They say the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home, but perhaps nobody would know that better than the Trulaske family, who is the force behind True Residential. Along with his father and brother, Bob Trulaske debuted the appliance brand in 1945 with a 40-cubic-foot upright freezer. Nearly 80 years later, Trulaske’s family turned True Residential into a culinary force to be reckoned with. Here, Kay Trulaske reflects on the brand’s enduring legacy.
When was the company founded and by whom?
Kay Trulaske: The company was founded in 1945 by Bob Trulaske, my grandfather, along with his father Frank and his brother Art.
Tell us about the current family involvement.
KT: The company is now run by my dad, Steve Trulaske. I work on the True Residential team and my brother Steven Trulaske is working on the True EMEA team.
Why is this the business your family is in?
KT: My grandfather along with his dad and brother built the first roll-top bottle cooler for their local bar in St. Louis, Missouri. A 7-UP salesman came through and saw the convenience and reliability of the product and that led to the first ever order from 7-UP back in the 1950s. From there, we’ve expanded into several sectors across the refrigeration industry, including foodservice, retail, residential, scientific, and commercial ice machines.
Lunch breaks together or separately?
KT: Together if we’re in the same city!
What is the best part of being involved in your family’s business?
KT: Getting to work with my dad and my brother! Having reasons to see each other even when we all live in different cities. I’m also super proud of the product and legacy my family started and that has endured to this day.
Cherished family business milestone
KT: We’re about to celebrate 80 years! Also, opening our first-ever dedicated residential showroom in the A&D Building in New York City.
Ten years from now I hope our family business will…
KT: Continue to be as trusted in the industry as it is today!
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