Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: DCT Industrial Supply Co.
Location: Decatur, IL United States

Julia Gahwiler grew up at DCT Industrial Supply Co., the business her father founded 50 years ago. She spent school vacations working there with her dad and brother, and when she came home from college for good, she joined the company full-time. While her brother was focusing on expanding and acquiring other companies, Ms. Gahwiler set her sights on improving the technology and infrastructure. She created a network to link all of their locations together, and provided a secure platform to grow as rapidly as technology was changing. Ms. Gahwiler is happy to carry on her father’s legacy, and is proud of growing the business beyond even his expectations. She also sleeps easier at night knowing that she can employ people and help them live the American dream.

Eventually, through working in every role from the ground up, completing industry training and attending classes and conventions, Ms. Gahwiler became the majority owner and CEO of the company. Early in her career, she was tested by the men in the industry at training and supply meetings. Ms. Gahwiler persevered, however, and, as more and more women join the ranks, the environment has become increasingly friendly. Additionally, she garners respect because of her knowledge of the business; she stays current and is a good listener. Ms. Gahwiler is a leader with an open door policy, and likes to provide a positive environment for her employees, because she learned from her father that they are the company’s most important asset.

If Ms. Gahwiler could change anything about her industry, she would bring back some old school ethics, where a handshake meant something and integrity was more important than a race to profits. Her company, DCT Industrial Supply Co. was built on honesty, loyalty and quality, and thusly, it is highly respected. It has won numerous awards, including the Toyota Excellent Performance Award for delivery from 2013 to 2015, and the Toyota Supplier of the Year Award and the Toyota Excellent Performance Award for cost, both in 2014. Looking to the future, Ms. Gahwiler intends to continue to broaden her customer base, explore other opportunities, and define the company as a leader.

Contact Julia Gahwiler