Company
Servicing the rubber, thermoplastics and other polymer-related industries for more than 85 years, Harwick Standard is a management-owned and operated sales, marketing, and technical support organization headquartered in Akron, Ohio.
Harwick Standard is ISO 9001:2015 registered, and operates a nationwide distribution network supplying products from more than 30 blue chip manufacturers. Harwick Standard is a proud member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) and practices the NACD's Responsible Distribution.
Executive Management Team

Ernie Pouttu

Ernie Pouttu is Harwick Standard’s current President & CEO. His tenure at Harwick exceeds 30 years. Ernie began his career at Harwick Standard in the Finance Department. Prior to joining Harwick, Ernie was a Tax Supervisor at Ernst & Young.
Ernie’s professional affiliations include membership in the American Chemical Society / Rubber Division, the Rubber Roller Group, and past Chairman of the Chemical Division of the National Chemical Credit Association.
Ernie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree from Kent State University, a Master of Science in Taxation degree from the University of Akron, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Kent State University.
Ernie and is wife, Mary Kay, live in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and have two children, Ernie and Carly. Ernie enjoys running, reading, bicycling and music. He also finds time to serve on the Board of various community organizations including Leadership Akron, Akron Civic Theatre, and Akron Children’s Hospital. Ernie is a former Board and Chair member of the University of Akron’s College of Business Advancement Council and has volunteered for the Bridgestone Invitational Professional Golf Tournament for the past 35 years.

Jim Houston

Jim Houston is Harwick Standard’s Senior Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer. His tenure at Harwick exceeds 25 years. Jim began his career at Harwick Standard in the Finance Department and also managed the company’s two manufacturing divisions. Prior to joining Harwick, Jim was an Audit Manager at Ernst & Young and also worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Jim’s professional affiliations include membership in the American Chemical Society / Rubber Division and the Rubber Roller Group.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree from Youngstown State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Ashland University.
Jim has three children and lives in Beachwood, Ohio. Jim enjoys fishing, target shooting and travel.
Our History

1932

1946

1968

1997

2012
