Herman J. Hodes II
"Joe"

     H.J. Hodes and Company was founded in 1943 by Herman J. Hodes, in partnership with his three brothers, Henry, George, and John. The four Hodes owned and operated Prier Brass Manufacturing Company in Kansas City. The government had taken 90% of its production for World War II efforts, with the remaining 10% available for domestic use. However, the brass product line was totally suspended with no private allocation for zinc, lead, or copper. The new company was to gather plumbing products from other foundries (not serving government needs) to serve a plumbing industry displaced due to manpower losses.
     The principle products of Hodes Company were initially brass valves and specialties, tubular products, lead drum traps, copper tube and fittings, and accessories.
     These items were distributed through sales representatives in the states of Kansas and Missouri. They soon expanded and covered the Midwest as the products found a favorable reception.  
     As the company became better known to its customers in a five state area, additional items were requested. Eventually Hodes Co. became a full line wholesaler carrying water heaters, closet combinations, lead bins, tools, chemicals, and malleable fittings in addition to their manufactured products.
     As a result of the growth, warehouses were opened in Denver, New Orleans, Albuquerque, Indianapolis, and South Kansas City. However, in 1955 it was decided that the enormous complexity of items offered was hindering the company's ability to give service on a national scale, which in turn limited the market for Hodes’ manufactured products.
     Heavy, bulk items caused difficulty in pricing due to freight charges, handling, etc., so several were discontinued. The variety of items was reduced, and once again efforts were made to spread national coverage. With the advent of faster, more advanced package delivery, warehouses in New Orleans, Albuquerque, Denver, and Indianapolis were closed to centralize operations and eliminate double handling and duplicate inventories.
     Based on these ideas, Leader Specialty Company of Indianapolis was purchased. Leader was a long time favorite of plumbing contractors located in the East and throughout the Midwest. With this purchase Hodes Co. began to target commercial accounts (hospitals, schools, prisons, hotels, etc).
     The next purchase was Ross Manufacturing of Kansas City in 1979. Ross was well-known throughout the plumbing industry for its quality line of rubber goods and chemicals. Most notable of its chemicals is Rossite, a truly effective caustic granulated drain cleaner.
     With these acquisitions, Hodes Co. added sales representatives and increased its customer base, along with expanding the product line.
    The second generation improved product quality by setting standards in manufacturing, extending the plumbing accessories categories, and protecting the product in service trucks with improved packaging and labeling.
    In 1990, Leader Specialty was sold to William's son Jeff Hodes. The company retained the name Leader Specialty and serves the commercial maintenance market, allowing Hodes Company’s primary focus to be plumbing contractors.
    Today, the firm is in the hands of Herman Joseph Hodes II. "Joe" is the third generation of family and fiftieth grandchild of the original founder, and continues to pledge quality product and service to our marketing partners throughout the United States. Sophisticated computer communications keep us in touch with inventory needs of our customers, sales agents, and suppliers. A recent overhaul of our shipping and storage designs allow us to maintain 24 hour shipping response, while dramatically increasing sales volume.
    Now the management team’s constant focus is enhancing marketing, packaging, distribution, research, and education to be the finest supplier of repair parts and specialty items to America’s quality minded plumbing contractors and service shops.

    Assembles, packages, and distributes plumbing products, including brass goods, fittings, chemicals, and tools to plumbing service shops through independent sales distributors nationwide.
    We were founded by Herman Hodes and his three brothers, in 1943, to supply the plumbing contractor with brass valves, faucets, and fittings during a wartime shortage of these items and a market displaced by the needs of World War II.
    We are incorporated in the state of Missouri and operate an assembling and packaging operation that includes 25,000 square feet of inventory valued in the millions of dollars.

    Is to be America’s best plumbing repair parts distributor to plumbing contractors as measured by our associates, customers, and suppliers.

     It is the constant goal of the company to sell professional quality products to plumbing dealers and contractors through independent sales agents. We want to sustain sufficient gross profit to provide consistent service and always exceed the requirements of our customers.

    Is the local service contractor serving the residential, commercial, and industrial fields. The inventory on hand will vary depending on their capital and willingness to enter the retail market … from a large storefront with showroom and $100,000 in inventory…to a van-truck with $5,000 of service parts on board. These technicians are vital to the health and well-being of their community, and are respected as trained professionals in an ever-more complex world of sanitation and water quality.

     Finished Goods including faucets, drain products, and water supply connectors

   Repair and Accessories for brand name fixtures, faucets, and flush valves found in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and utility area.  These include faucet parts, toilet repairs, shower accessories, and more.

   Valves and Fittings used in the process of bringing fresh water to each
fixture and draining the waste.