WorldWide Drilling Resource

You Don’t Have to be the Biggest to be the Best Adapted from Information by May Supply The May Supply story begins back in 1972, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, when Mel May, manager of a small local supply house decided to venture out on his own. He started with an empty building, phone, and a contact list. In addition to working on sales, he also developed lines of products to help grow the company. He would sell by day and work job quotes on nights and weekends, all while raising his family of six children with his wife Jane. Although the company has undergone many changes over the years, it continues to stay true to its roots by focusing on quality products and the expertise of its staff. Mel felt plastic and PVC pipe was the wave of the future so he was instrumental in promoting these products to the well drilling community, as well as plumbing and water systems customers. In his early days, he was even called the Plastic King. Always open to new ideas and products, the company was asked to help with water quality and supply issues by con- tractors. Mike Heatwole, who was in outside sales at the time, soon built a strong business with water treatment. This led the company to its place as a leading supplier and resource of knowledge within the world of water. Being willing to learn about and promote new ideas and products is something May Supply has excelled at over the years. In 1985, May Supply moved its operations to a seven-acre property in Harrisonburg. After Mel retired in 1997, a new man- agement team was put in place, Larry Fanella president, Bill Shulz chief oper- ations officer, and Mike Heatwole is now sales manager. The second generation of Mays are active with four of Mel’s sons involved in the day-to-day operations of the business,Tom, Ken, Tim, and Chuck May. Strong growth and wise business development is evident in the company’s expansion over the years. In 2002, the company added a Wastewater Division. By 2005, an expanded showroom and warehouse were built and the company added a wastewater service division. Growth continued in 2007, when May Supply opened a branch location in Ruckersville, Virginia. In 2011, Ram Plumbing was acquired. May Supply not only supports the industry by providing quality products, the staff goes above and beyond in promoting the industry as a whole. Company President Larry Fanella is very involved with Source Water Assessment programs. Ken May is very active on the VOWRA (Virginia Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association) board and deals with many customers in the water well business. Sales Manager Mike Heatwole has served for 20 years on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Water Well Association and serves on the national Water Quality Association State and Regional Government Affairs Committee. He is also currently working wi th the Water Systems Counci l in rewriting and updating the Water Well Manual and serves as a knowledge base for the Virginia Tech Coopertive Extension Well Check program. May Supply is known for its training offerings on many subjects. An in-house training room is used on a regular basis to conduct all sorts of education for con- tractors. Most classes are f i l led to capacity. A favorite feature is the large smart TV and computer used in the classes. The company is also known for the hundreds of hours of seminars and training conducted for the Virginia, Maryland, North Carol ina, and West Virginia state associations, as well as the South Atlantic Well Drillers JUBILEE. May Supply is celebrating 45 years in business this year and continues to look for smart growth opportunities. The company is not looking to be the biggest, just the best. 44 OCTOBER 2017 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®