2022 30 Under 35 Profile: Morgan Tupa

Morgan Tupa, 27
Purchasing Agent
Dakota Supply Group

Morgan started his career at Dakota Supply Group (DSG) just 10 days after graduating high school in 2013. “When I started at DSG, four of my uncles and a cousin worked for the company,” he recalled. “All four uncles retired after 40-plus years of service.” Over the years he was promoted to warehouse shipping crew supervisor, to counter sales, and to his current role in purchasing.

Asked what appeals to him about the industry, Morgan pointed to the abundance of opportunity. “At DSG, it’s very common to start in the warehouse and work your way up into different positions,” he noted. “I’ve done just that and am on my fourth position, with future positions in my sights.”

Morgan cited long lead times as a troublesome issue currently facing the industry. He noted that it can be addressed via “Close communication with vendors and reps to ensure we have the most accurate availability/shipping information.”

Looking forward, Morgan hopes to stay in a corporate/operations/management-type position

“I am preparing for that by taking every opportunity to learn and gain experience in the industry,” he said. “Whether it be a simple conversation over lunch with a rep or an overnight trip to a vendor’s headquarters to learn about what they have to offer, I’ve found plenty of opportunities to gain experience over my years in the industry and will continue to do so.”

To someone just entering the industry, Morgan has this advice “Be patient, put your time in, and don’t hesitate to move positions. There is a lot to learn, and you’ll continue to learn every day.”

When he’s not working, Morgan enjoys time in the outdoors hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time at the lake.

Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tedmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2023 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.