Sign in powered by CareerBuilder.com
Loading...
  Loading...
Employer Quick Look

Best Distributing Co.

(Public)  
Manufacturing
501 - 1000 employees  |  
Approx. 6 active jobs   |  Website
Overview
Best and Thompson, today known as Best Distributing Co., was founded November 28, 1880, by Marcellus J. Best and B.G. Thompson. The original store was located in downtown Goldsboro at the corner of Walnut and John streets. The store's inventory included drygoods, harnesses, heavy groceries, clothing, feeds and seeds, textiles and family shoes.
When B.G. Thompson left the company in December of 1909, the store's name was changed to M.J. Best. At about the same time, roofing and other building materials were added to the store's offerings. Best offered goods of all types to both retail and wholesale customers.

Under the leadership of William H. Best, building supplies became the company's main stock trade during the 1930s. The last chickens and bolts of cloth were moved out in favor of paint, water pumps, gas heaters and stoves.

By 1948, Mark and Munroe Best, the sons of William and grandsons of Marcellus, completely reorganized the operation, focusing their efforts on wholesale distribution of building supplies. They bought a delivery truck and built a 10,000-square-foot warehouse. W.H. Best & Sons soon became a leading North Carolina distributor of wire fencing, roll roofing, paint, gas and wood heaters, cement, and sheet metal.

The fourth generation of the best family-Munroe Best Jr. (named president in 1987), Marcellus J. Best Jr., and Frank S. Best-continues to guide the company's direction during a time of dramatic growth.

In 1990, Coastal Metal Service was established to manufacture sheet metals and roofing panels. A Gas Products Division followed in 1991, distributing natural/LP gas-related products.

A branch warehouse system expanded the Bests' reputable style of customer service to new areas. Charlotte opened in 1989; Greensboro in 1991; Raleigh, Asheville and Statesville in 1993; and Richmond, Roanoke, Columbia and Greenville in 1995. Most recently, Best has added Branch warehouses in Charleston and Wilmington.

Best and Thompson wasn't the only business founded in the waning days of 1880. But today, as Best Distributing Co., it is among the handful of rare companies that can claim over a century of growth, innovation and continuous family ownership.

June 15, 2000 - Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. and Best Distributing Co. Combine
Products
  • Roofing Products
  • Commercial Roofing Insulation
  • Building Insulation
  • Fireplaces and Gas Products
  • Sheet Metal
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Roof Vents
  • Foundation Vents
  • Ventilation Pipe
  • Residential Skylights
  • Commercial Skylights
  • Coastal Metal Service

    CareerBuilder.com Customer Service: 866-438-1485 - CareerBuilder.com Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - House Rules