Our Team
Steve Elis
Principal / Chief Executive Officer
Steve Elis
Steve has almost 40 years of experience in the plumbing industry, working for a plumbing distributor, a manufacturer, and finally as a Principal for Southwest Sales. Steve founded Southwest Sales in 2000 and quickly expanded the agency to cover all of Texas except El Paso. His experience and success in both distributor and builder account management are evident in the identity and strengths of Southwest Sales. Since forming the agency, he has personally been recognized as the Principal of the Year, MVP of the Year, and New Construction Salesman of the year by Delta Faucet Company. At the same time, under Steve’s leadership, Southwest Sales has been recognized with Agency of the Year awards from several of our largest manufacturers. Most recently, Steve has transitioned Southwest Sales into an Employee Owned Company (ESOP) to ensure a viable succession plan that will benefit the employees and the manufacturers that we represent.
Kevin Taylor
Principal / President and COO
Kevin Taylor
Kevin started his career with the plumbing industry in 1983 in sales with a Dallas-based plumbing and HVAC distributor. Kevin then took a sales position with a New Jersey based plumbing distributor. After 6 years, Kevin returned to Texas and went to work for a major plumbing product manufacturer. Kevin worked here for 14 years in various job descriptions and was the Regional Manager when he exited. Kevin joined Southwest Sales in 2003 as a Principal and Vice President of Sales. Kevin has served over 5 times on the Delta Rep Agency Advisory Council. He now sits on a key wholesale distributor Rep Advisory Council. Kevin’s primary responsibility is to provide leadership to the various Sales Teams at Southwest Sales by providing strategic focus and direction of the selling efforts. Kevin takes pride in the leadership management and development of a group of individuals that have become recognized as “best in class”. This Team is outperforming the market year after year.
Justin Elis
Principal / Chief Financial Officer
Justin Elis
Justin graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor and master in Professional Accounting and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas. After graduation, he worked for KPMG for six years in the assurance services and financial due diligence practices. Justin left KPMG to work for Safe Harbor Marinas, a private equity backed owner and operator of marinas with over 100 properties across the US. While at Safe Harbor, Justin was an executive whose responsibilities included integrating acquisitions, developing custom software, and leading operational improvement initiatives. Justin joined Southwest Sales as Chief Financial Officer in 2020.
Emily Stow McDonald
Emily is a graduate of Texas Tech University. She has been in the plumbing industry for over 15 years. Before joining our team she worked in inside sales for 5 years for a major plumbing wholesaler in the DFW area. Emily joined Southwest Sales as a builder account manager and has been calling on builders, designers, plumbers and wholesalers for 10 years. Emily’s passion for the brands that we represent and her relationships have made her a successful player on the Southwest Sales team. In 2014, Emily was promoted to a Principal and enjoys the dual role of Principal and Builder Account Manager.
Darrell McGill
Darrell has a acquired a wide range of experience and product knowledge in the construction industry. He owned a high end residential construction company in the greater Houston area for eleven years. Afterwards he spent his time working for a large wholesaler in the College Station area, before having the opportunity to take over the greater Waco/Austin area for Southwest Sales, with responsibilities to manage wholesalers, contractors and builder sales.
Justin Pfeifer
Justin has over 18 years of experience in the residential construction industry, working for a national window manufacturer as the Director of Builder Sales before joining Southwest Sales in early 2013. In his previous roles, Justin negotiated and managed numerous statewide and regional programs with single-family and multi-family builders. In addition, Justin focuses on providing clients with industry leading customer service, strategic options for market growth, and relies upon his industry experience to create value throughout the distribution channel. In 2014, Justin was promoted to a Principal position with Southwest Sales.
Ryan Wilkinson
Ryan is a graduate of Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Southwest Sales in 2011, he worked in commercial real estate and construction. Ryan started his career with Southwest Sales in North Texas as a Sales Associate and in 2013, he took a Territory Manager position in Houston. In 2020 Ryan was named Principal and Vice President, managing the South Texas Region. After a move back to DFW in 2021, Ryan is currently responsible for managing the North Texas Region. He takes pride in leading a team of preeminent salespeople and delivering exceptional results for customers and manufacturers alike.
