Drake Supply Company
and how it all began over 55 years ago..
1948 - The drake supply company (originally the Glen C Drake Company ) was founded in San Leandro, Ca. At that time the company was a manufacturers representative for PERRY WATER FILTER COMPANY. "PERRY FILTER", in the late 40's, was revolutionary in that it would continually filter and chemically treat diesel and Gas engine cooling systems. Before PERRY, most people used soluble oil in the cooling system which failed to keep the rust out. Cummins Engines were failing prematurely due to electrolysis and rust in the cooling system. PERRY changed all that. A great deal of pioneering in the form of sales and field trials were necessary to convince mechanics of the merits on Perry, a task Glenn was particularly well suited for.
1951 - That year the service department sold and installed 900 Perry Filters on customers' diesel engines.
1952 - Glen Drake became the exclusive PERRY representative for the 8 western states. Eventually Perry Filter became standard equipment on Cummins and many Detroit diesel engines. For many years Glen recieved a commision for each and every filter sold to Cummins and Detroit Diesel. Thanks to Perry, Glenn became a wealthy man and decided to retire.
1973 - Ross and Innette Starkenburg bought the Glen C Drake Company. They grew the company by adding additional product lines and opening another branch in Pico Rivera, Ca. They changed the name to Drake Company.
1990 - Tye Plowman purchased the Drake Company and became a fleet specialist. With Tye's drive and determination he has continued to grow what is now known as Drake Supply Company. A fleet specialist, serving the entire Southern California area with 4 branch locations.
