Reeling from the Stock Market Crash of 1929, the economy of the early 1930s plunged America and the world into the Great Depression. Interestingly, a new technology emerged from America’s obsession with refrigeration during these dark times. That new technology was called air conditioning.

By the mid-1930s, movie theaters began packing in record crowds, restaurants saw double-digit increases in patrons, and other institutions like bakeries stayed open longer and served record numbers of people.

Even libraries and museums experienced increased attendance as visitors sought relief from oppressive summer temperatures.
Kelvinator Air Conditioning began advertising in the January 1935 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning. That same year, the R.E. Michel Company opened its doors for the first time.

Named for its co-founders, Robert E. Michel and his wife, Mary Ellen, the company began as a supplier of oil burner parts and supplies. From the beginning, the family understood that customers wanted quality products at a fair price backed by dependable service – and that mantra remains the company’s focus today.

This year, this wholesale distribution company marks its 90th anniversary, a milestone that reflects nearly a century of dedication to the HVAC industry. From its humble beginnings on Greenmount Avenue in downtown Baltimore to becoming a nationwide leader in HVAC distribution, the company has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of contractors and the industry.

R.E. Michel: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation

R.E. Michel Co. has achieved numerous milestones throughout its history. The company’s expansion began with its first branch sales location in Washington, D.C., in 1948, and its first computer system was introduced in 1972. The development of the company’s central distribution center in 1986 laid the foundation for future growth, supporting nearly 50 locations at the time. Over the decades, additional warehouses, advanced inventory management systems, and a robust online presence have positioned R.E. Michel as an HVAC distributor leader.

A significant turning point came in 2005 with the acquisition of Dealers LP Equipment Company, significantly strengthening its presence in the LP gas industry. This expansion continued in 2010 with the acquisition of California Cooling and Sunland Distributors, making R.E. Michel a genuinely national distributor. The launch of the Airtemp unitary equipment line in 2012 further solidified the company’s impact on the industry.

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