Regan Dixon
Regan came to Southwest Sales in 2015 after 5 years in the heavy construction equipment industry covering the southwest area of Houston. A graduate of Hardin Simmons University, Regan brings experience in working with contractors of various sizes on a multitude of projects. He is responsible for partnering with mechanical contractors, general contractors and other commercial plumbers to make sure their needs are met, and jobs are thoughtfully and thoroughly handled with the attention and communication they require. Regan’s ability to learn quickly, problem solve and provide unmatched customer service is a key feature for our commercial customers.
Ben Tate
Ben is a graduate of both Lubbock Christian University (BA) and West Texas A&M (MBA). Prior to joining Southwest Sales in 2021, he worked for a water treatment company where he worked with channel partners to spec in residential and commercial products in buildings across the US. As a Territory Manager at Southwest Sales, he works in a similar fashion with strategic partners to ensure that each customer is served and advocates for the manufacturers we represent. Ben regularly seeks new opportunities to positively impact both customer and manufacturer relationships through frequent communication and a strategic eye for growth.
Dustin Bullard
After leaving the US Airforce, Dustin worked for a builder services company selling cabinets, flooring and countertops. Working in various sales roles for most of his life, Dustin joined Southwest Sales in 2019 and has moved from an Account Manger to a Territory Manager and has built rapport with customers and team members alike. His ability to quickly provide solutions make Dustin an asset to the team
Ben Hardesty
Ben joined the Southwest Sales team in 2022 as a Territory Manager in our West Texas and Texas Panhandle areas. Ben is a DFW native that relocated to the Texas Panhandle while attending Texas Tech university. After starting a family in Lubbock, he relocated to the Amarillo, Texas area and began pursuing a career in retail sales, eventually transitioning to B2B sales in residential construction. Ben is also considered a jack-of-all-trades, with experience in many aspects of construction. He is very dedicated to assisting the growing Panhandle and West Texas areas.
Jason Snelling
Jason attended California State University, Fullerton and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications before starting work in the hospitality and hardware sales industries. He joined Southwest Sales in 2022 as an Account Manager. Jason finds his ability to build relationships and provide genuine customer satisfaction a key to success.
Heather Evans
Heather brings to Southwest Sales over 16 years of experience with driving direct sales for manufacturers through her influential relationships within the builder and multi-family channels. She is highly skilled in penetrating previously untapped markets, maximizing sales, and identifying growth opportunities in a dynamically changing environment. Throughout Heather’s career, she has worked closely with multifamily and hospitality developers, specializing in finding product solutions to drive business and efficiencies.
Arturo Bernal
Art joined Southwest Sales in March of 2015 after 6 years in the Oil and Gas industry. Art’s technical background, problem solving skills and strong customer service have allowed him to connect with both contractors and wholesalers in the Houston market. As an account manager, this level of connectivity allows Art to focus on creating downstream demand by developing strong relationships with contractors and creating valuable partnerships with his customers.
Tristan Pechacek
Tristan is a Territory Manager for Southwest Sales, and a recent graduate from Texas A&M University, where he graduated with honors in 2018. He brings a contractor level perspective and plumbing knowledge from growing up around one of the largest plumbing contractors in the Houston market. This has allowed greater connection with many of the plumbing contractors and wholesale distributors, who have deep roots in the Houston plumbing industry. Helping to create a passion for the plumbing industry, and the drive to promote Southwest Sales and their manufacturers to the customers.
Connor Buchmann
Connor is a proud graduate of The University of Oklahoma. Connor was promoted to a Territory Manager after being both a Sales Associate and Account Manager with Southwest Sales. Connors ability to learn quickly and willingness to jump in with both feet on any task that comes his way has made him an asset with Southwest Sales. His strong work ethic was largely shaped by his time as a collegiate and professional baseball player. Connor finds building relationships with customers extremely rewarding.
