Famous Supply
Famous Supply is a fourth-generation, family-owned wholesale distributor serving HVAC contractors, plumbers, builders, and industrial customers across Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia via 52 branches, proprietary 33Brands products, and trade training through Famous University and J-TEC.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1933
- HeadquartersAkron, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Famous Supply does
Famous Supply is a fourth-generation, family-owned wholesale distributor founded in 1933, headquartered in Ohio and operating across Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The company distributes more than 43,000 SKUs spanning HVAC equipment and parts, plumbing products, industrial pipe-valves-fittings (PVF), building products including cabinets and countertops, and LED lighting, serving residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial markets. Its go-to-market is sales-led and trade-focused, targeting HVAC contractors, plumbers, builders, and industrial customers through 52 physical branches with in-counter sales support, a fleet of 150+ trucks offering next-day delivery, the eFamous mobile app, and the B2B e-commerce platform famous-supply.com with Quick Order/Bulk Ordering and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) capabilities. Distribution partnerships span premier manufacturers including Bradford White (exclusive water heater channel), Milwaukee Tool, Frigidaire, Armstrong Air, Concord, and Magic-Pak, alongside the company's proprietary 33Brands portfolio covering Stream33 (plumbing), Breeze33 (HVAC), Craft33 (cabinetry), and Bright33 (LED lighting).
The underlying business is primarily transaction-based wholesale distribution, augmented by recurring revenue from Famous University membership tiers and course fees. The company differentiates through five Studio33 Showrooms (kitchen, bath, window, door design consultation), the True Partner Solutions (TPS) contractor partnership program, and a large ecosystem of in-house product specialists with decades of industry tenure. Educational infrastructure is a core strategic asset: Famous University operates 20 classrooms and the company built the 25,000 sq. ft. J-TEC (Jay Blaushild Training & Education Center) attached to its Cleveland distribution center, delivering CEU-accredited and NATE-recognized hands-on courses in HVAC, plumbing, and hydronics. Together, the proprietary brands, training ecosystem, and dense regional branch network form the basis of the company's competitive position.
Famous Supply firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Famous Supply
- Legal name
- Famous Supply
- Website
- https://famous-supply.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1933
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Famous Supply is a fourth-generation, family-owned wholesale distributor serving HVAC contractors, plumbers, builders, and industrial customers across Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia via 52 branches, proprietary 33Brands products, and trade training through Famous University and J-TEC.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Famous Supply is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Akron
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Famous Supply business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Wholesale Distribution - HVAC Products: Famous Supply generates revenue by distributing HVAC equipment, parts, and supplies to trade professionals. Revenue is primarily transaction-based, driven by product sales across 43,000+ SKUs at 52 branch locations and online. Key product categories include air handling units, condensers, furnaces, heat pumps, refrigerants, and indoor air quality products.
- Wholesale Distribution - Plumbing Products: Distribution of plumbing products including Stream33 branded fixtures, faucets, water heaters, pipes, valves, and fittings. Sales through branches, showrooms, and e-commerce platform to contractors and tradespeople.
- Wholesale Distribution - Building Products & Cabinets: Sale of cabinets (Craft33 brand), countertops, windows, doors, and related building products through 5 Studio33 Showrooms and branch locations.
- Wholesale Distribution - Industrial PVF: Distribution of industrial pipe, valves, and fittings (PVF) for commercial and industrial applications, supporting institutional and industrial market segments.
- LED Lighting Products: Distribution of Bright33 branded LED lamps, fixtures, and specialty lighting, plus commercial LED lighting solutions.
- Training & Education Services: Famous University offers membership tiers providing access to training, certifications, CEU courses, and Build-A-Tech programs. Revenue generated through membership fees and course fees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Retail B2B pricing through account registration |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Famous Supply product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Famous Supply is a wholesale distributor of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building products serving professional trade contractors. The company stocks inventory across 52 branch showrooms and two distribution centers, distributes proprietary brand product lines, and provides direct delivery logistics to jobsites. Customers are primarily residential and light-commercial mechanical and building trades served through contractor accounts.
