Calandra Industrial Supply Company continuing with new ownership

LANCASTER - Calandra Industrial Supply Company unveiled new leadership in 2023 with a transfer of ownership.

Calandra Industrial Supply Company is a full-service distributor serving the industrial, commercial, institutional, and business markets for over 50 years.

Established in 1903 as a local hardware store on 124 N. Columbus St., the company underwent several changes before emerging as it is today. Ruff-Hunter Hardware emerged around 1922 when J.D. Hunter and associates assumed ownership. With demand rising for service contractors, the retail business expanded 30 years later under the new guidance of E.C Raedel, a hardware manager from Pennsylvania, who rebranded to Raedel Hardware Company in October 1952. Raedel capitalized on the demand by expanding sales and services focused on professionals, contractors, and local industry.

The company found new footing under Joseph Calandra 20 years later in 1972 but faced a devastating loss in the fire that destroyed the store in 1979, abruptly ending its 76-year legacy. With a shift in the business strategy and relocation to 192 Quarry Road SE, Calandra Industrial Hardware Company emerged as a comprehensive full-service industrial supply company through the phases of Calandra family leadership by Joe and Elma until 1992, and subsequently, their son Jim, until August 2023.

In September 2023, Mike Hubbard, a fourth-generation oil and gas industry professional, assumed ownership of Calandra Industrial Supply Company. Hubbard's experience in the oilfield supply business, coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset, has positioned the company for sustained growth and superior industry partnerships.

"Calandra has long been a trusted partner for generations of service professionals," said Mike Hubbard, owner of Calandra Industrial Supply Company in a news release. “We are committed to building upon this legacy of excellence and expand our footprint in the community."

Hubbard's industry knowledge commenced alongside his father, Wayne Hubbard, at Central Oilfield Supply Co. in Logan. Throughout his career, Mike Hubbard possessed a strong acumen for business strategy and management, founding JanCon—an oil and gas machinery and supply brokerage company.

His professional achievements include the acquisition of Cameron Manufacturing in Okemah, Oklahoma, in 2004, which he later rebranded to Hubbard Enterprises, LLC and ultimately led to its relocation to Lancaster in 2011.

Beyond business, Hubbard has played a pivotal role in local economic development ventures, including the development of The Hubbard Business Park and the co-procurement and restoration of the Lancaster Country Club.

Partnering with his father, Mike, in the leadership of Calandra is Matt Hubbard, who has been appointed president of the company.

Matt ventured into entrepreneurship in his early career, founding content marketing agencies that collaborated with leading brands like Bacardi, Dewars, and Chipotle. As he progressed, Matt assumed key roles as Executive Producer and Creative Director in various companies and production studios across central Ohio, amplifying his impact on the regional creative marketing industry.

Matt has lent his expertise to support independent feature films, his wife's ceramics business at Spinfire Studios, and The Shazzbots, a children's entertainment company, earning accolades including two Emmys.

"Our commitment to customer satisfaction drives everything we do," said President of Calandra Industrial Supply, Matt Hubbard in a news release. "We stand behind the products we sell, offering valuable services and full post-sale support to ensure peace of mind for our valued customers."

Phil Skillman continues to be an integral part of Calandra following the transition of ownership. With over 30 years of dedicated service, Skillman extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry have been instrumental in reinforcing and securing the company's succession.Calandra Industrial Supply Company equips industrial, commercial, institutional, and business sectors with quality products and personalized services. As a Do It Best INCOM member, the company has access to over 5,000 manufacturers and nearly $3 billion in purchasing power, ensuring competitive pricing and product availability. Their services include free regional delivery, dropshipping, inventory management, and sales support.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Calandra Industrial Supply Company now under new leadership