Brady French
Brady joined Southwest Sales in 2021 and is a recent graduate from Southwestern University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business. As a member of the Southwest University football team Brady learned the value of teamwork and striving towards joint success. Prior to working with Southwest Sales, Brady obtained an eCommerce internship where he oversaw warehouse operations. A quick learner and has a strong work ethic, Brady swiftly moved from a Sales Support role into Account Management in Central Texas.
Tyler Hampton
Since graduating from the University of West Florida in 2011, Tyler has used his degree in Business Management working as a marketing coordinator for a small business as well as a dispute analyst for a major corporation. Tyler joined the Southwest Sales team in 2015. He is passionate about efficiently solving any issues a client may encounter. Tyler focuses on customer satisfaction and takes pride in the products he represents.
Jared Karns
Jared joined the Southwest Sales team in 2021 after five years in heavy equipment sales. As a Territory Manager, he covers the central Texas area from Austin to San Antonio. He has found success in his ability to adapt quickly to new situations as well as building strong, lasting partnerships.
Connie Bates
After attending UNT, Connie began her career in the plumbing industry in 2013 working for a high-end plumbing wholesaler. Prior to joining Southwest Sales in 2021, Connie worked as a manufacturer’s representative responsible for residential and commercial plumbing products. Connie joined Southwest Sales as a builder account manager and has been calling on builders and designers. Connie’s passion for the brands that we represent; her strong and professional relationships within the construction community makes her a valuable member of our team. Never without a smile on her face; she’s ready to provide solutions to any challenges.
Tiffany Casey
Tiffany began her career in the construction industry in 2000 after graduating from Texas A&M University. Before joining Southwest Sales, Tiffany worked in builder sales with two of the largest wholesale distributors in Houston. Tiffany focuses on driving our manufacturer’s specifications with both single and multifamily contractors and creating pull-through demand for our products. Her working experience between wholesale distribution and manufacturers makes Tiffany a great asset to the team.
Mark Helms
Mark joined Southwest Sales in 2006. He is a graduate of Texas State University, and in his time at Southwest Sales he has gained considerable knowledge of plumbing systems and products. Overall, Mark has over 25 years of experience selling products and services in the residential and commercial construction markets. His ability to build relationships with key customers and his reputation as a solutions provider make him a valuable member of our team. In 2015, Mark was promoted to a Principal position and now manages our outside sales team in Central Texas.
Xanica Skuza
Xanica is a graduate of University of Texas at Arlington. She comes to us with more than 10 years of sales experience. Although she is new to the plumbing industry, her positive and upbeat mindset in all working environments makes her an asset to our company.
Rob Stow
Rob is a graduate of San Diego State University. Drawing on his experience as a builder account manager in the Southern California market, Rob has fully embraced his role as a Territory Manager in the North Texas market where he was raised. His approach to sales exhibits an ability to cultivate relationships and develop partnerships with a comprehensive understanding of the essential traits for success and growth.
Heather Tiso
Heather studied Design and Architecture at Texas Tech University before earning her degree in Home Furnishings Merchandising from the University of North Texas. She continued her postgraduate studies in Interior Architecture while beginning her career in sales with a decorative drapery hardware and window coverings manufacturer where she earned New Representative of the Year honors. She joined Southwest Sales in 2004 to focus on decorative products brands for plumbing showrooms, designers and custom builders. Heather has a passion for training customers and industry peers on new products, design trends and planning their kitchen, bath and shower spaces. Heather’s product knowledge, attention to detail and industry experience make her a strong member of our sales team.
Karen Ashcraft
After graduating from Texas A&M, Karen began her career in the plumbing industry in 1999 working for a national plumbing wholesaler. Prior to joining Southwest Sales in 2013, Karen worked as a manufacturer’s representative responsible for residential and commercial plumbing products. As Decorative Product Manager for Southwest Sales, she focuses on training showroom consultants, designers and customer builders on the features and benefits of our products. In addition, Karen works with our showrooms to ensure that our products are appropriately displayed and working properly. Karen’s focus on the customer ensures they receive products that meet their requirements and exceeds their expectations.
