In 1941 George Onthank founded the G. W. Onthank Company, literally days before the start of WW II. Initially established to distribute radios and small appliances, he quickly shifted gears and began manufacturing cleaners, polishes and iceboxes very successfully during the War. After the War the company became the RCA Victor distributor for much of the Midwest. The company also distributed phonograph records, major and small appliances.

In 1950 the company realized that an exciting and innovative change in entertainment was coming: Television. Severing ties with RCA Victor, George Onthank became an Admiral electronics and appliance distributor. Besides this cutting edge technology, the company also began distributing Hamilton automatic washers and dryers.

In the late 50’s and early 60’s our company first ventured into the floor covering business. With the addition of Armstrong Vinyl Flooring, Onthank Company was well on its way to what we are today. Also during this time we began leasing carpet samples to dealers. This was an innovative change that enabled many furniture, appliance, and hardware dealers to enter the floor covering business for the first time. During this time we also switched from Armstrong to G.A.F as our company’s vinyl line.

In 1971, David J. Fisher became President of the Onthank Company.  Under his leadership, it was decided to concentrate the Company's efforts entirely on commercial and residential carpet and vinyl floor covering.  We increased the quality and quantity of product lines to serve our customers better. Through the years, we have added luxury vinyl tile, wood, bamboo, cork and laminate flooring.

In the 1980’s the company entered the window treatment business and commercial wall coverings. In addition, the DuPont Company appointed the Onthank Company to distribute Corian in Iowa and Nebraska. With the addition of the Levolor, Louver Drape, Nanik and the Kirsch Drapery Hardware product line (as well as others) we can be proud of our name brands.

In 2000 the Company opened a showroom to the trade featuring the leading manufacturers of fabric, area rugs, furniture and accessories. This 8000 square foot facility is located in Johnston, IA and is the only such resource to the designers and decorators in Iowa.

The Onthank Company began distributing DuPont Zodiaq, a quartz product and Lutron commercial shades in 2003.  With the addition of the Kirsch window treatment line, the Onthank Company became one of the largest full line distributors of Kirsch products. This diversification has truly turned us into the high quality interior products company that we are today.

Greg Fisher, the third generation of the family, assumed the role of President of the company in 2004. 

By 2006, two additional high profile lines were introduced - Nevamar, a leading laminate countertop line, and Faus laminate flooring.

In 1941 George Onthank had the vision to begin providing quality products, excellent service and competitive prices to his customers. We take pride in that good reputation. It is now our job to continue the pledge of quality products, service and value to our customers into the future.