Source: Supply House Times, Dec. 2009 via bnpmedia.com
John J. Robertson – Graduated 1930; Inducted 1985
In 1934, at the age of 22, John Robertson founded the Robertson Heating Supply Company. The Robertson Heating Supply Company now has 18 plumbing and heating warehouses, two lighting centers, an electrical division, 21 operations, 21 modern warehouse facilities in Ohio and western Pennsylvania, 208 employees, and sales of over $30 million per year.
Also in 1934, Mr. Robertson married his Alliance High School classmate Virginia Lee Smith on September 18.
Mr. Robertson has been the head of four national wholesaler groups including the National Association of Wholesalers headquartered in Washington D.C. and the American Supply Association with 1,150 members from every state including Alaska and Hawaii.
In 1934, at the age of 22, John Robertson founded the Robertson Heating Supply Company. The Robertson Heating Supply Company now has 18 plumbing and heating warehouses, two lighting centers, an electrical division, 21 operations, 21 modern warehouse facilities in Ohio and western Pennsylvania, 208 employees, and sales of over $30 million per year.
Also in 1934, Mr. Robertson married his Alliance High School classmate Virginia Lee Smith on September 18.
Mr. Robertson has been the head of four national wholesaler groups including the National Association of Wholesalers headquartered in Washington D.C. and the American Supply Association with 1,150 members from every state including Alaska and Hawaii.
John Robertson in front of his facility at the SE corner of S. Rockhill Ave. and W. Main Street in the mid 1950's. (Source: rhs1.com)
He is the author of over 100 articles and a book entitled, “Wholesalers Ideas for Management”. In the early ‘60’s he wrote a management column and a taxation column for a trade journal which ran for four years.
Mr. Robertson served on the Alliance YMCA board for 12 years, one as president. For 17 years he was a member of the City Planning and Zoning Board. He is a director of the United National Bank and Trust Company.
In 1976 Mr. Robertson was selected by Supply House Times as one of the first 19 members of the “Hall of Fame” in the plumbing industry. Of the 60 members selected nationwide since 1976, only three are wholesalers, the rest are inventors and developers. In May 1983, Mr. Robertson was selected “Wholesaler of this Quarter Century” for his contributions to the industry.
Biographical update: Robertson Heating Supply continues to grow and currently operates 31 facilities in three states. John’s grandson, Scott Robertson, took over as president of the company in 1991.
John Robertson passed away on March 30, 1995 at the age of 83. Virginia passed away on October 5, 2009 at the age of 98. They are survived by their son, Edward (Barbara) Robertson; four grandchildren, Susan (Scott) Neil, Lori (Steve) Keller, Linda (Doug) Wonner, Scott (Cheryl) Robertson and ten grandchildren. They were preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly.
Mr. Robertson served on the Alliance YMCA board for 12 years, one as president. For 17 years he was a member of the City Planning and Zoning Board. He is a director of the United National Bank and Trust Company.
In 1976 Mr. Robertson was selected by Supply House Times as one of the first 19 members of the “Hall of Fame” in the plumbing industry. Of the 60 members selected nationwide since 1976, only three are wholesalers, the rest are inventors and developers. In May 1983, Mr. Robertson was selected “Wholesaler of this Quarter Century” for his contributions to the industry.
Biographical update: Robertson Heating Supply continues to grow and currently operates 31 facilities in three states. John’s grandson, Scott Robertson, took over as president of the company in 1991.
John Robertson passed away on March 30, 1995 at the age of 83. Virginia passed away on October 5, 2009 at the age of 98. They are survived by their son, Edward (Barbara) Robertson; four grandchildren, Susan (Scott) Neil, Lori (Steve) Keller, Linda (Doug) Wonner, Scott (Cheryl) Robertson and ten grandchildren. They were preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly.
Robertson Heating Supply 285,000 sq. ft. Corporate Headquarters and Distribution Center at 2155 W. Main Street, Alliance, Ohio (Source: google.com)