The biggest smile in the room with a personality and heart to match, and never shy with an opinion. That’s the picture of Skip DeVilling that I and so many others have. The wholesale distribution industry has lost a titan with the passing of Skip, who had a profound impact on our industry and the lives of many professionals. He was a longtime contributor to MDM on recruiting and talent advice, as captured in Mike Hockett’s recap of his career here. For this article, we reached out to a small circle of those who worked with Skip and knew him well to share the impact he had across an industry for many decades.

Skip was a passionate communicator, mentor and coach, particularly noted during his years leading a talent recruitment agency. His unique ability to connect people — whether facilitating business relationships or fostering career growth — was unmatched. He possessed a rare understanding of the competitive landscapes faced by manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. This insight allowed him to connect dots and, more importantly, people in ways that few others could.

“Skip was a lightning rod,” Bill Ward, Executive Vice President of IMARK Group and longtime friend told me this week. “People gravitated to him. At any industry event, you’d see him holding court. He embraced progress and loved to talk about what’s happening and what’s next.”

Former President and CEO of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., Dan Perry, remembers Skip as “bigger than life.” Having met Skip in 1972, Dan recalls, “He was devoted to the industry, knew everyone and connected people effortlessly. He was a happy guy, full of life and the epitome of a good salesperson.”

Skip’s presence was not just felt through his professional achievements but also through his personal interactions. Phil Hanson, President of C.H. Hanson Co., noted Skip’s ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room. “He was able to reach across generations, not just old-timers,” Phil remarked.

Dan Judge, founder of NetPlus Alliance, also shared his experiences with Skip, highlighting his role as a supportive advisor and a “connector” in the truest sense. Dan remembers, “Skip was very supportive when he was at Simonds in the early days of NetPlus Alliance. He was such a great salesperson.”

Beyond his professional life, Skip was an athlete and occasional entertainer — a great golfer, a powerful presence as a former lineman and professional football player, as well as a capable piano player. He enjoyed his leisure time, often found with a cigar on his lanai in Florida.

In 2017, Skip was awarded the NetPlus Dan Judge Founder’s Award, a moment he cherished deeply. It was a testament to his emotional and professional investment in the industry he helped shape.

Skip DeVilling was truly a “salesperson’s salesperson,” Dan Perry noted, whose legacy will continue to influence the industry for years to come. His ability to bridge gaps during times of tension, his deep relationships that spanned generations, and his vibrant spirit will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

See Skip’s obituary and online memorial here.