From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership
A Journey of Innovation, Commitment, and Refrigerant Excellence
1957
Joe Franke Graduates from Purdue University
Magna Cum Laude with his degree in Chemical Engineering and accepts a position with Union Carbide in their Fluorocarbons division. New York, NY.
1960
Joe is promoted to Mid-West Technical Manager
1963
Steve Franke is born and dubbed the Nuisance from Naperville
Naperville, IL.
1964
Joe is promoted yet again and becomes one of the youngest VPs in Union Carbide histor
1969
Joe answers the call and moves to Technical Chemical
Working closely with industry legend Howard Dudley. Dallas, TX.
1971
Joe, along with three of Texas’ largest refrigerant gas wholesalers, band together to create RIP, INC.
1975
RIP, Inc. gains momentum
Quinn Harmon joins company as Sales Director and full Partner.
1981
Steve Franke graduates from Bowie High School
He heads west to pursue higher education as a Red Raider. Guns Up!
1982-1985
RIP brand takes off
Original wholesale partners now account for only 28% of total sales.
1985-1988
RIP, Inc. sales exceed 20 million pounds of refrigerant gas annually
Established to package and distribute refrigerants R-22, R12, and R-502.
1992
Dupont Brand Takes Off
Working closely with industry legend Howard Dudley. Dallas, TX.
1992
The Nuisance of Naperville returns
After a “successful” stint in Vegas (sales not gambling), Steve moves back to Texas and becomes Vice President of Operations at Franke Filling.
1998
Steve Franke forms Hungry Bear Entertainment
For movie and commercial production.
2009
Franke Filling renews contract with DuPont
For the 6th consecutive time. Kurt Franke joins the company as Vice President of Operations.
2010
Hungry Bear Entertainment ventures into family films
Establishing The Adventures of Bailey Series.
2015
DuPont spins off their Fluorocarbon and titanium division
Chemours is born. Hungry Bear, LLC is formed as a fluorochemical entity.
2022
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act authorizes EPA to address HFCs
By phasing down their production and consumption. Opening the door for Hungry Bear LLC and other small companies to participate in the industry.
2024
Hungry Bear Refrigerant Gas is formed
Travis Mortensen, Grandson of Joe Franke and nephew of Kurt & Steve joins the team. Three generations, one goal – Quality.