Amelia Kittson

President

KIE Supply

Age: 30

Current city of residence: Richland

Briefly describe your company:

KIE Supply is a family-owned and -operated company servicing the Inland Northwest since 1955. With locations in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, we pride ourselves on our extremely knowledgeable staff, superior customer service and extensive inventory built to serve the plumbing, heating, cooling, pipe, irrigation, wastewater, electrical, utility and lighting industries. Open to all customers, KIE has employees specializing in everything from residential and commercial building to repair/remodel work, and decorative plumbing and lighting showrooms.

How long have you worked there?

13 years

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

• Master of Business Administration, specialized in supply chain management.
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, specialized in marketing.
• Bachelor of Arts in Music.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification.
• Graduate certificate in entrepreneurship.
• Graduate certificate in business analytics.

Briefly describe your job and what you do.

As the third-generation owner and actively involved leader of KIE Supply Corp., I am committed to driving strategic growth to serve the evolving needs of our customers and employees. I lead the adoption of industry best practices to enhance efficiency, productivity and long-term sustainability. My focus is on positioning the business for continued success by optimizing operations, fostering a strong company culture and adapting to market demands.

Tell us about your work history.

I have spent my entire career at KIE Supply, starting as a teen working as an administrative assistant. During my high school and college years, I was cross-trained throughout the whole company, which gave me a comprehensive understanding of the business and sales life cycle. By the time I reached college, I knew I wanted to make KIE my long-term career, so I pursued a degree in business administration with a focus on marketing. After graduation, I returned to KIE full time, first as the marketing director, and later leading a two-year project to transition our software system from an outdated homegrown platform to a modern, web-based solution. This project was a major milestone in my career, leveraging my cross-training experience and providing me with invaluable insights into all aspects of the business.

In 2019, I pursued an MBA specializing in supply chain management from the University of Wisconsin, where I was awarded a full-ride fellowship. After completing my MBA, I returned to KIE and was promoted to vice president, where I took on increasing leadership responsibilities. Over the next several years, I continued to grow as a leader, honing my skills and taking on a strategic role in shaping the company’s direction. In 2025, following my father’s retirement, I was honored to be promoted to president of KIE Supply.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

I would tell my younger self to develop mental strength and resilience in the face of challenges. Setbacks are going to happen, but they’re also valuable learning experiences. Instead of getting discouraged, view each setback as an opportunity to grow, reflect on what can be done differently in the future and improve. Remember that everyone has their own challenges and struggles, so when dealing with difficult people, it’s important to approach them with empathy. Difficult people will always be part of the journey, but what matters most is how you respond. Stay focused on solutions, and keep your perspective.

Also, be kind to yourself and remember that perfection is not the goal. Leadership is a process of continuous learning, growth, and empowering others to grow with you. Remember that every experience is a step toward success.

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

• Supporting local businesses and economic growth.
• Advocating for access to education for all.
• Empowering young women to achieve their full potential.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

I am actively involved in the community through several organizations. I serve on the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council, where I help guide the organization to address local workforce needs and ensure that individuals in our area have access to the skills and opportunities needed for sustainable, living-wage careers. Additionally, I am involved with the Young Professionals chapter of Kiwanis International, which allows me to collaborate with other local leaders to create positive change and support various community initiatives.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

It can be a challenge. I rely on a strong support system, both within my team at work and at home, to help effectively manage my schedule. I am continually working on delegating responsibilities to trusted team members, which allows me to focus on strategic priorities. I also make it a point to schedule time for activities that recharge me, such as relaxing at home with my husband and cats. Maintaining a balance requires ongoing effort, but it’s essential for staying productive, maintaining my well-being and being effective in both my personal and professional life.

Do you have family? Pets? Tell us about them.

I have a wonderful husband, Zachary, whom I’ve been with for 12 years. I call him my “CEO,” chief emotional officer, because he is my rock and greatest support system. His patience and encouragement allows me to take on the challenges of my role with confidence. Together, we have two rescue cats, Coco and Minnie, who we absolutely dote on and adore. They bring so much joy to our home and keep life entertaining!

What’s your dream vacation?

An African safari

Planner or procrastinator?

Planner

Introvert or extrovert?

Introvert

First car?

Nissan minivan

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

Discovering and supporting new local restaurants

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Frost Me Sweet

Favorite day of the week?

Saturday

Text, email, phone call?

Email

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

To the future

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I have a degree in music and am a classically trained violist. I’ve played in several professional symphonies over the years, and even paid for part of my college with scholarships.