logo

Discover Hawk, Inc. - Our Journey and Legacy

Founded in 1978

Hawk's Arctic Southeast, Inc., was founded in September 1978 by Daniel Hawk, Sr., Daniel Hawk, Jr. and Richard Hawk for the primary purpose of selling Arctic Ice Vending Machines. After only a few months, the owners realized the vending machines they purchased for resale did not meet their quality expectations, so they discontinued sales. The trust of their customers was essential and they were guided by the belief that their reputation for fair dealing, and commitment to maintaining the highest moral and ethical standards could not be compromised. Daniel Hawk, Sr., owner of a food brokerage and distribution company, became an inactive partner. He did, however, continue to provide office and warehouse facilities. Owing a local bank, Dan and Richard worked full time as well as additional part-time jobs and sold personal assets to meet all business and personal obligations.

Founders Daniel Hawk, Jr. and Richard Hawk

Hawk Brothers pivot to restaurant supply, clearing debt by '82, evolving with smart strategy.

After much discussion and consideration, the brothers approached the idea of going into the restaurant equipment and supply business, which was relevant to their current customer base and had recurring sales. They conducted a marketing survey of restaurants in Montgomery, Alabama, talked with their competitors, accountant, banker, and attended a national trade show to conduct further research. The first orders for restaurant equipment and supplies were placed in October 1979. They were able to pay the bank in August 1982 for all previous debt. In October 1982, Daniel Hawk, Sr. transferred his shares of stock to Dan and Richard in exchange for real estate. The offices were then moved to their former address at Lamco Street. Through advice from their banker and accountant, the brothers changed to a Corporation in December 1982 and Hawk, Inc. was formed. Daniel Hawk, Jr. served as President with his brother, Richard Hawk, as Vice President.

During the first quarter of 2002, the company reached a level of security and achievement allowing it to purchase a building six times the size of its previous location. Hawk then relocated to its current address of 301 Hawk Place. This move opened the door for numerous possibilities in diversification and corporate growth. In November 2015, Hawk announced the opening of its 15,000 square foot retail store to the public, at this same address.


Overall management of the company was guided by Dan with Richard aggressively leading all Sales. The Hawk brothers have led the firm through periods of devastating economy, as well as economic prosperity. At all times, their beliefs in character and values remained unchanged. They developed long-lasting and strong business relationships with individual customers and contractors alike. Clients' long-term interests have always been a priority. All contracts are examined impartially and recommendations for the best option are made. Customers can count on service from the early stages of the project to long after the project is concluded.

Hawk excels in military contracts & global projects, focusing on the Southeast, diversifying from local sales to international success.

After beginning in negotiated sales, progression was made to a combination of negotiated sales and contracts. The contracts division grew until Hawk became one of only a few dealers in the United States that specialized in Military contract work. Today, the company supplies projects spanning the globe, but efforts are focused primarily in the Southeastern states. Hawk has grown from their initial years in local sales to have numerous revenue streams including negotiated sales, international contracts, chain account management, and a large retail cash-n-carry store.

Trust

Hawk, Inc. cultivates trust with its clients by delivering reliable and high-quality foodservice equipment and supplies, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships in the industry.

Expertise

Hawk, Inc. demonstrates unparalleled expertise in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, offering innovative solutions and knowledgeable guidance to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Community

Hawk, Inc. fosters a strong sense of community by actively engaging with clients, partners, and the broader foodservice industry to create meaningful connections and support mutual growth.

Ethics

Hawk, Inc. upholds the highest standards of ethics in all its dealings, ensuring integrity, transparency, and fairness in its relationships with clients, suppliers, and within the foodservice equipment and supplies sector.

Efficiency

Hawk, Inc. prioritizes efficiency in its operations, leveraging advanced technologies and streamlined processes to deliver foodservice equipment and supplies swiftly and effectively to its clients.

Our Clients

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, benefiting from our commitment to excellence, innovation, and service in the foodservice equipment sector, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust.

Leadership evolves, promising growth & innovation with a new team.

In September 2023, Hawk endured the loss of one of it's two co-founders, Richard Hawk. At that time, it's other co-founder, Dan Hawk decided to transition into retirement, but remains an active owner of the company in his new position as Chairman & CEO. Dan promoted his son, Jeremy Hawk, into the role of President & COO, passing the reins of day to day operations. Andy Mills, Hawk's very first employee who went on to hold various roles in some very large corporations, was then hired back as the company's new Executive VP & CMO, taking on Richard Hawk's previous roles. With these changes and the visions of Hawk's new management team, Hawk, Inc. is redefining it's internal structures and preparing for continued growth in the coming years. Hawk's new team has big plans for the company, so bring your business to Hawk and you'll be positioning yourself to grow with us.

quotes2Artboard 2

Hawk, Inc. would like to thank all it's current customers and we can't wait to show you what we can do to help you build your business as well. We're working on some new ventures and we're constanting working to improve our customer service and installations abilities, so keep in touch and watch us serve your needs better every month.

-Jeremy Hawk

a red sign that says hawk in white letters
Share by: