Watsco, Inc. is a distributor of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies (HVAC/R) in the United States. Watsco was founded more than 60 years ago as a manufacturer of parts, components, and tools used in the HVAC/R industry. In 1989, the company shifted from manufacturing to distribution, by acquiring Gemaire Distributors Inc., a South Florida-based Rheem distributor.
1947: The company, Wagner Tool & Supply Corp., is founded in New York<br /> 1956: Watsco, Inc. incorporated in Florida<br /> 1963: The company goes public<br /> 1972: Albert H. Nahmad becomes chairman, president and CEO<br /> 1989: Watsco acquires an 80% interest in Gemaire in Florida and shifts focus to distribution<br /> 1990: The company acquires a 50.5% interest in Heating & Cooling Supply in California<br /> 1993: Watsco acquires an 80% interest in Comfort Supply in Texas<br /> 1996: Watsco purchases minority interests of Gemaire, Heating & Cooling & Comfort Supply<br /> 1997: The company acquires locations from Carrier and ICP; enters refrigeration market <br /> 1998: Watsco sells its manufacturing operation; revenues reach US$1 billion<br /> 2005: The company acquires East Coast Metal Distributors, a distributor of Goodman products<br /> 2009: Watsco forms first joint venture with Carrier Corporation; revenues reach US$2 billion<br /> 2011: The company enters Mexico<br /> 2012: Watsco enters Canada and revenues exceed US$3 billion<br /> 2015: The company's revenues reach US$4 billion<br /> 2019: Watsco expanded its presence in the Northeast<br /> 2020: The company's revenues reach US$5 billion<br /> 2021: Watsco acquires Temperature Equipment Corporation (TEC) to expand its presence in the Midwest. Revenues reach US$6 billion<br /> 2022: The company's revenues reach US$7 billion and the company was named to the Fortune 500 list<br /> 2025: Watsco Acquires Southern Ice Equipment Distributors<br />