R&J Ohio Distribution was founded in 1984 by Robert and Judy Hill. We began with shared offices,

dock facilities, and trucks, but soon outgrew that arrangement and acquired a

12-door, 12,000 square-foot truck terminal in northern Ohio. Our company's

ambitious business plan was launched on a shoestring budget. In addition to

using truck owner/operators and purchasing only the most-needed pieces of

equipment, we were able to form an association with a local intra/interstate

carrier, whose equipment helped us to expand our customer base.

In 1986, R&J Ohio Distribution had established a solid footing

in the industry, and the time seemed right to explore the merits

of warehousing in the Akron area. After determining there was

a need for warehousing, we decided to expand our company's

services. This portion of our business also began quite modestly,

with just one small warehouse customer. Our operation grew

steadily, and soon required more space. In 1987, we acquired a

larger (40,000 square-foot) facility that would accommodate not only our current needs, but also future

growth.

On the Grow: After four years, our original carrier closed its

doors, ending an excellent relationship that was instrumental to

our early success. In December 1989, using the many contacts

we had made in the trucking industry, we were able to form an

association with another intra/interstate carrier, Wooster Motor

Ways. In 1993, R&J Ohio Distribution expanded once again. We

leased an additional 20,000 square feet of space, bringing our

total square footage for warehousing to 85,000 square feet.

Onward and Upward: Today, R&J Ohio Distribution continues to meet the challenges of the volatile

warehousing and trucking industries, while steadily moving forward to new horizons. In 1999, we achieved

a milestone when we acquired a 139,500 square-foot, 10-dock facility on Gilchrist Road in Akron. For the

first time, our offices, trucking and warehouse operations will all be housed under the same roof. As we

move into the next century, R&J Ohio Distribution remains a family-owned, family-operated company,

committed to the belief that, through service and dedication, we will continue to earn our customers'

confidence.