As of Nov. 1, 2025, the company’s 75th anniversary, the third generation of S.J. Smith had been at the helm of the company for several years. “We are incredibly fortunate to have been entrusted with carrying forward the legacy our grandparents started, and our father strengthened over his 48 years,” says Christopher Smith. “At the heart of that legacy are our employees, both past and present.
In January 2017, Rich Smith passed away with his family by his side. The following year was a transition for the entire company, as the third generation took on ownership of the company. Despite the tremendous loss, Richelle, Eric and Christopher were determined, along with the executive committee and employees, to keep Rich’s legacy alive, and to continue doing their best for customers.
As S.J. Smith Company, Inc. moved from the late ‘90s into the new millennium, the company expanded their offerings in technology and services.
In 1997, S.J. Smith was one of the first welding distribution companies to own a fast-fill liquid oxygen system, nicknamed ORCA...
S.J. Smith now manufactures and supplies high-quality CO₂ (R744) refrigerant. Engineered for superior performance in modern refrigeration and heat pump systems, this refrigeration-grade CO₂ is used in food distribution and data center cooling systems.
The ‘80s and early ‘90s expansion would establish S.J. Smith Company, Inc. as a multi-state, multi-store, regional distributorship. Over the next 10-15 years, the company would move further into Iowa and Illinois.
Sylvester and Helen Smith established S.J. Smith at its current location at 3707 W. River Drive in 1966. At the time it was a one-story building, but it was a great increase in building and lot space, allowing S.J. Smith to expand. In 1969, Richard Smith, Sylvester and Helen’s son, joined the company.
When Sylvester and Helen Smith initially took over accounts from AIRCO, and established S.J. Smith, they set up shop in their first of four locations in Davenport, Iowa.
For more than 75 years, S.J. Smith has been a family-owned company. In 1950, Sylvester and Helen Smith got their start in business by providing gas and welding supplies to smaller customers, when they took over accounts from AIRCO.
In 1969, Sylvester and Helen’s son, Richard, joined the company and Sylvester retired shortly after. Richard led S.J. Smith to expand to its current 12 locations in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. He welcomed his three children into the business in the 1990s and early 2000s, and now all have leadership roles at S.J. Smith. Richelle Smith-Brecht serves as the President and CEO, Eric Smith is the Vice President of Operations, and Christopher Smith is in Purchasing.
Dry ice blasting is non-conductive, non-toxic and non-abrasive, creates no secondary waste and doesn't use water (so can be used in winter) -- making it superior to many other methods of super-powered cleaning.
Dry ice is a highly effective, safe cooling and cleaning tool when used and disposed of properly. Because it's so cold (-109.3°f/-78.5°c) and sublimates versus melting (which means it goes from a solid directly to a gaseous state), there are precautions to take when using it.
Having trouble finding a trusted place to handle your welding equipment repair? S.J. Smith can help. We repair welding, plasma and industrial oxy-acetylene equipment. Our repair staff members are certified for Lincoln Electric, Miller, Hypertherm and OTC Daihen machine warranty work. We can also repair cutting tables.
From welding to safety training, S.J. Smith has the right program for the unique demands of your industry.
S.J. Smith’s unique Welder Training Program is premised on examining a customers' individual needs and designing a customized training program to meet those needs. S.J. Smith has individuals certified in inspections and welding education (CWI/CWE). The CWI/CWE are qualified to train in the following areas:
Do you wish you knew exactly how many cylinders you had in stock and out on job sites? Or, that you had a regular cylinder report to compare against your own records? S.J. Smith uses a web-based asset tracking system to make sure you know where your cylinders are at all times.
In a lab, there are so many things to monitor. Understanding what you have on hand, the liquid level, pressure and temperature can be a full-time job in itself. Telemetry, or a system of digital sensors designed to track weight, liquid levels, pressure and temperature, can be a lifesaver.
How do you know when you need a mode change in your gas supply? Whether it is from cylinders to liquid cans or cradles, or to micro-bulk or bulk gas, you need to think about a few factors.