Product overview
Famous Supply is a fourth-generation, family-owned wholesale distributor operating as a multi-category platform offering over 43,000 SKUs spanning HVAC, plumbing, industrial/pipe-valves-fittings (PVF), building products, and LED lighting. The company distributes its own private-label '33Brands' portfolio (Stream33 for plumbing, Breeze33 for HVAC/air distribution, Craft33 for cabinetry, Bright33 for LED lighting) alongside third-party brands including Bradford White, Frigidaire, and Milwaukee. The platform is complemented by training services through Famous University and J-TEC hands-on facilities, five Studio33 showrooms, and the True Partner Solutions contractor program. The company operates 52 locations with 5 distribution centers, serving the residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional markets across Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 33Brands: Proprietary brand portfolio encompassing Stream33 (plumbing products), Breeze33 (HVAC products), Craft33 (cabinetry and vanity products), and Bright33 (LED lighting products). A portion of 33Brands purchases are donated to local Feeding America foodbanks and product donations to Habitat for Humanity.
- Stream33
- Breeze33
- Craft33
- Bright33
- Famous University
- J-TEC (Jay Blaushild Training & Education Center)
Products and services
- HVAC Products Distribution Wholesale distribution of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment, parts, and accessories to HVAC contractors and trade professionals for residential and light-commercial installation and service work.
- Plumbing Products Distribution Wholesale distribution of plumbing fixtures, pipe, fittings, valves, and plumbing repair parts to plumbing contractors and trade professionals for residential and light-commercial projects.
- Electrical Products Distribution Wholesale distribution of electrical supplies, wiring devices, lighting, and electrical components to electrical contractors and trade professionals for residential and light-commercial projects.
- Building Products Distribution Wholesale distribution of building products and materials to builders, general contractors, and trade professionals for residential and light-commercial construction projects.
- Proprietary Brand Product Lines Proprietary brand product lines (including labels such as ClearTech, GreenGuard, Smithware, and related in-house brands) distributed by Famous Supply to trade customers, providing direct-margin exposure and customer stickiness beyond standard resale.
- Jobsite Delivery and Logistics Services Direct delivery of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building products to contractor jobsites using the company's own delivery fleet, enabling staged and on-demand drop-ship fulfillment across the five-state service area.
- Showroom and Counter Services In-person showroom and counter services at the 52 branch locations, supporting walk-in and account-based purchasing, product selection, and consultation for trade professionals and builder customers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Next Day Delivery
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Famous Supply
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Famous Supply technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Famous Supply partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Bradford WhitecoreBradford White is a premier water heater manufacturer whose products (commercial gas tank water heaters, residential water heaters) are distributed exclusively through Famous Supply. Famous offers 24/7 Bradford White commercial water heater delivery, indicating a deep distribution partnership.
- Milwaukee ToolcoreMilwaukee Tool products are distributed through Famous Supply locations, with events like Milwaukee Parking Lot Shows hosted at Famous Supply branches.
- FrigidairecoreFrigidaire appliances including dishwashers, ranges, microwaves, and refrigerators are distributed through Famous Supply showrooms and branches.
- Armstrong AircoreArmstrong Air HVAC products (residential and commercial) are distributed through Famous Supply, with dedicated product specialist Bob Sattler on staff.
- Stream33coreProprietary private-label brand (plumbing products) owned/distributed exclusively by Famous Supply. A portion of Stream33 purchases is donated to Feeding America.
- Breeze33coreProprietary private-label brand (HVAC and air distribution products) owned/distributed exclusively by Famous Supply. A portion of Breeze33 purchases is donated to Feeding America.
- Craft33coreProprietary private-label brand (cabinetry and vanities) owned/distributed exclusively by Famous Supply. A portion of Craft33 purchases is donated to Feeding America.
- Bright33coreProprietary private-label brand (LED lighting products) owned/distributed exclusively by Famous Supply. A portion of Bright33 purchases is donated to Feeding America.
- Feeding AmericaminorNonprofit partnership: A portion of every Stream33, Breeze33, Craft33, and Bright33 purchase is donated to local Feeding America foodbanks as part of the 33Brands community giving initiative.
