Choosing a supplier is about more than price and delivery schedules—it’s a strategic decision that reflects your company’s values, priorities, and long-term goals. Increasingly, procurement teams across industrial, construction, and manufacturing sectors are recognizing the distinct advantages of partnering with woman-owned businesses. Companies like Arpco Supply bring not only strong operational capability but also a purpose-driven culture, proven business performance, and alignment with broader corporate goals like sustainability, diversity, and community impact (McKinsey & Company, 2020).
A Growing Force in Industrial Supply Chains
The presence of woman-owned businesses in traditionally male-dominated industries like manufacturing and industrial supply has expanded significantly over the past two decades. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than 13 million woman-owned companies operate in the U.S., contributing over $1.9 trillion to the economy annually (NAWBO, 2023). Many of these businesses are certified by third-party organizations such as the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), confirming their ownership and operational control.
What Certification Means—and Why It Matters
Partnering with a certified woman-owned company like Arpco Supply ensures that your supplier has been independently verified for ownership, management, and control. Certification supports:
- Supplier diversity initiatives
- Alignment with public-sector or enterprise-level procurement requirements
- Participation in set-aside government contracts or diversity-driven RFQs
Working with a certified supplier also reinforces your organization’s commitment to gender equity, inclusion, and ethical procurement (WBENC).
Real Value Beyond the Label
Choosing a woman-owned supplier is about more than checking a box on a compliance form. It’s a strategic move that brings tangible value to your business in several ways:
1. Innovative Thinking and Agile Problem Solving
Woman-owned businesses often excel in innovation, creative solutions, and adaptable operations. Research from McKinsey & Company has shown that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform less diverse peers in profitability and decision-making (McKinsey & Company, 2020).
2. Customer-Centered Philosophy
Many woman-owned businesses prioritize customer relationships and service above all else. At Arpco Supply, we take pride in a customer-first philosophy that’s built into our mission statement and everyday operations. We invest in listening, follow-through, and creating long-term relationships, not just transactions.
3. Commitment to Sustainability and Community
Many woman-owned firms—including Arpco—emphasize sustainability, community engagement, and environmental responsibility as part of their core business model. This includes:
- Eco-conscious packaging materials
- Reducing waste across the warehouse and office
- Supporting local water conservation efforts or education
- Promoting health and well-being across the workforce
These initiatives aren’t peripheral—they’re embedded in how we manage our people, serve our customers, and evolve our organization (Harvard Business Review, 2022).
Building a Resilient, Values-Driven Supply Chain
Partnering with a woman-owned supplier is also a smart play for supply chain resilience and cultural alignment. Diverse suppliers tend to bring:
- Greater operational humility and flexibility
- Highly engaged employees who reflect the values of their company
- Stronger ties to local community and employment networks
- A unique ability to empathize and adapt to customer needs
This kind of supplier is more likely to go the extra mile, offer responsive service, and contribute to a partnership that strengthens both organizations.
Supporting Workforce Development and Gender Equity
Choosing a woman-owned business helps support broader efforts to level the playing field in industries where gender disparity persists. By doing business with woman-led companies, you’re investing in a future where more women hold leadership positions in manufacturing, construction, industrial operations, and supply chain management (Brookings Institution, 2023).
Arpco Supply is proud to employ a diverse workforce, and we believe our team’s diversity is a competitive advantage. From the warehouse to the executive suite, every employee plays a role in delivering excellence to our customers.
Profile: Arpco Supply – Purpose-Driven and Performance-Focused
As a certified woman-owned organization, Arpco Supply brings decades of industry experience, operational excellence, and a values-first culture to our partners. Here’s what makes us different:
- Deep product knowledge in plastic, steel, and concrete industrial components
- Reliable distribution and fulfillment across the southern U.S.
- Responsive customer support from real humans—no ticket systems
- Thoughtful investments in technology and process optimization
- Clear values around humility, service, and long-term relationships
Whether you’re sourcing fittings for a construction project, solving a supply chain challenge in manufacturing, or meeting internal DEI goals, we’re ready to deliver.
Making the Case Internally: Talking to Procurement Teams
If you’re working to bring more woman-owned businesses into your supply chain, you may need to make the case to internal stakeholders. Here’s how to frame it:
- Risk mitigation: Smaller, agile companies are often more responsive during disruptions
- Diversity goals: Meet supplier diversity KPIs and federal/state requirements
- Innovation pipeline: Tap into underrepresented ideas and process improvements
- Customer expectations: More end-users expect companies to align with social impact values
It’s Not About a Handout—It’s About Value
Some assume that doing business with a woman-owned company is a gesture of support rather than a competitive decision. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Arpco Supply competes—and wins—on the merits of our operations, customer service, and strategic value. Our employees and management team work hard every day to deliver superior outcomes for every customer.
When You Choose a Woman-Owned Supplier, You Choose More
You choose:
- A mission statement grounded in impact
- A culture of service and innovation
- A business partner that reflects the changing values of today’s marketplace
- A team that believes in the power of diversity to shape better solutions
In today’s competitive landscape, values matter. Relationships matter. And who you choose to work with says a lot about your brand.
Ready to diversify your supply chain with purpose-driven performance? Contact Arpco Supply today to learn more about our products, values, and how we can support your goals.