History
Dunkin-Lewis, Inc.
Through the Years:
1950’s:
The Journey Begins:
In 1956, the agency is founded by Ralph Parker under the name of Ralph Parker & Associates. Just a year later, Ralph Parker is joined by Joe Lewis.
1960’s:
The Continuance of Greatness:
After Ralph’s passing in 1959, Charles Dunkin joins Joe Lewis in 1960 to continue growing the company. Two years later, the agency’s name is officially changed to Joe Lewis & Associates. After only 5 years of working with the agency Charles Dunkin is promoted to Sales Manager in 1965.
1970’s:
Passing the Torch:
In 1970, after 10 years of commitment to ensuring the success of the company, Charles Dunkin is promoted to partner of the Agency. Along with this new partnership the company’s name is officially changed to Dunkin-Lewis, Inc. Joe Lewis retires in 1978 and the company, now in Charles’ hands, continues to grow exponentially. Only a year after Joe’s retirement, the company has expanded to the South-East territory.
1980’s:
Striving for New Heights:
In 1985, Dunkin-Lewis expands to the MINK territory determined to spread their business as far as possible.
2000’s:
Expanding into the New Century:
In 2007 , Dunkin-Lewis expands to the North-East & Rocky Mountains. During this time, they also begin to expand into other sectors of the outdoor industry adding partners in the camping and paddlesports markets. With additional markets to service Dunkin-Lewis incorporates market specialists to service individual sectors of the industry such as Marine, Paddlesports, and Law Enforcement. A short year later, Duane Collins becomes the President of Dunkin-Lewis, Inc. with Charles Dunkin continuing to be involved with operations as the CEO of the company. In 2009, Gracie Marie Small joins the company working under her father and grandfather, Duane Collins and Charles Dunkin, successfully joining three generations to continue to propel and grow the company.
2010’s:
Strengthening the Foundation:
In 2010 , Dunkin-Lewis continues to expand by growing their business into international markets. Continuing this trend of growth, from 2014 to 2016, Dunkin-Lewis’ expansive reach grows into now territories with business operations now being conducted in Great Lakes & Upper Mid-West territories. Within the same year, Dunkin-Lewis acquires HMT Marketing (Harriman, Martens, and Taguchi) , bringing in even more associates to Dunkin-Lewis to better service these territories. Dunkin-Lewis completes the map as the expand into the Far-West coast in 2016.
In 2017 , Jonathan Small is named the President of Dunkin-Lewis, Inc. as Duane Collins and Charles Dunkin continue to oversee business operations as the company’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), respectively.
2020’s:
Modernizing Success:
Dunkin-Lewis continues to grow and revolutionize their company, studying the data of the markets, as well as equipping their associates with the information and motivation to keep Dunkin-Lewis, Inc. as one of the leaders of the outdoor industry.