F.W. Webb - HVAC Supply
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial and residential supply distribution, F.W. Webb Company stands as a beacon of longevity and adaptability. As of March 18, 2025, this family-owned enterprise, headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, boasts over 100 locations across nine states and a workforce exceeding 3,200 employees. Founded in 1866, F.W. Webb has grown from a single plumbing supply store in Boston to the Northeast’s largest distributor of plumbing, heating, HVAC, refrigeration, and pipe, valves, and fittings (PVF) products. With annual revenues surpassing $1 billion, the company’s journey reflects a remarkable blend of entrepreneurial spirit, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. This article explores F.W. Webb’s rich history, operational strategies, market impact, and its vision for the future.
Founding and Early Years
F.W. Webb Company traces its origins to April 11, 1866, when John Van Ness Stults, a New Jersey native and accomplished plumber, opened a wholesale plumbing supply business on Elm Street in Boston. At the time, Boston was a burgeoning industrial hub, and Stults seized the opportunity to become the city’s second wholesale plumbing dealer. His technical expertise—evidenced by patents he held—set the stage for a business focused on quality and innovation. In 1873, Stults partnered with Henry W. Mansur, forming Stults & Mansur Company, which expanded its reach within the region.
The company’s trajectory shifted in 1888 when Henry McShane, a Maryland-based metal casting magnate famous for church bells, acquired Stults & Mansur. However, it was during the Great Depression that F.W. Webb took a defining turn. In 1933, Roger W. Pope, whose father was a plumber in Swampscott, Massachusetts, purchased the struggling firm—then valued at just over $222,000—alongside four partners. Pope’s gamble during one of America’s darkest economic periods proved prescient. Named treasurer initially and later president in 1952, he instilled a philosophy of “good service, good products, and fair prices,” steering the company through recovery and growth. By his death in 1961, sales had risen to $5 million, and F.W. Webb had begun its ascent as a regional leader.
The Pope Family Legacy
Roger Pope’s sudden passing in 1961 thrust his son, John Pope, into leadership. A Dartmouth College graduate and former U.S. Army lieutenant, John joined the company as a sales representative in 1956 and assumed the presidency at age 30. His 57-year tenure transformed F.W. Webb into a billion-dollar enterprise. One of his earliest innovations was relocating the headquarters from Roxbury to Burlington, Massachusetts, in 1968, positioning the company within the state’s high-tech corridor. In 1973, he introduced a central distribution warehouse—a novel concept that streamlined operations and set a precedent for the industry.
John Pope’s vision extended beyond logistics. In 1983, he officially renamed the firm F.W. Webb Company, honoring Frank Webb, who had briefly owned it from 1899 until 1912. Under John’s guidance, the company diversified into HVAC, refrigeration, and specialty markets like propane gas and high-purity process components. The 1999 launch of Frank Webb Home showrooms brought retail bath, kitchen, and lighting solutions to consumers and designers, expanding the company’s footprint beyond wholesale. By 2003, headquarters moved again to Bedford, Massachusetts, reflecting continued growth. John’s death in 2018 marked the end of an era, but his son, Jeff Pope, assumed leadership, upholding the family’s third-generation stewardship.
Operational Model and Growth
F.W. Webb’s operational model balances centralized efficiency with localized flexibility. Its 100-plus locations span Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont, supported by a robust supply chain anchored by distribution centers like the one in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This network ensures rapid delivery and product availability, critical for contractors facing tight deadlines. The company’s 16 areas of expertise—ranging from core offerings like plumbing and heating to niche markets like water works and fire protection—cater to a diverse clientele, including residential contractors, industrial buyers, and institutional managers.
Acquisitions have been a cornerstone of F.W. Webb’s expansion. In 2021, it acquired Danbury Plumbing and HVAC Supply Co. in Connecticut, followed by Stritt & Priebe Inc. and VJ Stanley Inc. in New York in 2022. The 2019 purchase of Long Island Plumbing and Climate Control Distributors marked its second Long Island location, enhancing its New York presence to 16 sites, including Manhattan and the Bronx. These moves reflect a deliberate strategy to broaden geographic and product reach while integrating established local expertise into the F.W. Webb family.
