Locke Supply Company recently celebrated its 70th anniversary with the grand opening of a new distribution center and headquarters, a project designed to prepare the company for the future. In an interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd, John Orman, the company’s head of innovation, shared insights into the facility and the company’s deep ties to Oklahoma.
The new distribution center is a massive project that was four years in the making. It was a necessary step for the company, which had outgrown its previous location. The new facility will serve as the central hub for all Locke Supply materials, which are then shipped to its more than 200 store locations across six states.
An Employee-First Philosophy
Locke Supply has been rooted in Oklahoma since it was founded in Bartlesville in 1955. John Orman, who was born and raised in Oklahoma City, began his career with the company at age 18 while still in high school. This is a common story among Locke’s associates, as the company has a strong promote-from-within culture.
A key part of the company’s identity is its ownership structure. Locke Supply is a 100% employee-owned company through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Orman stressed that the employees are the company, and the new facility was designed with their needs in mind. “This facility was designed from the inside out for the people that are working here, to give them better conditions, better operations, better processes,” he stated. This focus on employee well-being is a core part of the company’s values, contributing to long-term growth and a sense of shared ownership.
Growth and New Ventures
The new distribution center isn’t just a warehouse; it’s a multi-purpose facility that supports the company’s expanding business ventures. In addition to its core plumbing, electrical, and HVAC supply operations, Locke has two subsidiaries:
- Cloak Freight: A company that hauls freight for both Locke Supply and other customers.
- Third-Party Logistics Operation: A service run out of the facility’s back end.
These ventures show the company’s commitment to continued growth and innovation, building on the legacy of its founders, Don and Wanda Locke.
