Beaumont, TX-based Coburn Supply Co. celebrated its 75th anniversary Aug. 28-30 at the Marriott New Orleans. The wholesaler invited every employee of its 49 locations in four states; each employee could invite one guest. In all, more than 1,700 people attended: 1,475 employees plus their guests, and 225 vendors, manufacturers reps and special guests.

“Coburn Supply Co. is able to celebrate 75 years because of our dedicated and committed employees, the assistance of our valued vendors and the support and loyalty of our customers,” President Don Maloney said at a banquet Aug. 29 for all guests.

Earlier that day, Coburn’s awarded more than 200 plaques during an awards ceremony to recognize sales achievements in six business categories: residential plumbing; commercial PVF; kitchen/bath showroom; HVAC; waterworks; and tools and chemicals.

The top awards went to five branches that posted 15% growth in all business categories from 2008-2009: Bossier City, LA; and Beaumont, Friendswood, Galveston and Galveston-AC, TX. A sixth branch, Houma, LA, grew sales by 15% in five of the six categories.

Coburn’s also recognized the new branches that opened in 2008 and 2009. Last year, branches opened in Lafayette and Slidell, LA; Memphis, TN; and Laurel, Hattiesburg and Pearl, MS. The company also started a distribution center in Pearl, which is near Jackson, MS. This year, Coburn’s opened a showroom in Bossier City, LA, and branches in Houston and Conroe, TX.

Following the awards ceremony, the wholesaler honored members of Coburn’s Silver Club — employees and retirees with 25 years or more of service to the company — at a luncheon. Special notice went to: George Soileau, vice president and general manager of Coburn’s Lafayette region, with 45 years; Jack Reidy with 52 years; and Clodile Romero, general manager and vice president of Coburn’s Lake Charles, LA, region, with 55 years.

The weekend event not only marked the company’s 75 years of operation but also celebrated the goals met during a nine-month promotion, which many of Coburn’s vendors supported. Diamond sponsors were ADS, American Standard, Jado, Porcher, Nordyne, Hancor, Ruud Heating & Cooling and State Water Heater Co. The Platinum sponsor of the event was Elkay. 

Pictured here: Coburn’s Executive Vice President A.J. Maloney stands with a fully restored 1934 Ford V-8 stake bed truck, a surprise anniversary gift from State Water Heaters. It resembles the company’s first delivery vehicle. Albert J. Coburn, a New Orleans plumbing contractor and great-uncle of Don and A.J. Maloney, established the company in 1934 in Beaumont.