The company’s 48 Frank Webb Home showrooms complement its wholesale dominance, offering high-end fixtures and personalized design consultations. Sponsorships of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees amplify its brand visibility, while annual buying shows connect vendors and customers, reinforcing industry relationships. Internally, F.W. Webb fosters a culture of technical proficiency, with employees like product specialists in high demand for their ability to troubleshoot complex jobs—a competitive edge emphasized by Chief Operating Officer Robert Mucciarone.
Adapting to Challenges
F.W. Webb’s 157-year history is a testament to its resilience. The Great Depression tested its early mettle, but Roger Pope’s acquisition laid a foundation for survival. The 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic posed modern challenges, yet the company thrived. During the pandemic, F.W. Webb diversified its supplier base and stocked high-demand products like hands-free fixtures and air purifiers, mitigating supply chain disruptions. This adaptability, coupled with a proactive inventory approach, allowed it to maintain service levels when competitors faltered.
Regulatory shifts, such as the 2025 transition to R-454b refrigerants under the AIM Act, have also shaped F.W. Webb’s strategy. Its expanded 2024 partnership with Rheem to distribute R-454b-compliant HVAC systems exemplifies its forward-thinking approach, ensuring contractors have access to compliant, cutting-edge technology. Meanwhile, economic forecasts—like Mucciarone’s prediction of a 2023 slowdown—prompted preemptive adjustments, reinforcing the company’s ability to “roll with the punches,” a trait honed since 1933.
Community and Culture
F.W. Webb’s commitment extends beyond commerce into community engagement. Its $100,000 pledge to Boston Children’s Hospital through 2022 and the creation of the “F.W. Webb Extraordinary Needs Fund for Military and Veteran Families” highlight its philanthropy. In 2025, Maine Governor Janet Mills announced a $10 million heat pump grant at F.W. Webb’s South Portland location, underscoring its role in regional initiatives. Locally, branches like the one in Salem, Massachusetts—housed in an iconic brick building since the 1950s—symbolize enduring community ties.
Internally, the company nurtures a family-oriented culture. With many employees boasting decades-long tenures, F.W. Webb promotes from within and offers robust benefits, fostering loyalty. The Comprehensive Internship Program (CIP), led by Senior Vice President of Operations Brendan Monaghan, trains future leaders by immersing them in every facet of the business, from warehouse operations to customer interactions. This investment in human capital ensures continuity and expertise, aligning with the Pope family’s legacy.
Technological Innovation
F.W. Webb embraces technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience. Its eCommerce platform provides real-time inventory access and streamlined ordering, while IT strategies under Senior Vice President Michael Michaud integrate digital solutions across operations. The company’s adoption of hydronic, steam, and radiant technologies—highlighted by proprietary lines like PurePro® water heaters and TRIO® boilers—reflects its technical prowess. Training programs keep staff and customers abreast of innovations, from propane systems to sanitary process components for biotech applications.
Leadership and Vision
Jeff Pope, as CEO since 2003, guides F.W. Webb with a blend of tradition and ambition. Supported by executives like Mucciarone, Michaud, and Monaghan, he targets sustained growth amid economic and environmental shifts. The company’s 2025 outlook includes expanding its mid-Atlantic presence, as evidenced by the Allentown warehouse opening, and deepening vendor partnerships. With sales exceeding $1 billion, F.W. Webb aims to maintain its Northeast dominance while exploring new markets and sustainable technologies.
The Future of F.W. Webb
Looking ahead, F.W. Webb is poised to navigate a dynamic future. Climate change and regulatory pressures will drive demand for energy-efficient solutions, an area where its Rheem partnership and specialty offerings position it well. Potential innovations—like AI-driven inventory management or expanded renewable energy products—could further enhance its capabilities. Yet, its core remains unchanged: delivering quality products and exceptional service, a principle rooted in 1866.
