Every great story has a hero’s journey.

The young, inexperienced go-getter faces incredible – but extremely difficult – opportunity. Sometimes, the opportunist doesn’t even ask for this great undertaking. Sometimes, it falls into their lap without any warning. Still, they press on to reach the end of their conquest. And, they fight each unexpected dragon that pops up along the way. They work tirelessly to overcome obstacles and reach their goals for the common good.

Kitschy name aside, we love these heartwarming stories. We love seeing an ambitious protagonist staring challenge right in the face. We root for these heroes as they shoot for success, despite questionable odds.

Anecdotes like this dot the history of Whitehead Industrial. From its beginnings with Miller Hardware to now, Whitehead is familiar with adapting. We're no stranger to overcoming endeavors that seemed downright impossible.

Dutton Miller, as well as his sons Jonathan and Richard, definitely know about adapting. They've had their share of experience with growing a business in times of great change. When you’re part of a hundred-year-old family business, you learn that nothing is constant. Industries evolve. New industrial equipment and PPE develops. Technology advances (can you say Internet?). Even customers have different wants and needs than they did five, ten, or twenty years ago.

Therefore, the Miller’s have worked to acclimate. They've learned to adjust to progressing environments, industries, technologies, consumers, and more. They've faced diverse obstacles (and are still facing them today!). But, one truth has remained. We live in a changing world.

Luckily, their stories have another common theme. Whitehead’s deep-rooted drive for progression and keeping customers first has never failed.

If you haven’t heard the news, we’re gearing up for a grand opening. Whitehead Industrial is opening a new storefront. We can’t give everything away yet. But, we’ll soon provide more information about how our new store will better serve you.

Now, we want to share with you the stories of two unsuspecting men. They grew up in different time periods and different worlds. Still, they learned to adapt and serve unique customers during shaky circumstances.

 

Dutton’s Daunting Graduation Present

Dutton’s father was a champion in the retail hardware business. Dutton grew up immersed in the family business, but took a break when he went off to college in the early ‘70s. Throughout Dutton's college years, Whitehead Industrial served as a wholesale hardware store. In fact, it had recently separated from a robust industrial distributor. Whitehead had a firm foundation in the Valdosta area. This made the business a major competitor to Dutton’s father’s business.

With Dutton’s college graduation right around the corner, a grand opportunity arose. The wholesale hardware business, Whitehead, hit the market. Dutton’s father heard this advantageous news, and he didn’t hesitate. He also had an idea.

He knew Dutton, almost finished with college, would need a job upon graduation. Dutton’s background involved helping in the family business. So, it seemed as though managing another hardware store would be a sensible fit. Dutton’s father made the move. He acquired Whitehead Industrial. He then gifted it to his son as a promising post-college undertaking.

Having a real, “grown-up” job handed to you right out of college sounds like a dream, right? Dutton was not blind to the incredible opportunity he acquired. But, nothing could have prepared him for the ups and downs he would face as a young businessman entering a pre-established business.

Though Dutton had fears about the “project” given to him by his father, he also had fresh, new ideas. Some of the changes and advancements he wanted to make weren’t always well-received. Both Whitehead employees and customers were accustomed to doing things a certain way. Anytime changes occur to familiar business procedures and operations, skepticism is almost inevitable. This was the case with Dutton and Whitehead.

When Dutton – only 23 at the time and with no experience managing a business – came into the business and “shook things up,” his approach wasn’t always welcomed. And that wasn’t the biggest of Dutton’s worries.

Dutton ventured to sustain a successful wholesale hardware business in local downtown Valdosta. But, this was during a time characterized by the diminishing allure of “small town” living. The ‘70s and beyond saw a shift to bigger cities, bigger corporations, and bigger business. Dutton’s values and ideals were rooted in customer-centric service. This didn’t completely align with the newfound business atmosphere of the time.

Still, Dutton persevered. He made the necessary changes to his business to stay relevant to his industry and his environment. Today, he has been the steadfast leader of Whitehead Industrial for nearly 50 years. He tackles each challenge thrown his way with confidence and ambition. But, he has never forgotten his humble hometown roots.

