BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP
Ritz Safety began with a simple mission: to protect people. Founded by Emily Ritz and later joined by her son, Peter Merkl, the company got its start as a mother-and-son team selling work boots and gloves out of a service truck in South Florida. Decades later, we’ve grown into a national distributor with 18+ locations and hundreds of team members, but the values we were built on remain the same: hard work, trusted relationships, and doing right by the customer. We work with hundreds of leading safety manufacturers and have developed a strong in-house line, but what truly sets Ritz apart is our people. Our team understands the products, the industries, and the environments our customers face every day. More than 40 years since Emily first set things in motion, Ritz Safety remains a family-owned company, proud to support those who demand performance, reliability, and protection on the job.
1983
Founded in Pompano Beach, FL
Peter Merkl and his mother, Emily Ritz, start selling work boots out of a garage and a truck. The business quickly expands to PPE and international exports.
1995
2nd Location – Jacksonville, FL
Opened a large sales and distribution center with a retail showroom.
2006–2008
Strategic Growth
Acquired Tampa’s Safety Supply Warehouse and Indianapolis’ Safety Corporation to expand regional reach and improve logistics.
2011–2014
New Markets, New Capabilities
Opened branches in Las Vegas and Houston. Began importing custom hi-vis apparel direct from overseas partners.
2015–2016
Major Expansion
New facility in Pompano Beach. Acquired Mobile’s Safety Source, Lone Star Safety (TX/OK), Public Works (OR), and Slate Rock Safety (OH). Moved to larger Indy facility.
2018–2019
Investments in Infrastructure
Expanded embroidery capabilities, upgraded showrooms in Jacksonville and Oklahoma City, and opened new locations in OR and OH. New HQ and training center opened in Dayton, OH.
2021
Continued Growth
Expanded embroidery in OKC and acquired Safety Resources (SC) and Abco Safety (OH/KY), strengthening national account service and marine distribution.
2024-2025
Texas FR Community
Expanded in our Texas markets and opened three FR Clothing stores.
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What Drives Us Forward
From our earliest days to our national footprint today, everything we do is grounded in a clear purpose and a set of values that guide how we serve our customers, support our team, and shape the future.
