In March 1864, Capt. Alexander A. Knapp was honorably discharged from the Union Army due to injuries sustained at the Battle of Chickamauga. He relocated to Union City, Ind., where he was later elected to the city council and oversaw the construction of the city’s waterworks. Recognizing the growing demand for plumbing supplies in the rapidly developing area, and with an investment of $25,000, he founded The Knapp Supply Co. in 1874, specializing in plumbing, steam and gas fitting supplies.

Business was steady, yet Knapp’s declining health led to the company’s sale to L.C. Huesman in 1890. With the industry growing and transportation becoming easier, in 1926, the company moved to Muncie, Ind., a bustling industrial hub.

The 1930s saw William Price ascend to the presidency. Under his leadership, Knapp Supply joined the Central Wholesalers Association in 1933, establishing the company’s long-standing tradition of working with buying groups and other wholesalers in different states. In 1950, William Price’s son, Charlie Price, became president.  He diversified inventory by adding kitchen products to the growing list of supplies the company would stock. 

In the 1960s, Juston Wright, a veteran of the Korean War, took over leadership. Wright’s tenure saw significant growth in the kitchen cabinet sector and the addition of kitchen appliances.

Financial challenges in the mid-1970s led to the acquisition of Knapp Supply by former builder Louis Feick. “When my father purchased the company, he brought in six of the employees as stockholders,” says Jim Feick, president of Knapp Supply and son of Louis Feick. “The company flourished and about doubled the business,” beams Jim Feick. 

Under the guidance of Louis Feick, the wholesale distributor grew substantially throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Following Louis Feick’s unexpected passing on July 4, 1993, Jim Feick assumed leadership, continuing the family legacy with the support of his son, Mitchell Feick.

Knapp Supply proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and remains a cornerstone in the Muncie area. The company employs more than 40 team members who serve its plumbing, industrial, kitchen, bath and water system customers in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

With a single storefront location, Knapp Supply has firmly established itself as one of the nation’s rare independent, family-owned and -operated wholesale distributors in the PHCP industry celebrating more than a century and a half in business This enduring legacy highlights Knapp Supply’s commitment to quality and personal service.

Kris Julius Photography

Customer Service: A Company-Wide Responsibility

Knapp Supply stands out as a one-stop shop for its customers with its expansive inventory. “We take pride in our large inventory of A, B, C and D items,” Jim Feick explains. “We rely on our extensive inventory, and on our team members for their product knowledge.” And that knowledge is gleaned from the wide-ranging industry experience of its team members. “We have around 40 employees totaling around 625 years of service,” he adds. “That is a great advantage — our inventory and service!” 

Customer service is a company-wide responsibility. Employees prioritize assisting customers and finding solutions. The company is nimble and agile and empowers its team to do what is needed. “Our employees make decisions all day long- we don’t need a board meeting to make a decision,” says Feick. This also includes when a customer is in need when the company is not open. While the counter and showroom are closed on the weekends, Knapp Supply responds if a customer is in need. “About 20 years ago, I told our team, ‘We are not open on Saturdays; however, we are open 24/7”, says Feick. 

“If a customer needs something, we are going to come in and get it for them,” he replies. And the calls are not only about needing product. “Sometimes, it’s advice our customers need — they want to talk through a manual or ask our recommendation,” says David Stanley, director of sales and marketing, who has been with the company for 38 years. 

Helping ease customer pain points also includes providing them with information on the full array of products Knapp Supply carries, along with readily available spec sheets/product information sheets. In 2017, Stanley, alongside young entrepreneur Shelley Hantz, who had launched her catalog business, took on the project to create the company’s first product catalog: a 318-page online, interactive PDF of the distributor’s inventory, along with product numbers, spec sheets and warranty information. 

The catalog is a significant resource for Knapp’s local customers. “Our plumbing and industrial sales teams regularly visit our customers and even help count, label and stock their warehouse,” Stanley explains. “This gives them time to discuss our catalog and show them how to use it. Our customers now will give us the item number or catalog number of what they would like to purchase, which alleviates confusion for our order entry staff.” 

The catalog also has a wider reach: It allows customers from around the country to find parts and order from Knapp Supply. Marketing interns from Ball State University keep the catalog updated, ensuring it and the company remain their customers’ important go-to.

 “I am very proud of the catalog David has created,” says Jim Feick, smiling. 

Going the extra step includes confirmed same-day delivery within 100 miles. Traditionally, delivery dates were based on which part of the state you were in; delivery was typically done once a week. Several years ago, the company took the bold step of delivering throughout its trade area every day. 

