About Us

Providing Support and Growth Opportunities for
Industrial and Construction Supplies Distributors

Five Generations of Industrial Leadership

NetPlus Alliance is a multi-generational family business that started as a machine shop along the Erie Canal in Lockport, New York in 1885. Building relationships is at the heart of everything that we do, and NetPlus is committed to working with distributors and suppliers of all sizes. Our goal is to increase market share and profitability for long-term success and above-industry growth for all members.

Our History

Rooted in decades of industrial experience, NetPlus Alliance
evolved from a full-line distribution business to the buying group
that we are today.

1825 - Erie Canal, Lockport
Painting by WH Bartlett

The Erie Canal opened on October 26, 1825 and was comprised of 363 miles of linking waterways from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes.

1885 - William Noland Company

William Noland establishes the William Nolan Company, Machinists and Steam Fitters, in Lockport, NY, 1885.

1919 - Ward Brothers Mill Supply

William Noland’s nephews, Sam Sr., Ben and Will Ward inherit the machine shop in 1919 and rename it Ward Brothers Mill Supply Company.

1931 – Original Stock Certificate

The Ward Brothers boldly incorporate the business at the height of the great depression in 1931 and produce sales of just over $100,000 selling mill supplies, piping products and machining services.

1959 – Ward Brothers Management

Generation three, Sam Ward Jr., and his cousins Bill and Jim Judge move into leadership roles at Ward Brothers Mill Supply Company.

1969 – Dan Judge joins Ward Brothers

Dan Judge joins the family business after earning a degree in Industrial Distribution from Clarkson University and completing his service in Vietnam as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Photo taken in Vietnam, Feb. 1, 1966 in a Bell H13 Helicopter.

1984 – Ward, Beals & McCarthy

Ward Brothers expands its reach and acquires the inventory and equipment of Buffalo distribution company, Beals, McCarthy and Rogers in 1972 and executes a formal name change to Ward, Beals & McCarthy in 1984.

1989 – Dan Judge, Fourth Generation President

Dan Judge is named the fourth-generation president of Ward Beals & McCarthy in 1989.

1993 – ID One

After the sale of Ward Beals & McCarthy, Dan Judge becomes the Executive Director of ID One, the first purchasing cooperative for industrial distributors.

2002 – NetPlus Founded

Based on decades of industry experience, Dan Judge forms NetPlus Alliance, a buying group for industrial and contractor supplies distributors.

2013 – Jennifer Murphy, Fifth Generation President

Jennifer Murphy becomes the fifth-generation President of NetPlus Alliance on September 1, 2013.

2016 – NetPlus Celebrates Anniversary, New Office

NetPlus celebrates 190 years of history in industrial distribution and moves into historic new offices at 57 Canal Street in Lockport.

2016 - NetPlus Women in the Industry

NetPlus launches Women in the Industry reception at the Annual Meeting in 2016, and attendance grows every year.

2017 – ISA American Eagle Award

Dan Judge receives John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award on April 22, 2017 at the Industrial Supply Association Convention in Denver, Colorado.

2021 - Jennifer Murphy Takes Ownership of NetPlus Alliance

NetPlus Alliance Founder and Chairman Dan Judge transitioned the ownership to President Jennifer Murphy.

Meet The Team

The NetPlus team is focused on the growth and success of its
members and works closely with our supplier partners to build
strong relationships.

Dan Judge

Chairman and CFO

Be honest and genuine. That’s always been the way I’ve lived, and it’s a hallmark of our group.

Jennifer Murphy

President

Grow together. The heart of everything that we do, is to bring our distributors and suppliers together for success and growth.

Todd Washburn

Vice President Business Development

Value relationships. Knowing the people behind the company makes a big difference.

Paul Byrnes

Vice President Member Development

Do the right things, right. It applies to both business and to life in general.

Kerry Atlas

Vice President of Finance and Operations

Be accountable for results. It is really the only path to success.

Karl Tschaepe

IT/Finance Administrator

Be accountable for results. If you take responsibility for results, then people know who to go to for their needs.

Zach Brado

Vice President Supplier Development

Embrace change. NetPlus embraces change as an organization and encourages our distributor and supplier members to do the same.

Shirley Weiland

Assistant Vice President of Member Services and Events

Be honest and genuine. I value meeting our members and helping them succeed and grow by staying true to who we are.

Molly Greene

Director of Marketing

Embrace change. I love working with the team to grow our marketing initiatives and develop new, fresh ideas that can achieve even greater results for our members.