- Habitat for HumanityminorNonprofit partnership: Famous Supply makes product donations to Habitat for Humanity as part of the company's community giving program to support local communities.
- Concord (HVAC)coreConcord HVAC products distributed through Famous Supply with dedicated product specialist support (Bob Sattler).
- Magic-PakcoreMagic-Pak HVAC products distributed through Famous Supply with product specialist Bob Sattler supporting the product line.
- PolykenminorPolyken brand tape products (foil tapes) distributed through Famous Supply.
- MuellerminorMueller brass and malleable iron pipe fittings distributed through Famous Supply.
- Spears ManufacturingminorSpears PVC pipe fittings and DWV products distributed through Famous Supply.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Famous Supply competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ferguson Enterprises: Largest North American distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and waterworks supplies to trade contractors. Directly comparable in customer base, vendor relationships, and multi-category distribution model.
- Watsco: Largest U.S. distributor of HVAC equipment, parts, and supplies serving contractors and dealers. Highly comparable in product mix, contractor customer focus, and branch-based distribution.
- SRS Distribution: Roofing, HVAC, and building products distributor acquired by Home Depot for ~$18B; comparable multi-trade contractor distribution model with exclusive vendor partnerships and private-label offerings.
- WinWholesale: Privately held wholesale distributor of HVAC, plumbing, industrial, and electrical supplies through local companies serving contractors; similar multi-trade, branch-based model with regional subsidiary structure.
- Johnstone Supply: Cooperative wholesale distributor of HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration supplies serving contractors across the U.S. Directly comparable in HVAC contractor focus and technical product mix.
- White Cap (formerly HD Supply Construction Solutions): Distributor of construction supplies, tools, and safety products serving concrete, mechanical, and building contractors; comparable in serving trade professionals with next-day delivery and branch network.
- United Refrigeration: Largest independent distributor of refrigeration, HVAC, and controls in North America with 300+ locations. Comparable in HVAC/refrigeration product mix and contractor focus.
- Vallen: Industrial distributor specializing in pipe, valves, fittings (PVF), fasteners, and MRO supplies serving industrial customers. Comparable in industrial PVF distribution to Famous Supply's institutional/industrial segment.
Broad incumbents
- Rexel: Global distributor of electrical, lighting, plumbing, and HVAC products serving contractors and industrial customers. Overlaps with Famous Supply's LED lighting and electrical categories but operates at much larger scale.
Regional players
- McNaughton-McKay Electric Company: Regional electrical and automation distributor headquartered in Michigan serving industrial and contractor customers across the Midwest. Geographically adjacent to Famous Supply's territory with overlapping contractor base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Famous Supply social profiles
Digital presenceFamous Supply financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Famous Supply leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Famous Supply funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Famous Supply M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Famous Supply
What does Famous Supply do?
Famous Supply is a wholesale distributor of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building products serving professional trade contractors. The company stocks inventory across 52 branch showrooms and two distribution centers, distributes proprietary brand product lines, and provides direct delivery logistics to jobsites. Customers are primarily residential and light-commercial mechanical and building trades served through contractor accounts.
Is Famous Supply a public or private company?
Famous Supply is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Famous Supply founded?
Famous Supply was founded in 1933. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Famous Supply based?
Famous Supply is headquartered in Akron, United States, in the North America region.
How does Famous Supply make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Wholesale Distribution - HVAC Products are the primary driver. The others are wholesale Distribution - Plumbing Products, wholesale Distribution - Building Products & Cabinets, wholesale Distribution - Industrial PVF, LED Lighting Products and training & Education Services.
Who are Famous Supply's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ferguson Enterprises, Watsco, SRS Distribution, WinWholesale, Johnstone Supply, White Cap (formerly HD Supply Construction Solutions), United Refrigeration and Vallen. Rexel is listed as a broad incumbent. McNaughton-McKay Electric Company is listed as a regional player.
Does Famous Supply have an API?
No public API is recorded for Famous Supply.