Author: Steve Guglielmo

It is with deep sadness that GAWDA Announces the passing of past GAWDA President Frank Middleton. Frank served as NWSA President in 1988-89. He passed away on February 22, 2025. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Mary, who relayed to GAWDA how much Frank cherished his time as NWSA President. Frank’s memory will be celebrated during the 2025 GAWDA Spring Management Conference in Dallas as part of the “Since We Last Met” video, which commemorates GAWDA friends that we’ve lost during the year. We extend our sincerest condolences to those who knew and remembered Frank.

According to a post on the company’s LinkedIn Page, Sutton-Garten company has added operations in East Chicago. FRESH Dry ice, dry ice blasting equipment rentals, and much more including outstanding customer service for Chicagoland, and all of Northwest Indiana! sgdryice.com”

According to a post on the company’s Facebook page, Atlas Welding Supply sponsored the Welder Workshop at Local 372 in Duncanville, supporting 70 junior college instructors as they train the next generation of welders. “Skilled welders are the backbone of countless industries, and we’re proud to invest in the education and training that will shape the future workforce,” the company said.

According to a post from IWDC, Core Industrial Gases Inc., a proudly independent Canadian gas distributor, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Cobourg Welding Supply, effective April 7, 2025. This acquisition strengthens Core’s presence in Eastern Ontario and reinforces its commitment to delivering technically sound, customer-focused solutions across the province. With a track record of industry-leading responsiveness, knowledgeable support, and investments in advanced technology, Core Industrial Gases has built its business around one mission: We fill gas. We move gas. We do it better than anyone. “Cobourg Welding Supply has earned the trust of its customers by staying local,…

MWSCO has named Lisa Lorisch as their new Operations Manager, replacing Paul Hengel, who will retire after 45 years of service.  President Troy Elmer remarked, “Lisa has been with MWSCO for 12 years as Human Resources Manager, proving to be a great asset to the company. Most notably, she has done an outstanding job of building our employee benefit package.”   In the 12 years Lisa has been with MWSCO, the company has nearly doubled in size. Having been involved in many areas of the company, Lisa is well equipped for her new role having experience in safety, the employee wellness…

Holston Gases completed the acquisition of the propane business of Combustion Services Propane with operations headquartered in Mcewen, TN. Holston Gases will service these customers from their new facility, located at 1080 HWY 49, Erin, TN 37178. Holston Gases President Joe Baxter said, “We are very pleased to add the over 1,000 propane customers of Combustion Services to those of Holston Gases. Combustion Services has been servicing the middle Tennessee area for more than 13 years and has a great reputation and loyal customers that we are excited to bring into the Holston family.” Al Griffeth, owner of Combustion Services, agreed…

The 160 Employee Owners of CK Supply Inc. have been selected to carry on operations of 101-Year-old Columbia Welding and Machine LLC in Columbia, MO. CK Supply Inc. completed the acquisition of Columbia Welding and Machine LLC., the leading supplier of welding supplies and compressed gases in Columbia, MO. “We are excited and appreciative about the opportunity to continue the legacy of Columbia Welding and Machine. Their reputation for superior customer service and quality products is unmatched in the region.” stated Brad Dunn, CEO of CK Supply Inc. Columbia Welding and Machine has been the leading, independent source in the…

Central McGowan and Minneapolis Oxygen Acquires M&H Gas & Midwest Hydro Testing, Expanding CO₂ Service Footprint Across the Midwest  Central McGowan and Minneapolis Oxygen are proud to announce their acquisition of M&H Gas & Midwest Hydro Testing, a family-owned company headquartered in Independence, Missouri and the Midwest’s largest provider of bulk CO₂ systems for the food service and hospitality industries.  Founded in 1972, M&H Gas has built a reputation for reliable service and innovative CO₂ solutions, serving over 5,000 customers across the region—from convenience stores and national restaurant chains to theme parks and entertainment venues. With over 100 years of combined…

In Memoriam: Ryan Homan GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Ryan Homan. Lefeld Industrial & Welding Supplies announced that Ryan Homan “Otis” had passed away on March 26, 2025. Ryan was the Fabrication Shop Manager at Lefeld and had been with the company since 1996. The company said, “He brought his quick wit, steady patience, and positive spirit to everyone around him. His legacy will live on, and he will be deeply missed.” Ryan is survived by his wife, Jacqueline,  sons, Josh and Luke; brothers, Chad Homan and Randy & Carol Homan; grandmother, LaDonna Homan; father-in-law…

GAWDA hosted its first Regional Meeting of 2025 in Greenville, SC from March 24-25. More than 170 GAWDA members attended the event, which was organized by co-chairs Nico Arvelo, Britt Lovin, and Linda Smith. Highlights from the event included thebreathtaking views from a trending rooftop at the AC Hotels by Marriott of Downtown Greenville, the challenging Golf Course of The Preserve Golf Club, and the adrenaline-pumping experience of driving high-performance vehicles on five demanding tracks at the BMW Performance Center. Congratulations to Chad Brandenburg from American Welding & Gas, Nicolas Arvelo from EQUIGAS, Inc., and Joshua LeConey from STARRETT in…