Republic has a diverse and storied history in the Quad Cities. We have thrived as a community staple and grown the business to continually improve our ability to meet customers’ needs. We are very proud of our company history and the events that have led our company to where it is today.
1916
JS KIMMEL BORROWS $5,000
From each of his two sisters and opens a Delco Light Plant Distributorship to sell power plants to rural America
1918
THE ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT COMPANY OPENS
At 222 Ripley (1/2 block south of Kahl Building) to sell “modern day” appliances
1920
REPUBLIC PARTNERS WITH FRIGIDAIRE
To distribute refrigerators and freezers
1920
REPUBLIC OPENS UP A COUNTER AND WAREHOUSE
At 120 E. Front Street
1932
JSK SR. RAISES $116K LOCALLY TO HELP THE POOR AND NEEDY BUY COAL
1932
JSK SR. SERVES ON THE INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DAVENPORT BANK AND TRUST
1934
REPUBLIC PARTNERS WITH SQUARE D
And converts its rural Delco Light Plant installers into electrical contractors
1937
JSK JR. BEGAN HIS LOVE OF AVIATION AT AGE 16
By selling his bicycle, his binoculars, and his rifle to pay for flying lessons at Cram Field
1942
JSK SR. LEADS THE QUAD CITY WWII EFFORT TO SELL VICTORY WAR BONDS
From 1942-1944
1946
JSK JR. RETURNS FROM FLYING THE HUMP IN WWII AND STARTS WORK AT REPUBLIC
From 1942-1944
1947
REPUBLIC MOVES TO PRESENT LOCATION AT 737 CHARLOTTE STREET
1948
REPUBLIC ENTERS THE RESIDENTIAL HVAC INDUSTRY
By partnering with Fedders and Worthington
1957
JSK SR. CREATES THE SHELTERED WORKSHOP
Predecessor to Handicapped Development Center
1960
REPUBLIC ACQUIRES FEDERAL STREET WAREHOUSES AND LAND
From Standard Oil Of Indiana
1971
JSK JR. BECOMES PRESIDENT
Succeeding His Father, Who Died October 10Th
1972
JSK JR. SERVES AS THE VOLUNTEER CHAIRMAN OF THE ORIGINAL QC AIRSHOW “AERORAMA”
To Celebrate The 50Th Anniversary Of The QC Airport
1984
MARK C. KILMER JOINS REPUBLIC
After Returning From Standard Oil Of California
1993
REPUBLIC OPENS A REGIONAL REFRIGERANT RECOVERY CENTER
1998
MARK KILMER BECOMES PRESIDENT
2002
JSK, JR. DIED ON JULY 26
2003
REPUBLIC EXPANDS INTO THE GEO-THERMAL HVAC MARKET
2003
REPUBLIC ESTABLISHES A FACILITY IN DUBUQUE, IOWA
The First Of Its Now 4 Branch Locations
2006
REPUBLIC EXPANDS INTO THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND LIGHTING RETROFIT MARKET
The First Of Its Now 4 Branch Locations
2008
REPUBLIC PARTNERS WITH JOHNSON CONTROLS
And Begins Distributing York And Luxaire Residential And Commercial HVAC Equipment
2010
REPUBLIC ESTABLISHES CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA LOCATION
2011
REPUBLIC BECOMES THE BACK-TO-BACK WINNER OF THE PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL “IMARK ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR” AWARD
2010 & 2011 Winner
2014
REPUBLIC ACQUIRES YEOMANS DISTRIBUTION AND EXPANDS TO PEORIA, ILLINOIS
2016
REPUBLIC CELEBRATES ITS 100 YEARS IN BUSINESS!
2023
OPENS STATE-OF-THE-ART DISTRIBUTION AND TRAINING CENTER IN DES MOINES, IA
Republic is your premier source for HVAC & electrical supply. We provide the products, technical knowledge, and fast response times you need to be successful.
