PM Engineer Next Gen ALL-STARS

2024 Next Gen All Star: Stephanie Yelton

Top 20 Under 40 Plumbing Professional

Image courtesy of Stephanie Yelton

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

SY: I have been in the PHCP-PVF industry for six years. I started with only handling branding and marketing tasks and have held various titles since then.

What drew you into the industry?

SY: In all honesty, I was a classic case of someone who felt they would not end up in the plumbing industry. I had decided to leave my first job after college after three years and was looking for a new career. I was visiting my parents, discussing how I wanted to move away from graphic design in the wedding industry and wanted to move toward general company branding. My dad, Brian Yelton, president of Inland Sales Group, offered me the chance to use those skills at ISG, a full-service manufacturers’ representative firm.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

SY: The most rewarding aspect of working in the plumbing industry has been being able to bridge the gap between old-school and new-school ways of doing business. Each year, I’m looking for new ways to connect with every facet of the industry, aiming to solve problems and update processes to make us all more successful. Being a part of what I would consider a “movement” of more young people and women joining the industry has been exciting!

What motivates you every day?

SY: Motivation can be fleeting, but the dedication I feel to my employees, my family and our partners drives me to be the best I can be, whether that’s behind or in front of the computer screen. I have borrowed this mentality from one of the most dedicated “coaches” I know — Brian Yelton. Our team mentality keeps us moving in the right direction, together.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

SY: The PHCP-PVF industry is a great place to build a career. I always say that the plumbing industry will never go away because there will always be a need. It is safe, but it is also progressive, which makes it a great field for all types to be successful in. Many think you must be a plumber to be in the industry, but I have been able to take my various skills and interests and utilize them in creative ways every year.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

SY: One of the proudest moments of my career was graduating from CPMR last year. CPMR is a 3-year program that helps shape manufacturers' reps’ futures and prepares them for leadership. Being able to add those 4 letters after my name and sharing that with my dad who completed the program years before was very rewarding.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

SY: Most people don’t know that I used to be a canoe trip leading camp counselor and that I enjoy lifting heavy weights!

Why she was chosen as a Next Gen All-Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:

“Stephanie Yelton, CPMR is a second-generation manufacturers representative in her sixth year working for Inland Sales Group, based in Illinois. As many who have followed their father into the industry, Stephanie’s original background is not in the plumbing world. However, her English/Communications and Graphic Design background has been integral to growth. At the time she entered the plumbing industry, it was rare for a rep to even have a social media presence, let alone a functioning website with cohesive branding. Her first task at Inland Sales Group was to rebrand the company as a whole and to begin growing an online presence. At the same time, Stephanie became active in AIM/R, ASA and more where she has been asked to share what she has learned bringing reps into the digital age. She has also helped many wholesalers provide custom branded information to their customers and aided in

advertising campaigns. Stephanie has changed what constitutes as required marketing for manufacturers and representatives, as she has been integral to many product releases to the market. Now, as COO, Stephanie has restructured Inland Sales Group to grow and withstand the test of time, while simultaneously supporting the important educational platform built by her father, Brian Yelton.

“Stephanie and Brian Yelton of Inland Sales have not only been integral to marketing in the plumbing world, but they have also pushed the envelope on education focused on Legionella and waterborne pathogens. Inland Sales Group has 3 certified ASSE 1080 employees and many years of experience to ensure accurate information is provided to engineers, contractors and wholesalers alike. Stephanie continues to push awareness in this field, helping to write articles and training content, working closely with manufacturers and engineers to bring safer water to all.

“Stephanie has empowered and employed young people and women to take part in the plumbing industry as we continue to see generational and structural shifts each year. She is an active member of ASA Women in Industry whose conference has grown three times over in the past years. This important conference empowers women each year to grow in their careers and to lend a hand to others simultaneously.” — Anonymous

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Nicole Krawcke is the former Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer magazines. She covered the HVAC and plumbing industries for BNP Media. She has more than 15 years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.