From Cleveland Roots to National DIY Leader

The beginning

In 1934, in the depths of the Great Depression, Stanley Waxman opened a small Cleveland shop selling used sinks and bathtubs. Money was scarce, but home maintenance was essential, and the shop earned its keep. Over the next three decades that small operation became a trusted local name.

Then, under Stanley's sons Armond and Melvin, the vision expanded. What began as a neighborhood business would become a national distribution powerhouse serving millions of homeowners and contractors.

The situation

By the mid-1960s the home improvement market was shifting. Big-box retail was emerging, do-it-yourself culture was gaining traction, and demand was growing for a broader range of affordable, quality products. Waxman was well positioned locally but lacked the scale and reach to serve the nation's expanding DIY market.

The strategy

The second generation made a bold choice: instead of competing in manufacturing, Waxman would excel at assembly, packaging, and distribution. That meant rapid expansion of product offerings without the heavy capital costs of factories. The company became the bridge between overseas manufacturers, domestic suppliers, and U.S. home improvement retailers.

The execution

• Built an efficient national distribution network with centralized packaging operations.
• Expanded SKUs to cover plumbing, electrical, and general hardware.
• Formed deep relationships with major retailers, ensuring steady shelf space and brand presence.
• Went public in 1970, unlocking capital for expansion into new markets and facilities.

The results

By 1987, Waxman's revenue had surpassed $100 million annually, and its products could be found in households across the country. The company was recognized as one of the most reliable suppliers in the DIY market.