RIP Brand takes off
The previous largest refrigerant gas wholesalers now only account for 28% of total sales, as RIP branded items grip the industry.
Return of the nuisance of naperville
Steve Franke returns from a career in sales in Las Vegas, NV and becomes Vice President of Operations at Franke Filling.
Contract renews
Franke Filling renews a contract with Dupont for the sixth consecutive time as Kurt Franke joins as Vice President of Operations.
Dupont takes off
Dupont, working closely with Howard Dudley, becomes a recognizable brand.
Adventures of Bailey
Hungry Bear Entertainment ventures from Horror into Family movies, and successful film Adventures of Bailey is made with Steve Franke’s own dogs, Duke and Bailey.
Hungry Bear Entertainment
Steve Franke forms Hungry Bear Entertainment for commercial and movie production.
RIP Inc. Gains Momentum
Quinn Harmon joins the company as Sales Director and full partner.
Chemours is Formed
DuPont creates Chemours from their fluorocarbon and titanium division. Hungry Bear LLC is formed.
Steve Franke is born
Dubbed the “nuiscEarning Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Joe accepts a position in Union Carbide’s Fluorocarbon division.
Joe Franke at TCC
Joe Franke answers the call to move to Technical Chemical Company and works closely with industry legend Howard Dudley in Dallas, Texas.
Joe Franke Graduates
Earning Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Joe accepts a position in Union Carbide’s Fluorocarbon division.
Joe Franke Promoted to Midwest techincal manager
Joe is now managing the entire midwest for Union Carbide.
AIM takes on HFCs for the epa
The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) authorizes the EPA to address hydrofluoridecarbons (HFCs). This opened the door for Hungry Bear LLC to participate in the industry competitively.
Joe Franke - VP
Joe Franke is promoted again, and becomes one of the youngest Vice Presidents in Union Carbide history.
RIP Inc Forms
Along with three Texas’ largest refrigerant gas wholesalers, Joe forms RIP incorporated.
RIP Inc. sales exceed 20 million
Selling more than 20 million pounds of refrigerant annually, RIP is now packaging and distributing R-22, R-12, and R-502.
Steve Franke Graduates
Leaving Bowie High School, Steve heads west to pursue higher education as a Red Raider. Guns Up
Our History
Hungry Bear Refrigerant Gas
HBRG is formed to package and distribute refrigerant gas by Steve Franke, Kurt Franke, and Travis Mortensen, representing three generations working towards one goal - quality refrigerant gas in your hands.