Jim Earlbeck Wins the IWDC's Top Award

In recognition for his contributions to IWDC, the Industrial Gas & Welding Industry and surrounding greater Baltimore, Maryland community, Jim Earlbeck, Earlbeck Gases & Technologies was presented the Bob Jackson Memorial Award at IWDC’s November 2 - 4 Owners’ Meeting in Park City, Utah.

Bob Jackson played an integral part in the formation of the Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC). The honor is bestowed annually upon a Member who has “gone above and beyond” in their support of the organization. The Bob Jackson is considered the preeminent award of the IWDC. Criteria for the award includes strong volunteer spirit, supportive of independents, viewed internal and externally as a respected leader, engaged in our industry, community, and family centric.

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies has roots back to 1919 and has been under the Earlbeck name and family ownership since 1952. In 1981 Jim became president and during his four decades of leadership cemented a philosophy of knowledge-based, solutions-oriented selling. Jim strengthened Earlbeck’s gas production and distribution capabilities and significantly expanded their Training & Education Centers and network of training partnerships, establishing Earlbeck as a leader in welding training and certification.

In addition to building a strong business, contributing to IWDC’s strategic planning process, and serving on committee, Jim has generously given back to the welding & gases industry and his surrounding community. Jim served as the state of Maryland section president of the American Welding Society and as Vice President for the Gases & Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) and has served on the Government Affairs GAWDA board for nearly a decade. For over two decades he has been very involved with Society of Automotive Engineers’ BAJA program that challenges engineering students to design and build off-road vehicles that can survive punishing rough terrain races. Jim has provided classroom training and donations of equipment/supplies for their BAJA program.

The IWDC is a cooperative, formed in 1994, which leverages the strengths of its independent welding distributor Members across North America. IWDC Member companies collectively represent over $3.2B in sales, serving a wide range of industries. The common denominator is that these industries look to them for industrial, specialty, and medical gases as well as related equipment, welding hardgoods, and consumables. End-use customers served by IWDC Members benefit from having the unparalleled expertise of a local Member distributor who has access to national-scale purchasing and marketing programs. 

---