Table of Contents
Outdoor Living Supply announced the appointment of John Merritt as CEO, effective July 13. Merritt succeeds founder Brian Price, who will transition to founder and chair of the board from CEO. He will continue to play an active role in supporting the company’s long-term strategy, leadership team, and growth initiatives.
Merritt joins OLS with extensive experience leading large-scale distribution and building products organizations. Throughout his career, Merritt has built and grown businesses, driven operational excellence, and partnered with customers, suppliers, and employees across the building materials industry. Most recently, he served in a senior leadership role at US LBM, where he led a region generating approximately $2 billion in annual revenue.
Founded in 2020, OLS has grown into a national platform serving contractors, dealers, and homeowners through a network of premier outdoor living distributors across the United States. The company has established a strong reputation for customer service, entrepreneurial leadership, and its Fortitude culture.
“OLS has reached an exciting point in its evolution,” said Price. “Over the past several years, we have built an exceptional team and expanded our footprint, to create a strong foundation for the future. As the company enters its next phase of growth, John brings the leadership experience needed to build on that momentum and strengthen our operational excellence. I could not be prouder to welcome him to the team.”
“I am honored to join Outdoor Living Supply and grateful for the confidence Brian, the Board, and Trilantic have placed in me,” said Merritt. “What attracted me to OLS is the combination of a strong culture, outstanding people, and tremendous opportunity ahead. The company has built an impressive platform and earned the trust of customers, supplier partners, and employees across the industry. I look forward to working alongside the team to continue strengthening the business and creating value for all of our stakeholders.”
Charles Fleischmann, a member of the OLS board of directors and partner at Trilantic North America which invested in OLS in late 2020, added, “Since its founding, OLS has established itself as a leader in the outdoor living distribution industry through a unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit and a relentless focus on serving customers. John is a proven leader with deep building products experience and a strong track record of leading complex organizations. We are excited to partner with him as OLS continues to execute its strategy and pursue its significant growth opportunities.”
