First Supply has announced that Matt Klika has accepted the role of general manger for the Northern Region, following the retirement of Ron Cherney.

Cherney is preparing to step into retirement after more than 27 years at First Supply. Officially, his last day in the general manager role will be June 14, 2019. Following that date, Cherney has graciously agreed to transition to a part-time schedule, aiding his successor, Klika, in the transition into the regional general manager role.

Cherney has had a very successful career in the industry. In total, he has more than 40 years of experience, including joining WS Patterson in 1992, which First Supply acquired in 1997.

“To say that his contributions to First Supply have been appreciated would be an understatement. As First Supply developed the regional structure that we are set into today, Ron has been an integral part of the company achieving its goals. Through use of his vast experience, the Northern Region and, for that matter, every branch of First Supply has benefited from the knowledge Ron brought to the table. We, along with his strong base of loyal customers, thank him for all that he has offered,” said Joe Poehling, COO – distribution. 

As mentioned, Klika has been appointed as the successor to the Northern Region general manager role. He has served as the Northern Region sales manager for the past three-plus years. Prior to joining First Supply, Klika has held management roles in showrooms, counters and inside sales, as well as outside sales responsibilities for plumbing, HVAC, mechanical contractors and pipe fabricators. Since joining First Supply, he has worked closely with Cherney on driving sales for the Northern Region. Given his relationships, both internally and externally, coupled with his prior roles, Klika is well poised to take on the leadership in the North.

In this position, Klika will office out of the Green Bay, Wisconsin, branch and will report directly to Poehling. His managerial footprint will be the Northern Region, which includes Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Plover, Rhinelander, Sheboygan and Wausau.

“I look forward to continuing the long tradition of providing quality service to the customers in First Supply’s Northern Region,” said Klika.