Conclusion
F.W. Webb Company’s 159-year saga is one of grit, growth, and community. From John Stults’ Elm Street shop to Jeff Pope’s billion-dollar enterprise, it has weathered economic storms, embraced innovation, and remained a trusted partner to contractors and homeowners alike. With over 100 locations, 48 showrooms, and a workforce dedicated to excellence, F.W. Webb exemplifies how a family business can evolve into an industry titan while staying true to its founding values. As it approaches its 160th year, F.W. Webb stands ready to shape the Northeast’s industrial and residential landscape for generations to come.
What Brands Does F.W. Webb Sell?
F.W. Webb carries name brands from Johnson Control, Daikin, Generac, Copeland, Honeywell, Modine, York, Fraser, Space Pac, ADP, Daikin, Panasonic, Comfort-Aire, Diversitech, Little Giant, Fortress, Atco, Rectorseal, Field Controls, ICOR, Quick Sling and many other name brand HVAC supplies.
F.W. Webb HVAC Supply Near You
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 150 Locust Street |
| Hartford, CT 06114 |
| 860-522-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 650 Ella T Grasso Boulevard |
| New Haven, CT 06519 |
| 203-865-6124 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 200 Richmond Hill Ave |
| Stamford, CT 06902 |
| 203-325-1355 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 737 Bank Street |
| Waterbury, CT 06708 |
| 203-574-5959 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 570 Vauxhall Street Ext |
| Waterford, CT 06385 |
| 860-629-5900 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 138 Leighton Rd, PO Box 5008 |
| Augusta, ME 04330-5008 |
| 207-623-2521 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 67 Target Industrial Circle |
| Bangor, ME 04401 |
| 207-947-6905 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 22 Landry Street |
| Biddeford, ME 04005 |
| 207-282-7558 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 420 Main Street |
| Caribou, ME 04736 |
| 207-498-2526 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 9 Buttermilk Road |
| Ellsworth, ME 04605 |
| 207-667-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 9 Forrestal Street |
| Lewiston, ME 04240-3505 |
| 207-784-4575 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 22 Merrill Drive |
| Rockland, ME 04841 |
| 207-594-6200 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 150 Postal Service Way |
| South Portland, ME 04106 |
| 207-772-8364 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 6 Bull Rock Bridge Road |
| West Bath, ME 04530 |
| 207-442-7990 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 3 Danielle Drive |
| Windham, ME 04062 |
| 207-892-5504 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 46 Heywood Road |
| Winslow, ME 04901 |
| 207-872-5522 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 43 Sword St -- Auburn Indr Pk |
| Auburn, MA 01501 |
| 508-757-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 160 Middlesex Turnpike |
| Bedford, MA 01730 |
| 781-273-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 37 South Maple Street |
| Bellingham, MA 02019 |
| 508-966-4999 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 60 Industrial Boulevard |
| Brockton, MA 02301 |
| 508-580-8310 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 152 Will Drive |
| Canton, MA 02021 |
| 781-828-5559 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 45 Commerce Way |
| Dedham, MA 02026 |
| 781-329-6200 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 171 Worcester Ct |
| Falmouth, MA 02540 |
| 774-255-4155 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 135 Falulah Street |
| Fitchburg, MA 01420 |
| 978-345-4121 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 51 Great Republic Drive |
| Gloucester, MA 01930 |
| 978-283-7800 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 136 Silvio O Conte Dr |
| Greenfield, MA 01301 |
| 413-773-3644 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 270 Neck Road |
| Haverhill, MA 01835 |
| 978-374-8448 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 45 Pond Park Road |
| Hingham, MA 02043 |
| 781-749-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 108 Breeds Hill Road |
| Hyannis, MA 02601 |
| 508-775-3890 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 180 Olde Canal Drive |
| Lowell, MA 01851 |
| 978-937-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 700 Broadway Street |
| Malden, MA 02148 |
| 781-322-7111 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 98 Lindbergh Avenue |
| Methuen, MA 01844 |
| 781-325-7041 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 100 Highland Ave Suite 202 |
| Needham, MA 02494 |
| 781-465-2436 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 915 Church Street |
| New Bedford, MA 02745-5100 |
| 508-995-9533 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 135 Industrial Drive |
| Northampton, MA 01060 |
