These folks are never in short supply

National Supply Centre, a wholesaler of HVAC, refrigeration and industrial products located at 9 Sackville Road, is a prime example of a locally-owned and operated family business that’s grown over the years.

The business was started up in a small warehouse in 1993 on Black Road by Albert Giommi (who still owns National Supply Centre today), the local businessman having successfully expanded into other ventures.

They include Service Rentals and Sales, a heavy equipment outlet) immediately next door to National Supply on Sackville, National Concrete Pumping, the purchase and transformation (with other business partners) of the former PUC location at 765 Queen Street East into Superior Health Centre, as well as another National Supply Centre location in Timmins.

Giommi is also a former owner of the Soo Thunderbirds hockey club.

“It’s important to me, it’s for my brother. I’m here to make sure everything runs perfectly for him so he can expand elsewhere,” said Maria Thibault, National Supply Centre purchasing officer, as she and fellow staff members accepted complimentary SooToday coffee mugs.

“It’s for each other and customer service.”

The company employs 10 people including Maria, and another 15 people at Service Rental and Sales and National Concrete Pumping.

Celebrating 25 years in business with no signs of slowing down, National Supply has recently opened up sales to the general public, offering high quality filters, steel pipe and fittings, floor registers and vents, belts, insulation and hand tools at prices competitive with big box retailers, and has also begun selling these products online through Amazon and is currently developing its own e-commerce website.

National is also going after industrial product sales in U.S. niche markets and building relationships with overseas manufacturers.

The National group has supported numerous youth sports teams and non-profit organizations such as the Sault Area Hospital Foundation and ARCH. Every year, the staff holds a charity customer appreciation barbecue, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to a local organization.

This year’s barbecue benefited the Algoma Autism Foundation.   

When it’s all said and done, Albert Giommi clearly has a family-oriented and enthusiastic staff.

“I put all my energy toward working. I could work seven days a week. It’s what I love to do,” said Christopher Collins, Giommi’s nephew and National Supply’s self-described ‘go-to-guy.’