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History

The B.H. Roettker Co. was founded in 1919 by Bernard (Ben) Herman Roettker, who had worked for Moore Oil servicing the coatings and related industries.  Ben saw the need for a reliable source of supply of raw materials that were being used in the industry.  These materials were being shipped to customers in the Midwest from various manufacturers around the country, but were not available in adequate quantity, nor arriving at the customer’s plant when needed.  Thus, Ben’s distribution business began, on the concept that he would supply his patrons “what they want, when they want it.”
 

Ben’s success in taking care of each customer’s raw materials needs has evolved through his son, Bob, his grandsons, Don and Dick, and his great-grandsons, Brian and Rick, into the fourth generation of a family-owned business that still prides themselves on supplying every customer with “what they want, when they want it.”

 

The business has grown from serving the needs of several coatings manufacturers in southern Ohio in 1919, to supplying raw materials to customers in many diversified industries around the globe.  We are proud to represent some of the best manufacturers in the industry, supplying products to companies that are sole proprietorships up to Fortune 500 members.  We are even more proud of the many supplier and distributor awards we have received over the years from both customers and manufacturers, telling us they appreciate our efforts by providing service that is second to none.

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Ben Roettker

founded the company in 1919, representing some of the same companies and offering the same products that we still provide today.  Ben successfully ran the business for 32 years before retiring in 1951.

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Bob Roettker 

joined the family business in 1949 and took over for his dad, Ben, in 1951.  Bob and his wife, Jean, raised eight children while Bob grew the company to the point where he hired two sons, Don and Dick.

Don Roettker
 joined the Roettker Company in 1973, and represented the third generation of the family business.  Don received a BSBA degree in Accounting from Xavier University, which he put to good use in his roles as Treasurer, VP, President, and CEO for 34 years.

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