In 1980 Harold Griffith was hired by Gates Supply to remodel offices for its parent company Gates Engineering Company. When that job was completed he was retained in the shipping and receiving department for the engineering supply part of Gates Supply. Leslie C. Gates sold Gates Engineering Company to a large engineering company called Ebasco which had 3-floors rented in the World Trade Center. Harold then remained on staff and drove a truck to deliver supplies and printing which Gates Supply manufactured to Ebasco's offices in the World Trade Center and offices in the Atlanta, Ga. area. Mr.
Gates purchased Gates Supply back from Ebasco sometime around 1985. Again, Harold was retained and served as purchasing and installation manager for Gates Supply and a new commercial design entity called Space III. In 1988 Harold approached the Gates family about purchasing the assets of Gates Supply. With the assistance of Harold's father-in-law, John W. Cook, Jr. and his wife Dianna,  a business plan was developed, and monies were obtained to purchase Gates Supply. On October 18, 1988, Harold W. Griffith, Inc. was organized and started doing business as Gates Supply.

After 36 years we have not looked back and have developed a great business relationship with the Coal, Surveying, Architecture, and Engineering businesses in a 4-state area.