“If your order is in by 7:30 a.m., we guarantee delivery same day within 100 square miles,” he beams. And, if the truck hasn’t left yet and an order comes in,  Jim Feick states, “if there is room on the truck, believe me, we are going to get it on there!” 

Stanley coordinates training sessions for internal team members and customers to enhance customer service expertise. With product changes and updates, the plumbing distributor has seen many customers return yearly to stay current on product improvements and continue benefiting from the industry’s knowledge. 

“For example,” Stanley states, “a customer might have a homeowner with red hair. We suggest treating the water with a softener and an iron filter.” He notes that younger plumbers increasingly seek advice on water treatment solutions, and Knapp Supply is well-equipped to assist them.

Kris Julius Photography

The One-Stop Shop Philosophy

For Knapp Supply, it’s all about being a one-stop shop for its customers, and that means having the products they want in stock — including A, B, C and D items. 

The company features a city counter with 1,000 square feet of showroom space and an adjacent 3,000-square-foot inventory area, offering customers a leisurely shopping experience. The counter is staffed by three trained salespeople who began their careers driving trucks or working in the warehouse. This area is supported by Knapp Supply’s expansive 150,000-square-foot warehouse, with shelves stocked with the expansive inventory. The distributor actively seeks out products made and manufactured in the United States. 

Stanley notes about the expansive inventory: “As I walk through our warehouse of well pumps and supplies, I see variable-frequency drives from 1/2 horsepower up to 5 horsepower on the shelf. Our onsite wastewater sump, sewage and effluent business has expanded throughout the years, including septic and pump tanks, alternative leach field products, control panels and high-tech pump controls with digital lights and floats.” says Stanley. It’s all about staying ahead of customer needs, and maintaining strong relationships with its manufacturing and vendor partners. 

“Knapp Supply has been a customer for many years, but our partnership was truly solidified after David Stanley, director of marketing, attended the IMARK exclusive training at Liberty Pumps.  Since that visit, our growth together has been substantial,” says Mike Carfagno, US national sales manager, wholesale products, Liberty Pumps.  “Partnering with a company like Knapp Supply is a good idea because our companies align well, and we share similar values. We are excited to see what the future holds for Knapp Supply and congratulate them on 150 years in business,” States Carfagno. 

Knapp Supply has a showroom arm to its business, and three full-time showroom team members manage its 3,600-square-foot showroom. The showroom boasts more than 48 working fixtures, including a tankless gas water heater, various toilet configurations, bidets, showerheads, lavatory faucets, kitchen faucets, food waste disposers, freestanding tubs with faucets, kitchen cabinets with appliances and numerous vanities. 

The company’s flexibility is exemplified by its ability to fulfill unique requests, such as providing kitchen wall cabinets for an agricultural irrigation well drilling company. “He asked if we have a kitchen wall cabinet he could install on his shop wall for an entertainment center,” Stanley recalls. “I said, ‘Sure thing, we stock them in four colors. What color would you like? It will be on the truck for the next day’s delivery.’” 

With so many historical homes in the area, Knapp Supply keeps a variety of rare items in stock that might be needed by customers. “We have slant-back or ledge-mount faucets and oddly shaped toilet seats,” Stanley says. “And we probably sold the customer the odd-shaped toilet back in the day!” 

Kris Julius Photography

A Legacy of Patriotism

Jim Feick fondly remembers his father, Louis Feick, a patriotic man who passed away on July 4, 1993, after celebrating Independence Day with his family. Louis Feick immigrated to the United States from Germany when he was nine years old, and would go on to serve in the U.S. Army in WWII. At 19, he became a U.S. citizen — on Adolf Hitler’s birthday. It’s an event that he was forever proud to celebrate, and Jim Feick carries on Knapp Supply’s tradition of patriotism. 

The company has a rich history of owners’ and team members’ involvement in supporting our nation and proudly displays the American flag daily. “It’s been a tradition during business hours, and as long as it’s not inclement weather, we always fly the American flag at the doorway,” Stanley notes. “And it’s become something I find is embraced within the community.” 

The plumbing distributor will celebrate its anniversary in September this year with an open house and buyers’ show. More than 25 vendors will showcase their products to Knapp Supply’s customers, community and neighbors. This event highlights the company’s partnerships with manufacturers, rep partners, plumbers and the community. As Jim Feick states, there will be plenty of great food on hand to celebrate the occasion. 

“I’ve been working in the business since 1976, and we’ve seen tremendous growth since then and will continue to do so,” Jim Feick says. He smiles and adds, “My son, Mitchell, is involved in the business as vice president of operations, and we hope to continue another 150 years.”