Amanda and John Lipscomb shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Amanda and John, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is extremely important to us as individuals, a family, and a business. We learned from our grandfather to always live up to your word and we standby that today.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
This powerhouse brother-sister duo is celebrating over ten years of carrying forward their grandfather’s enduring legacy together.
Amanda, our President and CEO, follows in the footsteps of her grandparents as an alum of Southern Methodist University. A specialist in business communications and conflict resolution, she brings visionary leadership and strategic expertise to the company.
John, our Vice President and COO, inherited his grandfather’s keen business and engineering acumen. With a sharp operational mindset, he ensures efficiency, innovation, and excellence in every aspect of the business.
Together, they are an unstoppable force—driven, dedicated, and lifelong learners. Their passion extends beyond business; they share a love for traveling, cooking, and cherishing time with family and friends.
With a bold vision for growth and expansion, Amanda and John are committed to preserving superior quality while propelling Peterson Equipment Co., Inc. and the Pete’s Plug® brand into the future—ensuring its legacy thrives for generations to come.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
People ask us all the time how we work together as siblings, and honestly—it feels very natural. We’ve always had each other’s backs, and that carries over into how we run the business. We make it a point to really communicate, to be clear about what we need, and to lift each other up. We cheer each other on every single day.
We know each other’s strengths and where we might need support, and instead of letting that be a challenge, we use it as a way to balance one another. At the heart of it, we genuinely like each other. We want the other person to succeed just as much as we want it for ourselves.
Growing up, we were always ‘playing’ business together without realizing we were practicing for what we’re doing now. Carrying on our family’s legacy has just made that bond even stronger. For us, it’s always been family first, and that’s what makes our partnership not only work, but thrive.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Losing our grandfather was the first major loss in our lives, and it was deeply difficult because he wasn’t just a mentor—he was involved with us every single day. While we didn’t expect to be the ones carrying his life’s work forward, we view it as both an honor and a responsibility. His values guide every decision we make, but we also recognize that leadership means adapting, innovating, and ensuring the business thrives for the next generation. In many ways, we’re not only protecting his legacy—we’re building on it, expanding it, and preparing it for the future.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Recently, a couple of friends visited our building for the first time, and what they told us really stayed with us. They said they could ‘feel our grandfather’s presence’—from his old tool chest, to his desk chair, to the picture in our entryway. For us, that was an incredible honor to hear. It reinforced that this isn’t just a business; it’s a legacy. Everything here carries the weight of his influence and the values he lived by. It set the tone that while we’re focused on growth and innovation, we’re also deeply rooted in the tradition and foundation he created.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
There’s a common misconception that as the third generation we were simply handed the business. The reality is very different. When we stepped in, the company was struggling and in danger of failing. We had to make hard decisions, re-evaluate what was working and what wasn’t, and lean on the dedication of a strong team to turn things around. Revitalizing the business wasn’t about maintaining the status quo—it was about bringing new energy, fresh strategy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, we’re proud not just to carry the legacy forward, but to ensure it thrives for future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.petesplug.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petesplug
- Twitter: PetesPlug
- Facebook: PetesPlug
- Youtube: PetesPlug
- Other: TikTok: PetesPlug
Image Credits
Tatiana Alexander, Merry Little Photos
