Watsco

Watsco, Inc. is a distributor of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies (HVAC/R) in the United States. Watsco was founded more than 60 years ago as a manufacturer of parts, components, and tools used in the HVAC/R industry. In 1989, the company shifted from manufacturing to distribution, by acquiring Gemaire Distributors Inc., a South Florida-based Rheem distributor.

Key dates
1947: The company, Wagner Tool & Supply Corp., is founded in New York

1956: Watsco, Inc. incorporated in Florida

1963: The company goes public

1972: Albert H. Nahmad becomes chairman, president and CEO

1989: Watsco acquires an 80% interest in Gemaire in Florida and shifts focus to distribution

1990: The company acquires a 50.5% interest in Heating & Cooling Supply in California

1993: Watsco acquires an 80% interest in Comfort Supply in Texas

1996: Watsco purchases minority interests of Gemaire, Heating & Cooling & Comfort Supply

1997: The company acquires locations from Carrier and ICP; enters refrigeration market

1998: Watsco sells its manufacturing operation; revenues reach US$1 billion

2005: The company acquires East Coast Metal Distributors, a distributor of Goodman products

2009: Watsco forms first joint venture with Carrier Corporation; revenues reach US$2 billion

2011: The company enters Mexico

2012: Watsco enters Canada and revenues exceed US$3 billion

2015: The company's revenues reach US$4 billion

2019: Watsco expanded its presence in the Northeast

2020: The company's revenues reach US$5 billion

2021: Watsco expanded its presence in the Midwest and its revenues reach US$6 billion

2022: The company's revenues reach US$7 billion and the company was named to the Fortune 500 list