Mississippi Coast Supply

Our Story: A Legacy of Quality and Service

At Mississippi Coast Supply Co., Inc., we're proud to be a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the Biloxi community for over 90 years. Our story began in 1915 when our founder, Henry L. "Red" Schwan, moved to Biloxi from New Orleans. He quickly realized that there was no place in Biloxi to buy plumbing material, the closest supplier being over 90 miles away in New Orleans. Out of frustration, Red opened a plumbing and heating supply company called Biloxi Plumbing & Heating Co. in around 1920.

As time passed, Red realized that the name was restrictive, so he adopted and incorporated the name Mississippi Coast Supply Co. in 1924. Red was a self-taught businessman who was ahead of his time in many ways. He built his inventory to the levels of New Orleans wholesalers and opened a plumbing fixture showroom in the late 1930s.

Red had three sons, Henry L. Schwan Jr, Jules A. Schwan, and Fred R. Schwan. Fred was the youngest and only son willing to work with his stern father. Henry became an electrical contractor, and Jules was a lawyer turned judge for the city of Biloxi. Red Schwan passed away in 1956, and Fred became the manager of Mississippi Coast Supply. Fred had the energy to burn, worked hard, and tried to take the business to the next level, but with not much support, the business eventually went flat.

A New Generation Takes Over

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Fred Schwan Jr. worked at the business in the summers, delivering materials all along the Mississippi Coast. After high school, Fred made a quick stop at the University of Southern Mississippi and then joined the Navy. After military service, Fred worked for a Detroit diesel distributor. Meanwhile, his father became interested in a new product called cultured marble. In the early 1970s, he sent his son to California to learn about the manufacturing process. By 1972, Fred had started Lighthouse Marble, a cultured marble manufacturing and installation business stationed right next door to his father's plumbing supply company.

As Fred gained more experience and knowledge in the construction field, he realized the potential of Mississippi Coast Supply and in 1975, made a deal to acquire part of the business; he finalized the full acquisition in 1977 upon the death of his father. He realized he needed someone to trust as a business partner, and with a handshake deal, brought on board his lifelong friend Lanny Roch Sr., who had returned from his tours of duty in Vietnam with the Army and was working in an auto parts business. Together, Fred and Lanny breathed new life into the business.

Our Commitment to Quality and Service

At Mississippi Coast Supply Co., Inc., we're committed to providing the best quality products and services to our customers. We have built our inventory to the levels of New Orleans wholesalers and have a plumbing fixture showroom that showcases our extensive range of products. We believe in creating an atmosphere of trust where customers know they can rely on us for the knowledge and the products they need. Our strength lies in our ability to keep a good stock, ensuring that local contractors know they can count on us to have the inventory they need more times than not.

We're proud of our history and the legacy we've built over the years. Our team, including Fred R. Schwan, Jr., Fred R. Schwan, III, Lanny Roch, Sr., and Lanny Roch, Jr., are dedicated to providing excellent service, quality merchandise, and personalized attention to each and every customer. We look forward to continuing to serve the Biloxi community for many years to come.