Born and raised in New Orleans, Albert J. Coburn was an entrepreneur – a man who saw opportunity and went after it with nerve, imagination and persuasiveness. He believed in fair play, hard work, and reward for a job well done. Most of all, Albert Coburn had a strong commitment to his family and his faith. This would be the biggest influence on not only his career, but on the lives of those who have come to work at Coburn Supply Company.

COBURN SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
Founded by Albert Coburn in 1934, Coburn Supply Company's corporate offices are located in Beaumont, Texas. Coburn Supply Company, Inc. (Coburn's) has branch offices, warehouses, and showrooms in more than 50 locations in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. With three Central Distribution Centers in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, Coburn’s offers fast and efficient service.

The Early Years
Albert J. Coburn, began his career as a plumbing and heating contractor, following the installation of municipal water systems along Highway 90. Nicknamed “Tiny” in spite of his 6'5" stature, Albert started the company in Beaumont, Texas, in 1934 with $1.65 in capital – and nearly went bankrupt after the first day. Prohibition had been repealed and Albert invited a prospective customer to have a beer on him. The customer ordered a double whiskey and almost put the company out of business.

The Fifties: Suburban Expansion
This was the era of suburban expansion for Coburn Supply. Now an established plumbing and heating supplier, Coburn Supply sold Day and Night water heaters, panel ray heaters, and wall furnaces. By 1955, sales included central heating and HVAC.

The Showroom Philosophy: In an effort to help plumbing contractors sell product, Coburn opened a showroom in the Beaumont office. The showroom concept was a success and spread to many branch locations.

Founder and Chairman of Coburn Supply, Inc., Albert J. Coburn passed away in 1976. In his mid 80s, he considered himself virtually retired since the early 1970s. After his death, no one was appointed to the position of Chairman. Arthur Maloney, who had been president of Coburn Supply, Inc., since the 1950s, assumed leadership of the company.

Consolidation in the industry began to intensify with national distributors growing at a faster and faster pace. In a move to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment, Coburn's became a founding member of Embassy Group, Ltd., which quickly became one of the largest and most respected wholesale buying groups in the industry.

The third generation of the Coburn family took leadership responsibilities when Don and A.J. Maloney – Albert Coburn's great nephews and Arthur Maloney's sons – took over leadership of the company.