A Family Tradition: Jonathan’s Story

The old saying, “like father, like son,” has never been more pertinent. Dutton took over Whitehead Industrial in the ‘70s. He endured the feat of transitioning his business into an unpredictable future. Now, in 2018, he and his son Jonathan face the same overarching challenge.

Jonathan, an integral member of the family’s business, has been tasked with a balancing act. To ensure the future success of Whitehead, he is working to expand the business. He's shooting for expansion both in a physical sense, and in the company’s operations and services. He aims to foster progression to remain relevant in today’s market. But, he must also uphold the ideals and trust built around the Whitehead name.

There’s no arguing that technology is advancing at a faster pace now than it ever has before. Oftentimes, consumers are demanding more, and with a quicker turnaround time. Jonathan is working to help his father and the rest of the Whitehead team. They understand the need to adjust to the inescapable changes in today’s business environment.

Like his father, Jonathan is experiencing pushback, too. To stay up-to-date, their business must constantly learn. They must be in-the-know about new software, new products, and new procedures. Teaching old dogs new tricks isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Still, Jonathan is making moves to guide Whitehead forward.

Also like Dutton, Jonathan knows what it’s like to operate a business in changing industrial, business, and societal climates. We’re not even going to get into all the recent and ongoing advancements in technology (eCommerce, online marketing, the Cloud… oh my!). Dutton had to combat the diminishing of small towns in the 70s. And, right when businesses acclimated to this environment, we see the revitalization of small towns.

Our beloved Valdosta, Georgia – like dozens of other small, historic downtown areas throughout the United States – is experiencing a resurgence. Consumers have regained an appreciation for all things local, nostalgic, and customer-centered. Now, Jonathan’s job is to cater the Whitehead way to meet the needs of this consumer. This will allow him to stay relevant in the newly revitalized downtown Valdosta area.

For both Dutton and Jonathan, the beast is the same: a challenge to transition into the future. But, the duo has shown their commitment time and time again. They’re devoted to bolstering the growth of Whitehead Industrial. They give 110% to best serve their customers and their community.

Valdosta’s Journey: Keeping the Character Alive

Valdosta’s downtown revitalization has given Jonathan and the Whitehead team an opportunity. We now have a greater need to adapt and overcome change. The city’s revitalization journey has roots in this same ideal. Valdosta has taken action to expand and stay relevant in the 21st century. It’s working hard to appeal to and address the needs of younger generations.

Like Whitehead, Valdosta knows the importance of expanding and maintaining relevance. But the real challenge? Keeping the character alive. Our city prioritizes meeting the needs of those who call it home. And it’s progressing in such a way that the local, downtown charm of Valdosta will never be lost.

The balancing act placed on Jonathan’s shoulders mirrors Valdosta’s current challenge. The city wants to maintain that small town nostalgia we all know and love. But, it also has to “keep up with the Jones’s” to cater to the rapid changes of the 21st century. And, the Whitehead team thinks the city is making progress. You may want to spend your Friday night rooting for our Valdosta High Wildcats or enjoying some live music downtown. Either way, Valdosta has had a longstanding history of adapting to meet the needs of its people.

The Future of Whitehead Industrial

Valdosta’s journey keeps this company inspired to move forward. At Whitehead, we’re invested in serving the community, and right now, that means growth. The new Whitehead store is a symbol of our dedication to progression. The company’s success started with Dutton’s growth-driven mindset. Its legacy will continue as we continue to expand and move forward, rather than hunkering down.

The Whitehead team can’t give away too many secrets yet. But the new store grand opening is right around the corner, and the team can’t wait to share this monumental day with you!

Want to be the first to receive more information about the new storefront? Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post that has all the details. Subscribe to the Whitehead blog today so you don’t miss it.

For an inside look at the Whitehead way, connect with us on social media. We’ll be posting about the new store opening, as well as other must-read safety and equipment tips.

Thank you for being part of the Whitehead Industrial journey!