On February 25, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort visited Indiana Safety & Supply, a family-owned industrial safety distributor based in Washington, Indiana. Established in 1992, the company has grown from a local operation into a nationwide provider, serving customers in all 50 states while expanding to additional locations in Pueblo, Colorado, and Kokomo, Indiana.
The group was led by Austin Bush, Vice President and Director of Sales, who offered an inside look at the company’s approach to industrial safety and customer solutions. He shared his personal journey, highlighting how his involvement in high school DECA helped shape his confidence and career direction. With a background in finance, Austin has successfully navigated the competitive sales field by focusing on solving customer problems rather than simply selling products—a mindset he encouraged students to adopt.
A key takeaway from the visit was the importance of branding. Indiana Safety & Supply has built its reputation by developing its own brand rather than relying on others, allowing for greater control, consistency, and innovation. From safety glasses to custom-molded earplugs, each product reflects the company’s commitment to quality. Their strong identity, paired with multiple product patents, has helped them stand out in a competitive industry.
Austin also shared valuable advice for both business and personal growth. He emphasized that growth often comes with challenges, but those challenges are a sign of progress. Creative strategies—like placing vending machines in factories—can help build long-term customer relationships. He encouraged students to always understand their purpose, bring unique value, and remain adaptable in a constantly changing world. His message reinforced the importance of hard work, integrity, innovation, and continuous self-improvement, along with building a positive, reliable, and family-oriented workplace culture.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort sincerely thanks Austin Bush for his time, tour, insight, and encouragement. His perspective left a lasting impression, equipping students with practical knowledge and inspiration they can carry into their future careers.
