Company History
Michael V. Torres founded Cole Industrial and Technical Supply Company, Inc. in 1999 with help from his future brother-in-law, Albert J. Guemmer. Starting in a small warehouse in downtown Tampa, the firm has grown rapidly. Cole Industrial recently announced their move to a new, much larger facility combining their warehouse, storage yard and headquarters in one location. The new facility is located in the historic Ybor City section of Tampa at 1510 North 31st Street. Additionally, a new Orlando sales office has also been opened to serve the central Florida market.
Cole Industrial is a very modern, progressive distribution firm. Utilizing the latest technologies along with solid inventory and logistical management practices, the company is a true 21st Century distributor. Cole Industrial is a full line integrated supply specialist who takes this popular concept one step further than any other distributor. The company integrates products in every major MRO category with in-house technical expertise in each category. When you buy products from Cole Industrial you are assured you will also receive the technical support you need to help you choose the best products for your applications. Trouble-shooting, training, audits and surveys are just a few of the ways Cole is different from the competition.
The company is proud to state that it is an FMSDC certified Minority Business Enterprise (M.B.E.) along with receiving similar certifications from the State of Florida and several cities and counties in Florida. The firm is classified as a Hispanic owned company and is in the process of receiving Federal certification as an 8-A firm.
Biographies of Cole Management
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Michael V. Torres- President and founder of Cole Industrial
He is the young, energetic force that has built a company from just a “dream”
to the dynamic, progressive business it has become today. Michael graduated from Plant
High School in Tampa and went on to play college baseball at Rollins College in Winter
Park Florida. He returned to Tampa to complete his studies at the University of South
Florida. Michael is the lead integrator at Cole Industrial and excels at research.
Email Michael at mtorres@coleindustrial.com |
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Robert M. Cordes "Robby" – Waterworks Sales Manager Robby is the waterworks sales manager, with over 15 years experience in the industry. He is Mike's right hand man in the running of the operations. Email Robby at rcordes@coleindustrial.com |
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Mary L. Torres – Director and Secretary/Treasurer
Mary was instrumental in getting Cole Industrial off the ground. With her many years in the medical-dental field, she was able to provide the company with insight into what excellent customer service really means. Mary attended Hillsborough Community College in Tampa. As you might have guessed, Mary is Michael V.’s mom and Michael D.’s wife. Cole is a true “family” business. Email Mary at marytorres@coleindustrial.com |
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Marisa Torres – Accounting Manager
Marisa is the financial gatekeeper of Cole Industrial. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a BS degree in Business Administration. Marisa is a valued asset to the young company. Email Marisa at Marisa@coleindustrial.com |
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Carolyn Torres – Customer Service
Carolyn is the voice you hear first when you call Cole Industrial. She handles all customer needs and is responsible for data base management at the company. Carolyn works hard to make sure all your information is accurate and up to date. Email Carolyn at ctorres@colindustrial.com |
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Don Ross - Sales
Don is our newest member of our sales team. He is a former pipefitter, so he knows the business from the inside out. Email Don at dross@coleindustrial.com |
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Nicole Torres-Guemmer and Albert J. Guemmer III – Directors
Nicole and Albert sit on the board of Cole Industrial. If you ever wondered what “Cole” stands for, that was young Mike’s nickname for his sister Nicole. Nicole and Albert are both in the telecom field and have provided invaluable guidance and direction to the company. They make sure that Cole Industrial is always on the leading edge of technology. Nicole is a graduate of the University of South Florida and Albert is a proud “Gator” having earned his degree at the University of Florida. Email Nicole at nicoletorres@coleindustrial.com |
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Michael D. Torres – Consultant Michael Senior joined his son at Cole Industrial in October of 2001. He is a 29-year
veteran of the wholesale industrial distribution trade and is a recognized leader in the market. His background includes extensive rubber products engineering and application.
Specifically, his expertise lies in the areas of conveyor systems and belting, gaskets,
fluid sealing, compression packings, hose and hydraulics. He holds both BA and MBA
degrees from the University of South Florida. Michael sits on the board of directors of
the National Society of Hispanic MBA’s and is very active in the Hispanic
community. In his spare time he coaches baseball at Plant High School in Tampa and also
is State Director of Pony Baseball’s Colt Division. |