Ewing Outdoor Supply announces executive leadership transition
Ewing Outdoor Supply announced a strategic leadership transition designed to fuel its next phase of expansion. Current President and CEO, Douglas York, will transition to the role of strategic advisor and board member effective July 1. Tom Childers, a seasoned industry executive with more than 25 years of experience, has been named his successor.
The move is part of a multi-year succession plan to solidify Ewing’s leadership structure for the next generation. By implementing this transition now, the company ensures a seamless transfer of operational oversight while maintaining the core values of a family-owned enterprise.
The transition follows a transformative 25-year tenure for York as president and CEO. After leading Ewing’s expansion out of California into Arizona in 1987, York took the helm in 2001 and oversaw an era of unprecedented scaling. Under his leadership, Ewing grew from a 95-store regional distributor to a national powerhouse with more than 260 locations across 30 states.
York’s hands-on approach saw him serve the company in nearly every capacity — from delivery driver and branch manager to regional management, outside sales, and oversight of new facility construction, human resources, employee training, accounting, and acquisition management. His vision diversified the company’s footprint beyond traditional irrigation to include bulk materials yards and supercenters.
Beyond his work at Ewing, York has been a cornerstone of the distribution industry, serving as the 2020 chairman of the board for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) and holding past presidencies with the Irrigation Association and the International Association of Plastics Distributors.
“Succession is what creates a stronger family and a stronger business,” said York. “Our entrepreneurial spirit has brought us to where we are today, but the scale at which Ewing now operates requires a dedicated focus on long-term strategy and professionalized management. I have total confidence that Tom Childers is the right leader to guide our talented team into the future.”
Childers brings an extensive professional pedigree to the presidency. Since joining Ewing in 2018, Childers has served as Ewing’s Eastern Division vice president, EVP of sales and marketing, Eastern Territory president, and currently as chief revenue officer. Since joining Ewing, he has been instrumental in key initiatives, including category management, sales team restructuring, and the ProAdvantage contractor loyalty program.
Prior to his tenure at Ewing, Childers was the co-founder and president of Landscape Today, a sales and marketing agency. His background includes nearly 13 years as the senior vice president of marketing at John Deere Landscapes, as well as leadership roles at Toro and Turf Care Products.
Childers holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Kennesaw State University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Auburn University.
While the leadership at the helm is changing, the company’s ownership and core identity remain unchanged.
“Ewing is not for sale,” York said. “This transition is specifically designed to allow our fourth-generation family members, Jack York and Allie York Tripaldi, the time and environment they need to prepare for future leadership roles. My new role as strategic advisor allows me to focus on business development and acquisitions while ensuring our family culture remains the cornerstone of this business.”
