Five Flags is a family owned business dating back to 1967.  We specialize in janitorial maintenance supplies and equipment as well as pool & spa supplies and equipment.

Our business philosophy is simple.  We strive to provide our customers and potential customers with quality products, knowledgeable expertise, and conscientious support so to help ensure positive and productive outcomes are realized. 

No stranger to the world of janitorial maintenance, Bill and Joanne decided to stay in the field that both knew very well.  With his experience with the Clarke Floor Machine company, Bill had helped and visited hundreds of janitorial supply company owners and Joanne not only had experience in the field, but she also knew bookkeeping.

So with a U-Haul in tow and two energetic redheaded toddlers in the backseat, the family ventured to Bill’s home territory, the southeast corner of Iowa, to establish Five Flags.

A lot of thought went into name of Five Flags.  Bill & Joanne spent time researching the history of the location of their new home and soon-to-be new business.  As part of their research, they learned that Iowa had been part of the Louisiana Purchase during 1803; which meant, historically, there had been five flags flown over the State of Iowa.

Those flags included the French (17^th century monarchy reign), Spain, England, French Republic (Napoleon), and American.

Initially, Five Flags was located on South Main Street across the street from the railroad depot.  During these years, Bill traveled throughout the area introducing himself and Five Flags to various businesses and industry within southeast Iowa and western Illinois while Joanne kept the storefront open during the day.  In the evening, the family would always come together around the dinner table to enjoy their meal together.  Even on the most productive of days at Five Flags, for Bill & Joanne, the reward of the day always came around the dinner table.

As is true today, busy work schedules and young children sometimes had to be incorporated into one responsibility.  This is especially true when new businesses are being hatched at the same time young children are being raised.  Five Flags wasn’t any different in the late sixties.  Often times, Bill would bring the children, Lisa and Brent, into the store with him.  A rough and rowdy Brent would ride buffers as his dad polished the floor and a determined Lisa would help around the office.  Together, the two boisterous redheads frequently stamped literature at a desk specially set up for them by their dad.

As the years passed, the business grew and so did the need for more space.  In 1976, Five Flags moved to the west end of Jefferson Street where we still remain today.

During the late 70’s a few pool owners inquired in to see if Five Flags carried pool chemicals to treat their pools.  Curious and recognizing an opportunity to fill a void that existed locally, Bill gradually brought in a few pool care products for pool owners.  Through research, education, and partnerships with pool care suppliers more and more products were brought into the store.  For Five Flags, pool care was an integral part of what the term “maintenance” represented.

From helping a few pool owners with their needs, a whole new side of Five Flags emerged.  From the seed of pool care grew above ground pools, in-ground pools, spas, and spa care products.  Now, after almost thirty years, Five Flags realizes an almost 50/50 split between janitorial maintenance and the pool & spa market.