IDC Associates
the story behind the legacy
Founded in 1953 as Industrial-Denver Company, today’s IDC Associates has a rich history that spans over seven decades as one of Denver’s premier manufacturer’s agents in the hydronic/HVAC/plumbing industry.
1953
Our founder, Frank Wartner worked for a company called Hathaway-McCartney that mainly sold aircraft parts.
In 1953, he buys the company and changes its name to Industrial-Denver Company. On September 24, 1953, the first agency agreement is executed and the company begins selling Bryan Boilers. It would very quickly acquire and sell other hydronic equipment in addition to Bryan.
In the beginning, Frank had a business partner named Stu Gillis who retired around 1980.
1989
Frank hires Fred Espenship as Sales Manager.
Later that same year, Frank and Fred hire Carl Rehburg as a Sales Engineer.
1991
Fred buys Industrial-Denver Co. from Frank, and he becomes the 2nd President in the company’s history.
Carl is promoted to Sales Manager to take Fred’s place in the role.
The company adds Lochinvar as one of its main represented manufacturers.
1998
Carl is made a Partner alongside Fred.
The company name is abbreviated and slightly modified to IDC Associates to better reflect the representation of manufacturers in the commercial and even residential markets, not just industrial.
2002
IDC Associates drops Bryan Boilers as a represented manufacturer and adds Unilux and Parker Boiler.
2005
Lochinvar discontinues representation, but the company adds Mestek companies RBI and HydroTherm (now Advanced Thermal Hydronics, aka ATH).
2006
Carl buys out the remainder of Fred’s shares in the company, becoming the new owner and 3rd President in the company’s history.
Fred would fully retire in 2010.
Rob Rehburg is hired as an Inside Sales Rep.
2014
Rob is promoted to Vice President of Operations.
Rob had previously transitioned to Outside Sales Rep and worked in that role for a couple of years after he was hired, and then he served as General Manager starting in 2009 until this promotion.
2017
IDC Associates moves from its home of more than 40 years in Lakewood to a new office in Denver near the Dumb Friends League off Quebec.
