Carroll Distributing & Construction Supply, Inc. is one of those success stories that was never planned. A chance encounter back in 1951 set in motion the start of a new company selling concrete form ties in the Midwest. While in Colorado, Royce Carroll (who owned a lumberyard with his brother Dick in Ottumwa, Ia) happened to come into contact with a new manufacturer of concrete form ties in Denver. The manufacturer, Gates & Songs, Inc., had recently begun making a 2x4' form tie for poured walls. Lumber sheathing was laid horizontally and 2x4' boards were placed vertically through the ends of the tie loops to serve as the stiffback/water. These new manufactured 2x4 ties made the forming process much faster than the old way of tying and twisting each tie by hand at the jobsite. Acceptance by contractors of this new time saving method was tremendous.

Gates was looking for distributors across the country to represent them and help sell their new invention. Upon returning to Iowa, Royce discussed the opportunity with Deick and the two of them decided to give it a try. Royce continued to manage Carroll Lumber Company while Dick began to focus most of his attention on the new concrete form tie supply business.

Over the years, Gates & Sons continued to develop new products which in turn enabled Carroll Distributing to grow. With the development of plywood Gates re-invented their 2x4 tie into the EZ break-back tie which is still used today with their Horizontal Rod System. Further inventions by Gates allowed Carroll Distributing to provide commercial forming systems for large projects throughout the Midwest. In the early 60's a branch location in Aurora, Illinois was started.

Chicago contractors began using forming systems provided by Carroll to build many of the high rises that make up the Chicago skyline.

In 1984 another branch was started in Des Moines in order to better service the new State of Iowa Historical Building with forming materials and supplies. Continued growth led to further expansion in the Midwest. In the 90's, branches were established in Frankfort and Homedale, Illinois; as well as St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1997 the operations of Mallak Form & Supply in New Ulm, Minnesota was purchased from Sylvestor “Syl” Mallak. Syl had been selling forming products in Minnesota and Northern Iowa for over 20 years. Carroll Distributing began the new millennium by adding a location in Marion, Iowa. Past CFA board member Steve Rhinehart directs the marketing and sales activities of the company from the Marion office.

Representation of Wall-Ties & Forms led to Carroll's expansion into the Nebraska market in early 2000. The operations of Allied Construction Specialties in Omaha was purchased in late March from Allied Oil & Supply. Allied's strong presence in the concrete forming supply business for over 40 years made it a perfect addition to the company.

Today the product lines represented by Carroll Distributing & Construction Supply are as diverse as the project needs of its contractors customers. Residential forming systems by Gates, Wall-Ties & Forms, Duvaform. Commercial forms and supplies from Dayton/Richmond, Gates Ellis, Universal. Construction Equipment by Wacker, Amida, Laser Alignment, AGL, Clipper, Partner, Target and others. Specialty products in waterproofing, drainage, paving, precast, tilt-up etc. Chemical and repair materials from Max-crete L&M. Conspec, Dayton, W.R. Meadows & Euclid to name a few. They also carry a full line of jobsite supplies, hand tools and safety equipment. From virtually one location and one product line, the company has grown to become a major supplier of products to the concrete forming industry here in the Midwest.

Company president Steve Carroll attributes the success of Carroll Distributing & Constructions Supply to its people. “We have been extremely fortunate to have attracted and kept the quality of people that we have. The things that we have accomplished would not have been possible without them.”