Page 169 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

& SUPPLY
the times
story and photos by Susan Ruddiman
top sellers — plastic sheeting, ear plugs, rags, oil spill mats and cardboard. He even offers janitorial supplies to fill the needs of contractors setting up onsite trailers and offices.
Obviously the large industries in Pascagoula purchase supplies from Smith’s company, but he also has contractors, businesses and individuals who come through the doors frequently.
He jokes that he doesn’t like change — he’s had the same wife for 50 years and the same bank account. However, Gulf Sales & Supply has changed with the advent of computers and the internet. Just as he scoffed once about the need of having a fax machine, he also thought people were crazy when they suggested he sell on Amazon and Ebay. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it gradually comes in,” Smith said.
Today he does sell items online, and has seen an impressive amount of goods going all over the country to homeowners. He has cases of tool sets stocked in his warehouse ready to be sold online and shipped out as Christmas gifts.
Smith employs 18 people, including his wife, Jean Smith, who works in payroll and taxes. Their daughter lives in Clinton and they have three grandchildren.
A native of Kemper County, Smith received a Bachelor
of Business Administration degree from Mississippi State University. He is a commissioner on the Jackson County Port
A CONTRACTOR FROM GULF SHORES, ALA., PURCHASED THESE SUPPLIES FROM GULF SALES & SUPPLY THAT WILL BE FLOWN TO THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS FOR POST-HURRICANE RELIEF.
Authority and represents Gautier on the Jackson County Utility District Board.
Smith credits Gulf Sales & Supply’s longevity to service. “We try to get the people what they want and need at a fair price, and we treat each customer with respect,” he said.
His reason for making his home on the Coast is simple. “I like the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It’s got everything I need, and I make a fair living here.”
GULF SALES & SUPPLY INC.
1909 KENNETH AVE.,
PASCAGOULA, MS
228.762.0268
EMAIL: MARSHALL@GULFSALES.COM
SALESMAN GEORGE TILLMAN, LEFT, USES A SHOPPING CART TO GATHER THE HOSE SAFETY SUPPLIES IN THE WAREHOUSE THAT JUSTIN ESTES, RIGHT, NEEDS AT FLOORE INDUSTRIES.
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