J.D. Daddario

In 1937, Joseph D. Daddario established a plumbing contracting business in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. For a decade, the company built a local foundation. The first major pivot came in 1947 when Daddario shifted from contracting to wholesale, supplying plumbing and heating materials to other tradespeople. The business was formally incorporated as J.D. Daddario Co. in 1951. Following the founder's passing, his son, John L. Daddario Sr., took the helm in 1962. Under his leadership, and later with his sons James and John Jr., the company embarked on a period of significant growth. It evolved from a local supplier into a major wholesaler in eastern Massachusetts, known for its focus on customer service and a strong management structure. The company became a significant regional player, operating a large facility in Franklin and expanding with several satellite locations. By 2004, J.D. Daddario was having its most successful year on record, with annual sales reaching around $60 million. This success attracted the attention of a larger industry player. In a pivotal event for the family-owned business, J.D. Daddario Co. was acquired by the national distributor Ferguson Enterprises in a stock transaction on January 31, 2005. The Daddario leadership team remained with the company to ensure a smooth transition, viewing the merger as a way to achieve their strategic goals more quickly within the larger Ferguson organization.