#37 Chris Vernon & Lisa Hubbard

The Vernon Company (asi/351700)

2021 Rank: #44 and N/A

Chris Vernon – President/CEO

Industry Experience: 35 years

Previous Appearances on Power 50: 16

Lisa Hubbard – VP of Sales & Marketing

Industry Experience: 2 years

Previous Appearances on Power 50: 0

Big changes are afoot at the venerated Top 40 distributor, and it’s no surprise that it coincides with the arrival of Hubbard. Longtime President/CEO Vernon and Hubbard are leading what she terms a “digital transformation,” including a company-wide technology project to have Salesforce.com provide critical information to reps to help them prospect. “It’s exciting to see these capital and time investments pay handsome rewards,” says Hubbard. “Along with the digital transformation, we’re onboarding new staff and contract program business that complements nicely with the Vernon solutions. Our overall business is seeing historical consolidated growth exceeding 20% YTD. With these revenue gains, it’s fun to also bring on new talent to support our direction and our business-development efforts.”

In addition to investing heavily in their business and people, Vernon and Hubbard are also emphasizing community outreach and ESG initiatives by supporting key local groups such as the Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, United Way and the Salvation Army.

The overhaul at the distributor is no surprise given Hubbard’s history and expertise. “My entire career has been spent in sales and marketing and leading digital transformation – connecting e-commerce, marketing, inside/outside sales and sales operations,” says Hubbard, who spent 20 years working at YRC Freight, a multibillion-dollar, less-than-truckload carrier, as well as a brief stint at a smaller safety distributor (Premier Safety). “I’ve always been about the process to create a better user/customer experience. Work smarter not harder. I’ve been known to say, if it takes you more than 10 minutes, there’s a quicker, better, more efficient way to do it.” One of Hubbard’s strengths is empowering a team and bringing out the best in people. “It never ceases to amaze me the talent that lies in someone when they’re put to the task and allowed to show their greatness,” she notes.

Another strong point is Hubbard’s ability to overcome challenges during times of supply chain woes and economic uncertainty. “Going through a digital transformation, you run into a lot of resistance to change from all angles,” she says. “Talking about your vision, continuous communication, ‘socializing’ ideas, listening to any and all feedback, and putting a path together to get you there is how I’ve been able to move the needle. Transparency, patience and perseverance is what gets you over the goal line.”