The M&L Supply Company Story

A Legacy of Service, Strength, and Family

By: Bill Maxwell 

M&L Supply Company’s story begins in 1934, rooted in the mining town of Butte, Montana. Originally founded as Northwest States Supply Company by engineer T.J. Sullivan, the business grew out of his deep involvement in the industry. T.J. owned two brass foundries—Butte Brass and Anaconda Brass—along with the Sullivan Valve Company, and was credited with designing and patenting numerous products, including safety relief valves, gas valves, and closet carriers.

As demand for these products increased, T.J. encouraged his family friend, T.N. Maxwell, to leave Salt Lake City and move his family to Butte, Montana—then the largest city west of the Mississippi in the 1930's, with a population exceeding 130,000, fueled by the booming copper mining industry. There, they set out to establish a plumbing supply company to meet the growing needs of an industrializing region. Under Maxwell’s leadership, the business quickly took shape—marking a pivotal moment that would influence the company’s direction for generations to come.

From the very beginning, T.N. Maxwell believed that success in the wholesale distribution industry was not just about supplying products—it was about commitment, strong relationships, and exceptional customer service. Those principles quickly became the foundation of the company and remain at the core of M&L Supply today.

Growth and Transition

In the early years, the company expanded steadily across the Northwest. A second location opened in Great Falls, Montana in 1936, followed by a Spokane, Washington branch in 1941 and a Pasco, Washington branch in 1942.

A defining moment came in 1953 when T.N. Maxwell and Roy Linnell purchased the Butte and Great Falls operations from Sullivan and renamed the business M&L Supply Company, Inc. Just a few years later, in 1956, they acquired and rebranded the Spokane branch—solidifying the company’s presence in both Montana and Washington.

This period marked the beginning of M&L as a family-driven enterprise, built not only on growth, but on long-term relationships with contractors, suppliers, and employees.

Building a Regional Leader

Over the following decades, M&L Supply evolved into a trusted plumbing, heating, and industrial wholesale distributor serving the Inland Northwest. Leadership transitioned to the next generation when Dave Maxwell purchased Roy Linnell’s interest in 1970, continuing the family legacy and guiding the company through economic shifts and industry changes.

In 1976, the company moved its headquarters from Butte to Spokane, positioning itself closer to a growing customer base and expanding opportunities in Washington and Northern Idaho. Continued investment followed, including a major facility expansion in 1995, establishing a modern distribution center with extensive warehouse and yard capacity to support contractors efficiently.

Throughout this growth, one thing never changed: a relentless focus on service. M&L Supply built its reputation not by being the largest, but by being the most responsive—delivering products quickly, offering technical expertise, and supporting customers from design through installation.

A Multi-Generational Commitment

M&L Supply is a story of generations working together to uphold a shared vision. Mark Maxwell joined the company in 1984, followed by Bill Maxwell in 1991, and later Matt Maxwell in 2008—representing the fourth generation of family involvement.

Under their leadership, the company strengthened its role as a partner to contractors—offering not only inventory, but also design assistance, training, and project support. Their philosophy was simple: when customers succeed, the company succeeds.

In 2018, Mark and Bill Maxwell purchased the company, continuing its legacy as a locally owned, independent distributor. In 2021, Bill Maxwell became sole owner, carrying forward nearly nine decades of family stewardship.

Service That Sets Us Apart

What distinguishes M&L Supply is not just what it sells, but how it serves. The company has consistently focused on:

• Deep, job-ready inventory across commercial, residential, and industrial applications
• Fast, reliable delivery and high order-fill rates
• Knowledgeable staff with hands-on industry expertise
• Design support for hydronic and radiant heating systems
• Strong partnerships with contractors, engineers, and manufacturers

From large commercial projects to residential builds, M&L Supply has positioned itself as more than a supplier—it is a trusted partner in getting the job done right.

A New Chapter

In 2026, after more than 90 years of operation, M&L Supply entered a new chapter when Bill Maxwell sold the company’s assets to Pacific Plumbing Supply.

Here’s what Bill has to say about this next phase for the company:

For me, this transition is not an ending—it’s a continuation of the work our family started generations ago. I will remain actively involved, leading the Inland Northwest region over the next several years and working closely with the Pacific team to ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition.

This next phase is rooted in the same values that have guided M&L Supply from the beginning: relationships, service, and doing right by customers and employees. By bringing together the strengths of both organizations, M&L and the Pacific teams are focused on building something even stronger—combining best practices, sharing knowledge, and continuing to support the contractors and communities that have trusted our companies for decades.

Together, we are committed to creating a unified company that serves Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska with the same personal touch and dedication that customers have always expected. While the name on the building may evolve, the heart of the business remains the same—people taking care of people.

Looking ahead, we remain deeply proud of what M&L Supply has been and optimistic about what it will become, confident that the legacy of service and partnership will continue for years to come.

Sincerely – The Maxwell Family