Many of the “boots-on-the ground” PHCP/PVF distributors, which started as a family business years ago, have lost their family ownership and are now being run by generations of family members. Wool Plumbing Supply, south Florida’s Supply House Times Supply House, was named the Supply House Times Supply House House of the Year. It has mastered PHCP distribution as well as the bath and kitchen showroom business under strong family leadership and will continue to do so for many years.
An early 1950s start Wool Plumbing Supply
Randy Wool, the president and second-generation leader of Wool Plumbing Supply, explains that his father Carl Wool started the company in the trunk of his car back in 1957.
He would simply visit different plumbers every day and ask their needs. He would find out what products were backordered by other distributors, and then make deliveries to plumbers at night.
Wool recalled riding along with his father to make these deliveries. He was just five- or six years old when he became fascinated by all the parts and fittings.
After several years of delivering, Carl Wool was finally able to rent a warehouse at Fort Lauderdale.
“One day, the KOHLER regional sales representative visited our warehouse. He was impressed by the number of trucks coming in and the variety we had. Wool notes that he asked Wool’s dad if he was interested in joining the KOHLER team.
Wool Plumbing Supply was launched by this deal, enabling it to grow into the independent plumbing distributor that it is today.
The company now employs over 140 people and has 10 locations throughout the state — eight warehouses, nine kitchen and bath showrooms and nine bathrooms and kitchen showrooms.
Wool says, “We are very lucky to have my sons working in this business.”
Jeff Wool and Justin Wool, both Executive Vice Presidents of the company, have been involved since they were teenagers and are well-equipped to lead Wool Plumbing Supply.
Industries
Active member of the American Supply Association, Southern Wholesaler’s Association and the Affiliated Distributors buying group.
Jeff Wool says that being part of these groups has helped him in many aspects of his business.
This industry isn’t easy and it presents its own set challenges. ASA, SWA, and AD allow us to connect with other family-owned businesses and share the same experiences. When I joined the business, many of the people I met in these group told me that although it was difficult, it was rewarding when things took off and your family succeeded.
Many AD members claim that Wool Plumbing Supply has been an active member of the buying group for many years.
