Winsupply Inc., one of the nation’s largest distributors, has opened Tri State Winsupply in Dubuque, Iowa, serving plumbing, heating and air conditioning, water well and septic contractors in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin.

Ronald Slaats is the president of Tri State Winsupply. Slaats has 29 years’ experience in the industry, almost entirely in outside sales.

“Ronald has an excellent reputation among his customers as a knowledgeable expert,” said Rob Ferguson, president of Winsupply Local Company Group.

“After being an outside salesman for over 25 years and seeing what customers expect of their distributors, I plan on treating them with the utmost respect, with integrity and honesty,” Slaats said. “I also plan on presenting a positive work environment and will encourage personal and business growth, community involvement, and keeping the important decisions local. This will not only help my business grow but also that of my employees and, most importantly, my customers.”

Slaats, along with two other employees, invested in minority ownership of the new company along with majority owner Winsupply Inc. With this co-ownership model, local company presidents have the autonomy and flexibility to decide how best to meet the needs of the customers in their markets. They also share uncapped financial rewards and risks of ownership.

Winsupply Inc. provides the local company locations purchasing power, distribution, and other support services such as business consulting, accounting, payroll, IT and marketing.