Katie Blumenshine
Katie joined Southwest Sales in August 2022, as an Architectural & Design Specifications Manager. She graduated with a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2015. Katie immediately started her journey as an educator upon graduation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the summer of 2017, Katie moved to Frisco, Texas and started teaching middle school mathematics. After leaving education, she began working for a high-end interior designer in Dallas, Texas. She is eager to utilize her teaching skills to build relationships with designers, influencers, architects, and showrooms in DFW and East Texas.
Cassie Mulanax
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Cassie began her sales career long before graduation. After spending 15 years in real estate and construction, she joins Southwest Sales eager to take on the plumbing side of the business. As Decorative Product Manager for Southwest Sales, she utilizes her construction knowledge to provide training and inspiration to consultants and designers in the showroom. She brings custom builders the ability to find a customized product lineup to perfectly suit their needs.
Kelly Neville
Kelly joined Southwest Sales in 2021 with an extensive background in residential design and territory management of tile, stone and decorative products. She attended Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Housing and Environmental Design. Creative, detail-oriented solutions and stellar customer service are always to be expected from Kelly, regardless of the size or scope of the project.
Amy Galindo
Amy joined Southwest Sales in 2022 as a Builder Account Manger in the North Texas market. A Tarlton State University graduate, she has been in the construction industry for 13 years working for both manufacturers and manufacturers representatives and is familiar with the nuances of our industry. Amy has a proven track record of results and was awarded Rep of the Year by one manufacturer. Her strong analytical skills, aggressive drive, and desire to win make Amy a invaluable addition to our team.
Matthew Anderson
Matthew is a graduate of Texas Tech University. He has been in the wholesale industry for over 4 years, primarily focused on plumbing and recently taking on lighting. Prior to joining Southwest Sales in March 2021, he had a focus on building relationships and selling plumbing products to new construction builders and multifamily contractors across all major markets in Texas and covering all central Texas. He joined Southwest Sales as a Territory Manager for Central Texas, primarily focused on the lighting industry. He works with showrooms, distributors, contractors and builders to promote lighting products and grow Southwest Sales’ presence in the lighting industry.
Gary Biarsky
Gary joined Southwest Sales in August 2021, as our North Texas Lighting Territory Manager. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Gary has over 25 years of experience in the lighting industry, most recently as the East Sales Manager for a large lighting brand. His management background, relationships, passion, and experience will help us to grow our Lighting Channel presence in Texas.
Mike Duhon
Mike joined SWS in April of 2022 as our South Texas Lighting Territory Manager. Mike began his career in Lighting & Electrical in 2003 working for one of the nation’s largest Electrical Distributors before focusing strictly on lighting by becoming a Territory Sales Manager of the Southern US for an LED Lighting Manufacturer. Mike prides himself on his lighting knowledge, strong ethics, reliability, hard work and relationships in the industry.
Jim Barry
Jim joined Southwest Sales in May of 2022 as a Sales Support Associate. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi in 2021. Before Jim moved to Texas, he worked as a golf maintenance technician at a course in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and worked several summers at the Christian County Highway department in Taylorville, IL doing road work. Moving to Texas in September 2021, Jim accepted a role with a direct marketing sales firm to begin his sales career. Jim brings with him an attitude of hard work and care for his customers. He prides himself on being customer facing and a strong advocate for frequent communication always with an eye for strategic growth opportunities that benefit our partners.
Taryn Nunn
Tammy Kimling
Jeff Bryant
Timothy Ellifrits
Jennie Kendall
Gaylisha King
Chase Klement
Jessica Langridge
Amanda Leggett
Christina Mares
Brandon O’Gorman
Mathew Pearce
Imani Rawson
Francine Regner
Bre’Anne Warren
Jeremy Whitehead
Sydney Wilson
Missy James
Pretika Kalia
Human Resources Manager
Pretika Kalia
Angela Lowrance
Tommy Maxwell
Bethany Silverthorn
Accounting Manager
Bethany Silverthorn
Sheila Simon
Accounting Assistant
Sheila Simon
