George F. Burke and his son Robert “Bob” Burke founded Burke Agency in 1975. George was a veteran of the industry, having worked for Church Seats as a Regional Sales Manager based in Atlanta and for Olsonite Seats in Detroit as Director of Sales. Bob was a product manager at BrassCraft Manufacturing, also based in Detroit.

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Originally named Burke Associates, the new manufacturers’ representative agency began humbly, with Rosemary Burke’s kitchen table serving as its first office. The agency’s original line card included Olsonite Seats, Red-White Valve, and Delta Faucet Company.

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Burke Agency grew quickly, soon expanding to 11 employees and establishing relationships with manufacturers that would help shape the company for decades to come. BrassCraft Manufacturing, Bradford White Water Heaters, and Charlotte Pipe & Foundry joined the agency in the early 1980s. In 1988, Woodford Manufacturing and Watco Bath Wastes were added to the growing line card.

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In 1989, after a successful career spanning four decades, George Burke retired and the agency transitioned to the next generation under the ownership of his sons, John and Brian Burke.

Under John and Brian’s leadership, Burke Agency continued to grow and evolve while remaining true to the relationships and values on which the company was founded.

 

Over the following decades, they expanded the agency’s capabilities, strengthened its relationships throughout the plumbing industry, and added more industry leading manufacturers to their line card.

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Their tenure also spanned significant changes within the industry and the broader economy. Through economic downturns, changing markets, manufacturer and distributor consolidation, new technologies, and an evolving sales environment, John and Brian successfully guided Burke Agency forward.

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Their leadership allowed the agency to remain strong, independent, and positioned for continued success while building upon the foundation established by George and Bob.

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In 2026, Burke Agency entered its third generation of ownership when the business was purchased by Henry Burke, Jonathan Burke, and Josh Lowe. The transition marked another important chapter in the agency’s history, continuing more than 50 years of independent ownership while positioning Burke Agency for its next generation of growth.

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Today, Burke Agency represents leading manufacturers serving the residential and commercial plumbing, decorative showroom, professional tool, and hydronic markets. From a kitchen table in 1975 to the organization it is today, the agency continues to be built around the same principles that have sustained it for more than five decades: strong relationships, hard work, industry expertise, and a commitment to representing its manufacturers and serving its customers at the highest level.