Built with Experience, Growth, and Adaptability

As we continue our long journey forward, we remain committed to innovating and adapting so we can best serve the evolving needs of our customers and the HVACR industry.

Milestones: Our
Path to Success

Over the years, R&E Supply Co. has reached numerous milestones that reflect our dedication to the HVACR industry in Arkansas. From expanding our product range to opening new locations and establishing our dedicated training facility, each milestone tells a story of hard work, persistence, and unwavering commitment to our community of contractors.

Nearly a Century of
Service to Our Name

See our history

Carl Miller Sr.—an Eager and Bright Graduate Engineer

Freshly graduated from Kansas State, Carl Miller Sr. impressed the O'Bannon brothers in Little Rock. They persuaded him to lead Arkansas GE appliance market expansion in the Terminal Warehouse building in downtown Little Rock (Current Museum of Discovery).

1928

Miller's Eye Toward Progress, and a Vision for the Future

While traveling Arkansas, Carl Sr. realized that electricity would not only provide lighting and
appliances—but would lead to another revolution in overall living conditions by making refrigeration available to everyone.

'30s

Official Start of Refrigeration
& Electric Supply Company

In the 1940's Carl Sr. opened Refrigeration Supply Co. next to his partners' appliance business. During WWII, refrigeration thrived while appliances stagnated. Post-war, he relocated to 1210 E. Sixth Street and rebranded as Refrigeration and Electric Supply Company.

40's

A Plethora of Challenges Meet Resilience and Determination

A fire destroyed the R&E location, requiring Carl Sr. to use a loan against his life insurance. Key customers and distributors—recognizing his superior regional expertise—maintained and supported his continued business growth to 1222 S. Spring Street—the current Home Office.

'50s

A Family Business, with Values that Shape R&E to This Day

Carl Sr’s. sons, Carl Jr. and Bill Miller, joined the company. With air conditioning spreading rapidly and electrical supply competition increasing, the company shifted its focus to air conditioning and commercial refrigeration supply—away from electrical supplies.

'60s

The Initial Steps of Expansion, to Better Serve Arkansas

The Millers began to explore expanding their footprint in the state of Arkansas, and open the first R&E branch location in Pine Bluff. Following the success of the larger operation, they staked claim on territory in Hot Springs as well.

'70s

Proven Success Leads to Furthering the R&E Footprint

Building on the success of the first two expansion locations, and a well-recognized Home Office, the Millers opened two more stores, expanding north—first to Russellville, then to Conway, Arkansas.

'80s

Carl Jr. and Bill Miller Assume Ownership Amid Rapid Growth

R&E expanded the footprint of the Home Office while also opening new locations in Searcy and Fort Smith—now totaling seven stores across Arkansas. In 1992, Carl Sr. passed away, leaving Carl Jr. and Bill to take over the company.

'90s

Competitive Landscape Shifts
as Distributors Span Arkansas

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, HVACR competition grew from a select few to over twenty distributors in Arkansas. R&E remained a top distributor, but industry growth slowed down as the footprint expanded and matured across the state.

2000

Cory Miller Follows Family Legacy, Joining R&E Supply

In 2012, Cory Miller—Bill's son joined as Bill bought total ownership. Jonathan Pope joined as COO/CFO in 2013, adding expertise in finance, operations, and restructuring. The company was successfully repositioned for future growth, with Cory promoting to Vice President in 2018.

2010

The Future of R&E as the Source for HVACR Solutions

With a restructured balance sheet, the company was positioned for further growth. Bill Miller semi-retired, while Jonathan and Cory, supported by a strong team, began executing a strategic growth plan. In 2023, a new eighth store opened in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

2020

Nearly a Century of Service, with Intentions of Another

For nearly a century, R&E has developed lasting relationships and helped HVACR contractors succeed—providing unmatched service, expert guidance, and quality parts. R&E's core values: Integrity, Excellence, Communication, and Relationships are an extension of Carl Miller Sr.

NOW

Nearly a Century of Service to Our Name

See our history

Carl Miller Sr.—an Eager and Bright Graduate Engineer

Freshly graduated from Kansas State, Carl Miller Sr. impressed the O'Bannon brothers in Little Rock. They persuaded him to lead Arkansas GE appliance market expansion in the Terminal Warehouse building in downtown Little Rock (Current Museum of Discovery).

1928

Miller's Eye Toward Progress, and a Vision for the Future

While traveling Arkansas, Carl Sr. realized that electricity would not only provide lighting and
appliances—but would lead to another revolution in overall living conditions by making refrigeration available to everyone.

'30s

Official Start of Refrigeration & Electric Supply Company

In the 1940's Carl Sr. opened Refrigeration Supply Co. next to his partners' appliance business. During WWII, refrigeration thrived while appliances stagnated. Post-war, he relocated to 1210 E. Sixth Street and rebranded as Refrigeration and Electric Supply Company.

40's

A Plethora of Challenges Meet Resilience and Determination

A fire destroyed the R&E location, requiring Carl Sr. to use a loan against his life insurance. Key customers and distributors—recognizing his superior regional expertise—maintained and supported his continued business growth to 1222 S. Spring Street—the current Home Office.

'50s

A Family Business, with Values that Shape R&E to This Day

Carl Sr’s. sons, Carl Jr. and Bill Miller, joined the company. With air conditioning spreading rapidly and electrical supply competition increasing, the company shifted its focus to air conditioning and commercial refrigeration supply—away from electrical supplies.

'60s

The Initial Steps of Expansion, to Better Serve Arkansas

The Millers began to explore expanding their footprint in the state of Arkansas, and open the first R&E branch location in Pine Bluff. Following the success of the larger operation, they staked claim on territory in Hot Springs as well.

'70s

Proven Success Leads to Furthering the R&E Footprint

Building on the success of the first two expansion locations, and a well-recognized Home Office, the Millers opened two more stores, expanding north—first to Russellville, then to Conway, Arkansas.

'80s

Carl Jr. and Bill Miller Assume Ownership Amid Rapid Growth

R&E expanded the footprint of the Home Office while also opening new locations in Searcy and Fort Smith—now totaling seven stores across Arkansas. In 1992, Carl Sr. passed away, leaving Carl Jr. and Bill to take over the company.

'90s

Competitive Landscape Shiftsas Distributors Span Arkansas

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, HVACR competition grew from a select few to over twenty distributors in Arkansas. R&E remained a top distributor, but industry growth slowed down as the footprint expanded and matured across the state.

2000

Cory Miller Follows Family Legacy, Joining R&E Supply

In 2012, Cory Miller—Bill's son joined as Bill bought total ownership. Jonathan Pope joined as COO/CFO in 2013, adding expertise in finance, operations, and restructuring. The company was successfully repositioned for future growth, with Cory promoting to Vice President in 2018.

2010

The Future of R&E as the Source for HVACR Solutions

With a restructured balance sheet, the company was positioned for further growth. Bill Miller semi-retired, while Jonathan and Cory, supported by a strong team, began executing a strategic growth plan. In 2023, a new eighth store opened in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

2020

Nearly a Century of Service, with Intentions of Another

For nearly a century, R&E has developed lasting relationships and helped HVACR contractors succeed—providing unmatched service, expert guidance, and quality parts. R&E's core values: Integrity, Excellence, Communication, and Relationships are an extension of Carl Miller Sr.

NOW

Join Our Team

BECOME PART OF THE R&E FAMILY

Looking for a rewarding career in the HVACR industry?  R&E Supply is a growing company where great people and a great culture drive our continued success. Check out our current openings and apply today!

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