| 413-586-8100 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 35 Commercial Street |
| Pittsfield, MA 01201 |
| 413-448-8205 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 3 Collins Avenue |
| Plymouth, MA 02360-3104 |
| 508-830-4666 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 295 Bridge Street |
| Salem, MA 01970 |
| 978-744-6550 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 307 Dorchester Avenue |
| South Boston, MA 02127 |
| 617-227-2240 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 145 Performance Blvd |
| Springfield, MA 01104 |
| 413-781-1700 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 9 Picker Road |
| Sturbridge, MA 01566 |
| 508-347-3342 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 33 Grove Street |
| Watertown, MA 02472 |
| 617-924-2840 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 50 Everberg Road |
| Woburn, MA 01801-1019 |
| 781-933-1804 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 46 Henniker Street |
| Concord, NH 03301 |
| 603-223-6580 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 218 Knox Marsh Road |
| Dover, NH 03820 |
| 603-749-3100 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 18 Continental Drive |
| Exeter, NH 03833 |
| 603-772-3441 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 302 Hounsell Avenue |
| Gilford, NH 03249-6922 |
| 603-524-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 420 Winchester Street |
| Keene, NH 03431 |
| 603-357-1877 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 55 Etna Road |
| Lebanon, NH 03766 |
| 603-448-1980 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 1173 Conway Road |
| Madison, NH 03849 |
| 603-367-8852 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 34 Beech Street |
| Manchester, NH 03103 |
| 603-668-6488 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 7 Redmond Street |
| Nashua, NH 03062 |
| 603-883-3355 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 112 Heritage Ave Ste 2 |
| Portsmouth, NH 03801 |
| 603-334-9830 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 30 Stefanic Ave |
| Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 |
| 201-796-2600 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 1913 Atlantic Ave Suite 202 |
| Manasquan, NJ 08736 |
| 732-223-1582 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 901 Joyce Kilmer Avenue |
| North Brunswick, NJ 08902 |
| 732-545-1018 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 755 West Delilah Road |
| Pleasantville, NJ 08232 |
| 609-641-1114 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 17 Erie Boulevard |
| Albany, NY 12204-2589 |
| 518-472-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 1 Mccrea Hill Rd |
| Ballston Spa, NY 12020 |
| 518-490-7500 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 62 Griswold Street |
| Binghamton, NY 13904 |
| 607-724-3170 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| One Carriage Lane Place |
| Cazenovia, NY 13035 |
| 315-655-9700 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 600 Corporate Boulevard |
| Newburgh, NY 12550-6405 |
| 845-567-0242 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 1150J Pittsford-Victor Road |
| Pittsford, NY 14534 |
| 585-377-2740 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 452 Tom Miller Rd |
| Plattsburgh, NY 12901 |
| 518-562-2575 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 3 Highland Avenue |
| Queensbury, NY 12804 |
| 518-792-1316 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 6792 Townline Road |
| Syracuse, NY 13211 |
| 315-476-9322 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 415 Broad Street |
| Utica, NY 13501-1284 |
| 315-724-3191 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 1665 East Race St |
| Allentown, PA 18109 |
| 484-488-3669 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 3 Slater Road |
| Cranston, RI 02920 |
| 401-463-3741 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 101 Jefferson Boulevard |
| Warwick, RI 02888 |
| 401-463-8339 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 10 Clark Road |
| Barre, VT 05641 |
| 802-479-3373 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 240 East Road |
| Bennington, VT 05201 |
| 802-447-2312 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 231 John Seitz Dr - Exit 1 Indr Pk |
| Brattleboro, VT 05301 |
| 802-257-4316 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 3091 Cold River Road |
| Rutland, VT 05701 |
| 802-775-1922 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 3 Charlestown Road |
| Springfield, VT 05156-9165 |
| 802-885-8127 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 5 Franklin Park West, St. |
| Albans, VT 05478 |
| 802-527-0531 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 2409 Portland Street |
| St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 |
| 802-748-8101 |
| F.W. Webb Company |
| 80 Park Avenue |
| Williston, VT 05495 |
| 802-879-5155 |