Why This Matters to Distributors: Air Hydro Power is changing CEOs after more than three decades of expansion that transformed the business from a roughly $10 million distributor into a company with more than $200 million in annual sales. The transition comes as the employee-owned industrial distributor continues to expand its geographic reach, technical capabilities and acquisition strategy under Houchens Industries.
Air Hydro Power will change CEOs Oct. 1 as longtime leader Tom McGuire retires from day-to-day management after 34 years with the Louisville, Kentucky-based industrial distributor. Jason McGuire, who joined Air Hydro Power as executive vice president in January, will become CEO.
Tom McGuire will move into a consulting role with Houchens Industries, where he will continue working with Air Hydro Power on acquisitions and special projects while also supporting other Houchens businesses. Jason and Tom McGuire are not related.
The transition puts Jason McGuire in charge of a distributor that has expanded significantly in size, geography and product capabilities. Air Hydro Power said it now operates 27 locations in five states, employs nearly 400 people and serves more than 7,000 customers.
The company distributes fluid power and automation products, hoses and connectors, motors and pumps, material handling products and other industrial supplies. Its capabilities include hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical automation, industrial hose, tools and related technical services.
New CEO Joined From ITT
Jason McGuire joined Air Hydro Power as executive vice president effective Jan. 20. He previously served as executive director of market strategy and business development at ITT Inc. and spent 25.5 years at Parker Hannifin, where he held several senior leadership positions, including director of business development for global energy markets.
Air Hydro Power said when it hired McGuire that he would focus on accelerating strategic growth initiatives, strengthening supplier and customer relationships and developing leadership talent. Since joining the distributor, the company said he also has worked with its leadership team on safety, operational efficiency, technology adoption and growth initiatives.
McGuire said the company plans to build on that foundation by continuing to invest in employees and customer service while managing the next phase of its growth.
Company Grew From $10 Million to More Than $200 Million
Tom McGuire joined Air Hydro Power in 1992, when the distributor had six salespeople and about $10 million in annual sales, according to the company. In 1998, McGuire, Matt Ott and Dick Beaven acquired the business.
Air Hydro Power reached $100 million in annual sales 21 years later and $200 million six years after that, according to the Sept. 10 announcement. The company has since expanded through acquisitions, new locations and additional product and service capabilities.
Houchens Industries acquired Air Hydro Power in January 2023, making the distributor part of the Houchens employee stock ownership plan. Air Hydro Power announced at the time that employees would become participants in the Houchens ESOP.
Acquisitions Remain Part of Growth Strategy
Tom McGuire will remain involved in Air Hydro Power’s acquisition strategy following the CEO transition. In his consulting role, he will assist Jason McGuire and Air Hydro Power on selected acquisitions and special projects while also supporting other Houchens companies.
Acquisitions have helped Air Hydro Power expand its geographic reach and technical capabilities. In December 2023, the company acquired the stock of Lebanon Power and Apparatus, adding operations in Lebanon and Bowling Green, Kentucky, and strengthening its motor and pump business.
Air Hydro Power later combined Lebanon Power and Apparatus with Gatterdam Industrial Supply to create a motor and pump division with three facilities and more than 75 employees. The business handles equipment ranging from smaller specialty products to large electric motors, according to Air Hydro Power.
The distributor followed the Lebanon Power acquisition in July 2024 by acquiring the assets of Louisville-based Baker Bohnert LLC. The transaction expanded Air Hydro Power’s capabilities in material handling, sealing applications and expansion joints used in the power generation industry and added 38 employees.
Air Hydro Power also continued expanding its ParkerStore network in 2024, opening locations in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Huntingburg, Indiana, along with its first ParkerStore inside an Ace Hardware store in Leitchfield, Kentucky.
Jason McGuire now takes responsibility for continuing that expansion while overseeing the distributor’s operations, technology investments and customer strategy. Tom McGuire’s consulting role gives the company continuity on acquisitions and other strategic projects as the leadership transition takes effect Oct. 1.
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