Ewing Outdoor Supply announces CEO transition to support next phase of growth

Ewing Outdoor Supply announced a leadership transition planned to fuel its next phase of expansion. Current president and CEO, Douglas York, will transition to the strategic advisor and board member role effective July 1, 2026. Tom Childers, an industry executive with more than 25 years of experience, has been named his successor.

This transition is a key step in Ewing’s succession plan designed to solidify its leadership structure for future generations. By making this change now, the company ensures a smooth transfer of operational oversight while maintaining the core values of a family-owned enterprise.

The transition follows a transformative 25-year tenure for York as the president and CEO. York first led Ewing’s expansion beyond California into Arizona in 1987, later taking the helm in 2001 and driving the company through a transformative era of growth and development. Through his leadership, Ewing transformed from a regional distributor with 95 stores into a national presence spanning more than 260 locations in 30 states.

York’s hands-on approach saw him serve the company in nearly every capacity from delivery driver and branch manager to regional management, outside sales and oversight of new facility construction, human resources, employee training, accounting and acquisition management. His vision broadened the company’s portfolio beyond traditional irrigation to include bulk materials yards and supercenters.

Along with his work at Ewing, York has been a cornerstone of the distribution industry, serving as the 2020 chairman of the board for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) and holding past presidencies with the Irrigation Association and the International Association of Plastics Distributors.

“Succession is what creates a stronger family and a stronger business,” said York, president and CEO of Ewing Outdoor Supply. “Our entrepreneurial spirit has brought us to where we are today, but the scale at which Ewing now operates requires a dedicated focus on long-term strategy and professionalized management. I have total confidence that Tom Childers is the right leader to guide our talented team into the future.”

Childers brings extensive industry experience to the presidency. Since joining the company in 2018, Childers has served as Ewing’s Eastern Division vice president, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Eastern Territory president and now as chief revenue officer. He has been instrumental in key initiatives, including category management, sales team restructuring and the ProAdvantage contractor loyalty program.

Before his tenure at Ewing, Childers was the co-founder and president of Landscape Today, a sales and marketing agency. His background includes nearly 13 years as the senior vice president of marketing at John Deere Landscapes, along with leadership roles at Toro and Turf Care Products.

Childers also holds a Master of Business Administration in marketing from Kennesaw State University and a Bachelor of Science in finance from Auburn University.

While the leadership is transitioning, the company’s ownership and core identity remain unchanged.

“Ewing is not for sale,” York said. “This transition is specifically designed to allow our fourth-generation family members, Jack York and Allie York Tripaldi, the time and environment they need to prepare for future leadership roles. My new role as strategic advisor allows me to focus on business development and acquisitions while ensuring our family culture remains the cornerstone of this business.”

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