Douglas Companies, Inc. opened its doors for business on July 30, 1973, in Texarkana, Arkansas. Bob Douglas, the company founder, had become interested in the wholesale tobacco and candy business and thought it would be a good time to start his own business; so, in 1973, he and four other employees began what is now one of the most successful convenience products distribution businesses in the mid-south region of the US. From the beginning, Douglas Companies has been a family owned and operated business. Bob and his wife Mary Glynn worked in the business from its beginning. Douglas Companies found itself with great timing as its beginning coincided with the emergence of the emerging convenience store industry of the early 1970's. The company has had steady growth since it began in 1973. The company acquired a second distribution center in Conway, AR in 1978, and a third in Jonesboro, AR in 1989. Today we employ approximately 150 people and service accounts throughout Arkansas and in portions of its surrounding states. Douglas Companies still remains a hands-on, family operated business. Children of the founder are today both very active participants in the business. Steve Douglas joined the company in 1982, and Susie Douglas Munson joined the company in 1990.
Bob Douglas, Founder
We are customer driven entrepreneurs who love to see our customers succeed. Your shelf space is as important to us as it is to you - we recognize our success depends on your success. We are not an impersonal corporation with representatives that customers never see. Our customers personally know the 'face' of Douglas Companies through our sales staff, management and ownership. We want our customers to enjoy doing business with Douglas not only because we do a great job, but also because they enjoy the relationships they have developed with our company.
Bob Douglas was a true entrepreneur. He was always thinking of ways to improve his business, and he was consistently educating himself on industry trends and ideas. Bob sought after processes and ideas to help make the company more efficient, productive, and customer friendly. Technology was a real interest of Bob's. Throughout our history, Douglas has continued to upgrade and expand our technology related services to better serve our customers. Bob was an industry leader serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committees of the National Association of Tobacco Distributors, Southern Association of Wholesalers and the American Wholesale Marketers Association, where he served as chairman in 2001. Bob believed that participating in these associations was a vital and important part of a successful business because through these organizations you are constantly educating yourself on the cutting edge of information in your industry and in his words "you know what's going on!"
Steve Douglas, President of Douglas Companies, Inc. and his sister Susie Douglas Munson, Executive Vice-President
Bob Douglas loved the convenience products distribution industry. He remained active in the business and Douglas Companies until his death in 2003. He left a tremendous legacy to follow. Steve Douglas, President of Douglas Companies, Inc. and his sister Susie Douglas Munson, Executive Vice-President of the company are following in their father's footsteps as they lead Douglas Companies into its next thirty years. Our company now supplies over 1,200 customers and we have over 6,500 items in inventory. 2004 marks an exciting year at Douglas Companies. We have launched new sophisticated computer technology along with a Douglas Companies' website. Through this website our sales representatives and customers are going to have vital information literally at their fingertips. We are also undergoing an extensive expansion at our Conway facility. Included in the expansion is increased refrigerated and freezer facilities to help us better accommodate the ever growing food service segment of the convenience industry.
Douglas Companies looks a lot different than it did in 1973; but, the important things have stayed the same. Our commitment to being an outstanding convenience supplier and keeping our customer's interests at heart still drive our company. With these objectives as our goal, we are sure to see the Douglas Companies, Inc. through to future generations.
