In recognition of the organization’s 90th anniversary this year, LMC President and CEO Paul Ryan answers our questions about the buying group’s legacy and future. Ryan joined LMC in 2016 and has served as president since 2021.
How is LMC marking its 90th anniversary?
LMC is celebrating 90 years of excellence with a variety of meaningful initiatives that honor our history, engage our members, and give back to our community. We recently celebrated with our supplier partners and members at our Annual Meeting in Phoenix, and we will continue the festivities at our Expo in November, where even more exciting deals and opportunities will be available.
Community involvement is a key part of our anniversary celebrations. We are partnering with our local Habitat for Humanity chapter for a special build and encouraging staff to utilize LMC’s Volunteer Policy with the United Way. We are also honoring our last remaining founding member, J.C. Snavely, by hosting a luncheon at their location.
For our employees and local members, we have a summer 90th celebration planned in August, featuring two of our members who will be coming in to cook for the occasion. As the year winds down, we will express our gratitude through a Dealer Appreciation Day in November, which will include personalized calls and tokens of appreciation.
What values or strengths does LMC attribute its longevity to?
At LMC, our longevity is built on a steadfast commitment to our members—they are always our No. 1 priority. As a cooperative, our success is directly tied to theirs, and we have spent 90 years ensuring they have the competitive advantages, resources, and partnerships needed to thrive.
Being customer-centric means listening to our members, understanding their evolving needs, and continuously adapting to support their growth. We foster a culture of collaboration, where independent businesses can leverage the power of our network while maintaining their unique strengths. Our ability to connect members with top-tier suppliers, provide strategic purchasing power, and offer valuable industry insights has been key to our success.
Beyond business, LMC is built on trust, integrity, and long-term relationships. Our members know that we are not just a buying group, we are a true partner in their success. By staying true to these values, we have built a legacy of strength, resilience, and shared prosperity.
What are some of the biggest changes the organization has seen in recent years?
The industry has experienced significant consolidation, with public companies acquiring many independent dealers, including some of our own members. This shift has changed the competitive landscape, making it even more important for independent businesses to stay agile.
At the same time, technology has rapidly evolved, impacting everything from supply chain logistics to customer interactions. Our members are leveraging new digital tools to enhance efficiency, improve service, and stay competitive. Whether it’s advanced inventory management, e-commerce solutions, or AI-driven analytics, embracing innovation has become essential for long-term success.
What are some of the investments LMC has made for the future?
LMC is committed to ensuring our members stay competitive in an evolving industry. One of our most significant investments has been the creation of a new Dealer Technology function, dedicated to supporting our members with cutting-edge solutions. By partnering with technology suppliers or building our own solutions, we’re helping independent dealers improve efficiency, streamline operations, and drive growth.
Additionally, we are investing in software platforms designed to enhance our internal efficiency while making transactions easier for our members and supplier partners. These platforms will provide deeper insights into purchasing trends, allowing us to make more data-driven decisions and better support our members’ needs in a rapidly changing market.
We’re also excited about our new Modular Building Division. Adding these companies to our traditional members not only expands our network, but also significantly enhances our collective buying power, reducing costs for these members and providing growth opportunities for our supplier partners. This strategic expansion further strengthens our ability to support all members and position them for success in an increasingly diverse market.
Any new technology or innovative solutions coming down the pipeline for members?
One of the most exciting innovations we’re rolling out is a new Product Information Management (PIM) system. This comprehensive product catalog enables our dealers to easily manage and display their product offerings across e-commerce platforms. Designed with affordability in mind, it will empower our members to enhance their online presence without the high costs typically associated with these systems. By providing a streamlined, user-friendly interface, the PIM system helps dealers update product details, improve customer experience, and stay competitive in the growing online marketplace.