Standing the Test of Time
S.J. Smith is a third-generation, family-owned company that has been in operation since 1950. At that time, our founder, Sylvester “S.J” Smith, left his job as a welding and gas salesman for AIRCO. Together with his wife, Helen, they started selling safety and welding supplies and servicing smaller customers in the region, while AIRCO continued to sell gas.
In 1966, AIRCO sold its remaining welding supply business to Sylvester Smith, and S.J. Smith began selling supplies and providing service for accounts both large and small. In 1969, Richard Smith, Sylvester and Helen’s son, joined the company around the time Sylvester retired. After taking over the company, Richard helped S.J. Smith expand outside of Davenport and the company now includes 12 total branch locations in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Today,
- Illinois – Decatur, Pekin, Quincy, Rock Falls, Streator and Urbana
- Iowa – Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Keokuk and Muscatine
- Missouri - Mexico
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