanguard of this burgeoning market, aligning with global calls for environmental sustainability. This forward-thinking approach ensures that HSC delivers solutions that meet modern energy standards.

HSC’s strategy also involves deepening partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers. By fortifying these relationships, HSC guarantees a consistent supply of top-tier products and stays abreast of industry innovations. This collaborative strength is crucial for maintaining HSC’s competitive advantage and adapting to dynamic market demands.

With a heritage of leadership, swift service, and commitment to American-made products, HSC continues to lead in the gas utilities supply industry. The company’s focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction is more than a business strategy; it’s a pledge to be the reliable partner that utilities nationwide depend on, now and into the future.