A Classmate Who Has Made a DIfference

Davidson to enter Business Hall of Fame

Local businessman Marty Davidson, chairman of the board of Southern Pipe and Supply Co., Inc., has been selected for induction into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame.

Southern Pipe & Supply is headquartered in Meridian, and is one of the nation’s largest privately held, independent wholesalers of plumbing and heating and air conditioning materials. It has its roots in a company founded by Davidson’s grandfather in the early 1900's. Davidson began working alongside his father and uncle in the family business at the age of five; his first job was stocking shelves. He has worked for Southern Pipe ever since, holding positions at every level from after-school counter help to branch manager to regional manager before becoming president of the company in 1969 at the age of 28.

Under Davidson’s leadership as president, Southern Pipe grew from a company with four branches in three states to a regional industry leader with 100-plus branches in seven states. The company made significant additions to its list of manufacturers represented and added heating and air conditioning materials to its inventory. In 2003, also under Davidson’s leadership, Southern Pipe introduced its first Southern Bath & Kitchen designer showroom. With 60-plus showrooms, Southern Bath & Kitchen is Southern Pipe’s fastest-growing business.

His induction into the Business Hall of Fame is not the first time Davidson’s business acumen has been recognized. He is a recipient of the Hartley D. Peavey Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, which is presented annually to one of east Mississippi’s leading businessmen or women. He is also a member of the World Presidents’ Organization, a global organization of current and former chief executive officers with members in more than 70 countries.

Marty is a graduate of Tulane University with a MBA in Business Administration.

A Mississippi Business Journal (4/9/2007) article about

Southern Pipe & Supply Co. Inc.

Among his many other contributions to Meridian, he has established the Linda and Marty Davidson Endowment with the MCC (Meridian Community College)Foundation.