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After serving with distinction as a B-17 pilot in World War II, Tacoma native Gene Walters returned home with a vision: to establish a wholesale heating business in Tacoma, Washington. Recognizing a need to support local heating, sheet metal, heating oil, and oil services dealers, Gene launched Gensco in 1948 with a modest $500 investment from his grandmother.
Gene's approach was hands-on and personal. Starting with just a station wagon for deliveries, he personally visited businesses and customers, ensuring immediate service while competitors were often 30 miles or more away, sometimes requiring days for delivery. His dedication to stocking essential products, fair pricing, and delivering with warmth and professionalism set a high standard and proved to be a winning formula.
As Gensco grew, it expanded its operations and opened multiple locations, including the establishment of Columbia Manufacturing to provide superior sheet metal products. In 1978, Gene’s son, Charlie Walters, joined the business, furthering the commitment to exceptional customer service. Under Charlie’s leadership, Gensco continued to thrive, evolving from a one-man operation to a company with 25 branches, two distribution centers, a manufacturing division, and over 900 team members.
The Walters family’s vision has consistently been to offer an outstanding inventory of products and ensure that these products and services are as accessible as possible to customers. Today, the third generation, Chris Walters, Ryan Walters, and Bret van den Heuvel, lead Gensco, building on the legacy of excellent customer service while maintaining a family-first culture at the heart of the business.
