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IDG co-founder Doug Smith dies

Was recognized as the nation's Outstanding Distributor of the Year in 1994.

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Doug Smith, one of the founding members of the Industrial Distribution Group, died at his home surrounded by family on Nov. 14 after an extended battle with lymphoma. He was 70 years old.

A leader in the industrial supply industry, Smith was recognized as the nation's Outstanding Distributor of the Year in 1994. He co-founded Boring & Smith in Atlanta and later acquired Ensco Supply in Greensboro, N.C., and Dixie Industrial Supply in Shelby, N.C., to form Industrial Distribution Group, which had more than 20 locations and over 300 associates.

In 1997, he joined forces with eight other companies to form Industrial Distribution Group, the ninth largest publically traded industrial distributor in the country.

Smith grew up in Parkville, Md., a suburb of Baltimore, and graduated from the University of Maryland where he was an active member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He moved to Atlanta in 1965 as a sales representative for Black & Decker and soon met Sue, his wife of 44 years, at Druid Hills United Methodist Church. After earning his MBA from Emory University in 1971 and working briefing for IBM, Smith co-founded Boring & Smith in 1972.

In retirement, Smith spent time with his four grandchildren and enjoyed annually fishing for salmon in Alaska, pheasant hunting in South Dakota, and skiing in Colorado. He and his wife also relished their regular vacations in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.