Honoring a Role Model

Citing the inspiring words of John Quincy Adams — “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are leader” — Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, was introduced at ISM2015 Tuesday as the 84th recipient of the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award.

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With a career spanning over 35 years and six companies, Holcomb was honored as a visionary leader, successful driver of change, but above all else, a role model to supply management professionals. After accepting the Shipman medal, a “proud and humbled” Holcomb first recognized and thanked his two children, Kara and Parker, as well as his parents who moved Holcomb and his young brothers many years ago from northern Minnesota to Phoenix so they could have a better life and greater opportunities.

Holcomb shared how he seized the opportunities presented to him throughout his life to build a career that was grounded in continuous learning, strong leadership and bringing out the best in everyone he worked with. He talked about the mentors who coached and helped him throughout his career, laying the foundation for Holcomb to mentor and guide other young professionals throughout their careers.

The story of his journey in supply management was peppered with names of successful, high-achieving supply management professionals, starting with R. Gene Richter, who guided Holcomb early in his procurement career, to the young Richter scholars he continues to mentor today.

“I share this honor with all of them. With all of the professionals who have come through my door, and all of those whom I have mentored, and with those who have mentored me,” he told the ISM2015 crowd. Holcomb also urged ISM members “not just to take all that ISM has to offer, but also to give back.”

“With our profession growing and becoming more prominent, I am so thrilled about the next 100 years.”