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About General Air

Uncommonly Capable

Company Overview

Company History

In 1969 my Grandfather (Gene Armstrong) was presented with an opportunity to start a small gas and welding supply distributorship in Denver. Gene, the owner of Wazee Electric, leveraged his business relationship with National Cylinder Gas, a large national distributor who was interested in selling some small customer routes in Denver.

In the fall of 1970 my Father (Gary Armstrong), having just returned from a tour of duty in Vietnam, joined the company as its General Manager. My Dad earned a business degree from Colorado State University and had acquired essential engineering, industrial and leadership skills while serving in the military and working throughout college.

1970

Denver Store Opens

1972

Boulder Store Opens

1978

Fort Collins Store Opens

1985

BevCO Acquisition

1992

Greeley Store Opens

1995

Commerce City Fill Plant Opens

1999

Littleton Store Opens

2001

Colorado Springs Store Opens

2007

Pueblo Store Opens

2010

Silverthorne Store Opens

2018

Aurora Store Opens

Our Roots

Our roots are very humble as our first store front was in a retro-fitted gas station on Federal Blvd in Denver. From 3 employees to now the largest independently owned welding supply company in Colorado, my Dad and Grandfather built a business on lasting principals and business philosophies that we carry forward still today.

Today General Air is still owned and managed by the Armstrong Family (3rd Generation), but we would remiss if we didn’t share that our employees are owners too. In 2007, we became a partial ESOP which is part of our secret sauce for recruiting and retaining the best in our industry.

As you can see from our timeline, we are a company on the move, but our quest isn’t just to multiply in size. We believe growth is a by-product of providing quality products, with value, and honoring our employee, customer and vendor relationships.

To learn more about our culture and statements on how we manage our business, please read on below (see culture statements).

While we are known for being a gas and welding supply distributor, we are so much more. We love a challenge and would love the opportunity to show you how we can serve. Please give us a call or stop by one of our branches so that you can experience the General Air difference.

Mission Statement
To earn and retain regional leadership as a total quality supplier of superior products and services. Working in partnership with our customers, employees and shareholders, suppliers and communities, we pledge to conduct business by these core principles……
• To meet our customers needs and expectations with quality, integrity and value.
• To recognize and treat people as our most valuable asset.
• To honor God, Family, Community and Nation in all we do.
• To equitably share the results of our efforts according to contribution.
Vision Statement
To be known as a unique supplier of gas and welding products with consultative expertise and the ability to provide practical solutions that help our customers succeed.
We will develop meaningful relationships with our customers, partnering with them to identify ways that make their jobs easier, allowing them to save money and improve their workplace safety.
Adapting to change with innovation, we promise never to become complacent.
Purpose Statement
As a distributor, our role is to serve as a bridge between manufacturers and customers. “The right product, right process, right solution” is our mantra…as we seek to understand our customers’ needs and equip them with practical solutions to help them succeed.
Put the Moose on the Table

Honest communication is key for any successful relationship. Positive conversations are desirable, yet unpleasant topics can become as distracting as a life-sized moose standing in the middle of the room.
Rather than ignoring these issues, we at General Air choose to “put the moose on the table” to discuss and resolve any issues that might hinder progress.

In this Company
• Everyone’s #1 goal is customer retention.
• Professional growth is a personal responsibility.
• We attack problems, not people.
• We do not gossip.
• We think first about what I can do to resolve or correct a situation before we bring it to others attention.
• We do not use email as a means to communicate time urgent or emotionally sensitive topics.
• We believe in total accountability.
• We find a way to say “yes.”
• We speak as though children are present.
• We believe and practice the golden rule.

What We Value…

Continuous Improvement Accountability Family Relationships A Servants Heart Honesty

Who We Are…

Professional Technically Superior Flexible Engaged Hard Working Responsive

Community Outreach

MS150 Bike Race

What do selling welding supplies and riding bikes have in common? Not much, but at General Air, we participate in a 150 mile bike ride to raise money in the battle against multiple sclerosis. We’ve donated over $50k taking a stand in support of our community. Find out more at The National MS Society

Thanksgiving Food drive

The holidays just don’t seem as joyful if families aren’t gathered around a table with plenty of food to eat and time to share together. For many in our community that simple idea seems like a distant dream. For over 20 years, General Air has had a goal to assemble as many full thanksgiving meals as employees we have on staff. Last year we assembled over 1000 meals benefiting local non-profit organizations such as the Denver Kids, Confluence Ministries, Joshua Station, and battered women’s shelters. Throughout the years we have learned, it truly is better to give than to receive.

General Air Thanksgiving outreach event