A History of Service

Founded in the living room of James William (JW) and Cleo Glidewell’s first home, Glidewell Distributing has grown from a single delivery truck to eight digits in annual sales and a fleet of trucks.  Today, a third generation assumes responsibilities and leadership for the regions’ sole wholesale distributor. Located south of Fort Smith on Highway 71, the Glidewell compound sits on 20 acres and its 75,000 square feet of offices and warehouses are surrounded by pasture and wooded groves. Over sixty years of operation reflect a chronicle of calculated risk, relocation and rugged work.

James (Jim) Andrew Glidewell now sits at the helm, assisted by sons Jamie and Nick, daughter Mimi, sister Paula, daughter-in-law Michelle and a staff of over 80 employees.  A full service distributor, the company maintains over 1,500 accounts in the Arkansas and Oklahoma region.

Jim’s father, JW, took a chance when, in 1946, he traded his beloved Packard convertible for a panel truck and his own distribution business.  A photo of a proud father supporting his infant son on the fender of that first truck serves is displayed in the office today, a reminder that vision and hard work are signature to the Glidewell enterprise.

By 1959, the neighborhood garages used as warehouses had become inadequate and the business was relocated to North 31st Street, in what was then the city’s warehouse district. This property provided space for continued growth and expanded services.  The advent of the convenience store and an increasingly mobile and busy customer base called for an ever-changing inventory and service needs. Glidewell Distributing continued to meet the challenges with added employees and a fleet of delivery trucks.

The present location, purchased in 1998, stemmed from the continued need for warehouse and office space. Looking for a property that would allow for long-term growth and security, Jim settled on a convenient location and a tranquil setting.  The daily routines of a bustling business contrast with the surroundings.

The recent acquisition of Southern Wholesale, Inc. now allows for Glidewell Distributing to be the only such company in the industry in Fort Smith, and one of the largest in the region. Included in the merger is a state-of- the- art computer system, designed to manage the intricacies of inventory and deliveries. Improved efficiency and communication within the many divisions of Glidewell Distributing postion the company for anticipated growth and diverse needs. Product knowledge, merchandising and trends and forecasting are among the services Glidewell Distributing now offers.

Over sixty years later, it is still the hard work and business philosophy exemplified by JW and Cleo that propels the company today.  Jim Glidewell embraces the essence of the photo capturing his infancy when he states, “We try to remember that everyone is important and everything is easy when you’re honest. It’s the people we work with and meet in this venture who have made this so much fun.”

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