Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Root Brothers Manufacturing & Supply Co.
Who is Root Brothers?
Root Brothers Manufacturing & Supply Co. is a family-owned industrial distributor founded in Chicago in 1923 by Martin, Herman and Nathan Root. It is run today by the third generation, Gary and Aaron Root, with the fourth generation in the business, and supplies tools, safety and PPE, telecom, utility and MRO products to industry, utilities, telecom carriers, municipalities and railroads.
Where is Root Brothers located?
Root Brothers has four warehouses: 10317 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60628; 651 Conkey St, Hammond, IN 46324; 3520 W Miller Rd, Suite 100, Garland, TX 75041; and 52 Spectrum Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Customer service for every location is 773-264-5000; Garland (214-377-9263) and Las Vegas (702-685-4303) also have direct lines.
Does Root Brothers sell online?
Yes. Root Direct (rootdirect.com) is Root Brothers' online store, carrying brands such as Milwaukee, DeWalt, Klein Tools and Jonard Tools. rootbrothers.com is the company information site and does not take orders.
Can I buy from Root Brothers as a business, and is there contract pricing?
Business, utility, telecom, municipal and industrial customers work with Root Brothers account managers for quotes, stocking programs and kitting. Online, business customers can apply for a Pro Account at rootdirect.com for business pricing.
What industries does Root Brothers serve?
Telecommunications, broadband and cable, electric and gas utilities, railroad, municipal government including the City of Chicago, and general industrial customers. Dedicated department contacts for each are listed on the Contact page.
Is Root Brothers veteran-owned?
Yes. Root Brothers is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDV-DOBE), certified by the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC).
Is Root Brothers ISO 9001 certified?
Yes. Root Brothers' quality management system is ISO 9001:2015 certified. NVBDC and ISO 9001:2015 certificates are available upon request through the Contact page.
How many manufacturers does Root Brothers distribute?
Root Brothers is a distributor for more than 2,500 manufacturers. A searchable list is on the Vendors page; brands sold online link to their Root Direct collection.
How do I get a quote?
Call 773-264-5000, email customerservice@rootbrothers.com, or use the contact form. Department email addresses for utility, telecom, broadband, railroad, municipal and industrial sales are on the Contact page.
How do I report a problem with an order?
Open the Contact page and choose Report an order issue, which opens Root Brothers' order-issue form, or call 773-264-5000. For after-hours emergencies call 773-519-1555.
Does Root Brothers offer kitting, integrated supply or EDI?
Yes. Root Brothers builds job-ready kits to customer specifications, provides integrated supply and vendor-managed inventory programs, and supports EDI with customers' purchasing systems.
What are Root Brothers' hours?
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm Central time, at all four locations. Closed Saturday and Sunday. An after-hours emergency line is available at 773-519-1555.
Does Root Brothers support the community?
Yes. Root Brothers sponsors organizations in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana, including the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, youth sports leagues and STEM programs. See the Community Involvement page.
How do I apply for a job at Root Brothers?
Use the form on the Join the Team page at rootbrothers.com: share your name, contact details and a short note about the role you're interested in, and we'll follow up by phone or email. You can also email customerservice@rootbrothers.com or call 773-264-5000.
Still have a question?
Call 773-264-5000, email customerservice@rootbrothers.com, or send us a message.