About Us
Founded in 1973 in Texarkana, AR, Douglas Companies has remained a family-owned and operated business since its inception. Bob Douglas and his wife, Mary Glynn, were integral to the company’s early years, working side-by-side to grow and shape its future. The timing of the company’s founding was fortuitous, as it coincided with the rise of the convenience store industry in the early 1970s. From the start, the company experienced steady growth, quickly establishing itself in the sector.
Douglas Companies: A Legacy of Family, Innovation, and Customer Commitment
In 1978, Douglas Companies expanded by acquiring a second distribution center in Conway, AR, followed by a third in Jonesboro, AR, in 1989. A significant expansion in 2005 further solidified the company’s operations when the entire distribution process was consolidated at the Conway facility. This decision has allowed Douglas Companies to enhance efficiency and precision, optimizing every phase of its business; and, 2015 brought an acquisition in the Joplin, MO area that now serves as a second depot for the company.
Today, Douglas Companies employs approximately 150 people, serving clients across Arkansas and in neighboring states of Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi. Despite its growth, the company remains deeply rooted in its family-operated roots, with Bob’s children, Steve Douglas and Susie Douglas Munson, overseeing the business. The company is excited to have a third generation of family members actively involved in the business, Sarah Douglas Beach and Taylor Douglas. The family is committed to the future of the business and maintaining their position as a leader in the convenience distribution industry.
As a customer-driven business, Douglas Companies prides itself on personal relationships, offering a level of service that larger corporations often cannot match. “Your shelf space is as important to us as it is to you – we recognize that our success depends on your success,” says the team. The company’s hands-on approach ensures that customers are not just another number—they are valued partners. The sales staff, management, and ownership are all deeply engaged, and customers can always count on knowing the “face” of Douglas Companies.
Bob Douglas was a visionary entrepreneur, always seeking ways to improve and evolve the business. He dedicated himself to staying ahead of industry trends and was passionate about finding innovative solutions that made the company more efficient and customer-friendly.
An industry leader, Bob served on the Boards and Executive Committees of several notable associations, including the National Association of Tobacco Distributors, the Southern Association of Wholesalers, and the American Wholesale Marketers Association, where he served as Chairman in 2001. Bob believed that participation in these organizations was crucial for staying at the forefront of industry advancements. Steve and Susie have continued their father’s legacy, staying involved in industry affairs. Steve served as President of the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors in 2018, while Susie made history as the first woman to chair the Convenience Distributors Association (CDA) board in 2017.
Bob’s passion for the convenience products distribution industry lasted until his passing in 2003, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Today, Steve Douglas, President/CEO of Douglas Companies, and Susie Douglas Munson, COO, continue to lead the company into its next chapter. With over 1,000 customers and a product inventory exceeding 10,000 items, Douglas Companies has grown significantly since its founding, yet its core values remain unchanged.
While the business has evolved since 1973, our commitment to being an outstanding convenience supplier and prioritizing our customers’ needs has never wavered. These guiding principles ensure that Douglas Companies will continue to thrive and serve future generations.
