Reel Pipe & Valve epitomizes family-owned PVF distribution
BY MORRIS R. BESCHLOSS
PVF and economic analyst emeritus
In this rapidly changing economic age of corporate expansion, consolidations and globalization, the independent multi-generational, family-owned pipe, valve and fitting distributor stands out like a shining beacon of traditional American values of free enterprise.
Many of these successful entities are still thriving; one that truly epitomizes this independent spirit is Indianapolis-based Reel Pipe and Valve Company.
Founded in 1939 by Leonard R. Reel Sr. — who left his job of traveling salesman for Crane Valve at the age of 52 to found his own PVF distribution firm with four employees — he has been followed by three generations of Reels who have used their brains, energy and hard work to build this firm into an outstanding specialized PVF distributor.
This highly regarded PVF firm has today expanded into an outstanding industry factor, covering much of Central and Southern Indiana, with hundreds of the PVF sector’s top brand names among their multi-faceted offerings. Although private companies normally do not divulge their results, this profitable, self-financed family firm is estimated to generate annual revenues in the mid-$20-million annual range.
As is true of most successful family owned businesses, Reel’ Pipes success stems from a continuity of the aforementioned four generations of the Reel family, who are actively involved with their employees, suppliers and customers on a daily basis. The current management team has not waned in its commitment to generating value, quality and service.
When Reel Sr. founded the Reel Pipe business voyage on the verge of World War II, he had to face shortages of material and manpower, which included two of his sons, Frenchy and John, active in the American Army’s liberation of France. Simultaneously, he endured the loss of his wife Alice in 1943. Son John is still currently active.
Strongly supported by his former employer Crane, Reel overcame wartime difficulties and then proceeded to build a post-war foundation. This resulted in today’s rock-solid reputation as a leading provider of the widest gamut of PVF products in the broad marketing area that the company covers.
Frenchy Reel joined the company in 1947, followed a few years later by John and Bill. From 1969 to the present, six of Leonard Reel Sr.’s grandchildren have also entered the business. Upon my entry into the valve business in the late 1950s with Hammond Valve, I vividly recall the kindness extended to me by the Reels when I called on them as a cub salesman.
In 1984, during its 75th year of affiliation with Leonard Reel Sr. as an employee and subsequently as a distributor, then-Crane president Dante Fabiani awarded Reel Valve special recognition for its many utilizations of Crane products in key applications. These included the Indianapolis Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as in the Hoosier Dome.
What is just as remarkable are the endless names of the PVF sectors’ outstanding product brands, all of whom are proud to be suppliers to Reel and give that company the highest marks for its supplier activities, specification work and user interrelationships.
Today, Leonard R. Reel Jr. heads the company as chairman of the board. Although the company has not stinted on introducing the latest products and service facilities made available by current industry advances, the old-fashioned personal warmth exuded by that traditional family-owned American enterprise is still highly in evidence to all who are privileged to partner with this fine PVF distributor.