MOST INFLUENTIAL 2010
George A. Moluf & G. Anthony “Tony” Moluf, Jr. Founder & President (respectively)
IN THE BEGINNING: Founder George Moluf began his working career with Sears in 1934 for the minimum wage of 25 cents an hour. He and wife Olga opened Moluf's in 1941. George's son Tony worked at the company during the summer in high school and college, and began full time after his graduation from college in 1974. ALL IN A DAY’S WORK: An ASID industry partner, Moluf’s Supply provides homeowners, plumbers, builders, and designers with quality customer service and supplies. Their products can be seen in high-end residential homes and commercial establishments throughout Charleston. OFF-THE-CLOCK: At the unbelievable age of 95, George still enjoys quality time with his family and friends. Tony relishes hanging out with his father, as well as golfing, boating, and entertaining in his spare time. FACTORS OF INFLUENCE: At the onset of World War II, George and wife Olga were forced to liquidate their inventory and close Moluf's when the government froze the sale of plumbing supplies to $10 and only for priority items. After joining the war to serve in the Coast Guard, the unflappable entrepreneur reopened his business on Charlotte Street downtown. In 1971, George suffered another setback when the State Ports Authority gave the company eight months to move, due to new zoning ordinances. However, George had already purchased land and was able to move Moluf's to its current location on East Bay Street. Today, Tony runs the family business—which counts many of Charleston's most esteemed builders, designers, and homeowners as loyal customers.
(clockwise from left) Rebecca Barton, Tony Moluf, Jessica Markley, and George Moluf in their showroom
Where They Shop Appliances Signature Appliance Center Wholesale Appliance Center Audio/Video Carolina Custom Security & Sound Building Materials Buck Lumber & Building Supply, Inc. Southern Lumber & Millwork Corp. Muhler Company Guy C. Lee Building Materials Cabinets Southeast Kitchens Sullivan Custom Cabinets William C. Pritchard Co., Inc. Signature Kitchens & Baths of Charleston, Inc. Mevers Kitchen and Baths Kitchens By Design Designer Kitchens & Baths, Inc. Charleston Cabinets
Live Oak Custom Cabinet Company Spartina Cabinetry & Design Consultants, LLC Verde Fine Finishes Disher Cabinets Inc. The Charleston Group Countertops Creative Counter Tops Coastal Surfaces, Inc. Lowcountry Stone Solutions Tile & Stone Depot Eugene's Marble & Granite Affordable Granite, LLC Palmetto Surfacing Inc. Kitchen Encounters Decorative Hardware Foxworth Decorative Hardware, LLC Flooring & Tile Melcer Tile Carpet Baggers Floorcoverings
102 • Charleston Home + Design • Summer 2010
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Buckhannon Brothers Tile Showroom Floor It Now Palmetto Tile Distributors Lowcountry Tile Contractors, Inc. Quality Marble, Inc. Mantles, Marble, & Granite Specialties Complements Tile & Ceramics
Home Furnishings & Accessories Dwelling House Interiors
Glass Shower Doors & Mirrors Port City Glass & Mirror, Inc. Palmetto Glass & Mirror Glass Act Productions, LLC
Outdoor Products Aqua Blue Pools
Lighting Carolina Lanterns/ Lowcountry Lighting Center Rick's Lighting & Supplies, Inc.