Family Owned Since 1965
About ValveMan
Three generations of the Welsford family have spent 60+ years solving the toughest process control challenges in the industry.
Who We Are
Valve Expertise.
Delivered with Purpose.
ValveMan is a proud member of the FSW Group — a 3rd-generation, family-owned collaboration of B2B companies servicing the process control sector. We show up with deep expertise, lasting relationships, and cutting-edge technology every single time.
Our Mission
We are the trusted partner across the process control sector — delivering tailored solutions through expertise, relationships, and technology.
Our Vision
To be the best B2B customer experience in the world — blending high-touch sales with technology and a deep bench of product expertise, so every client gets exactly what they need, faster.
Our History
Three Generations.
One Relentless Standard.
ValveMan Early Beginnings
Fred Welsford Sr. — then the youngest captain in the United States Merchant Marines — came home from WWII and found his calling in industrial valves. In 1965, he and his wife Ethel started the F.S. Welsford Company right out of the basement of their modest home in Philadelphia, PA.
By 1983, the company had outgrown the basement and relocated to 310 Commerce Drive in Exton, PA. Fred and Ethel were joined by their sons — Gil Welsford Sr. and Fred Welsford Jr. — who helped take the operation to the next level.
Because of his remarkable knowledge, expertise, and passion for valves — and an unforgettable personality — Gil Sr. quickly became known throughout the valve industry simply as "Valve Man."
Generation Three: The eCommerce Era
In 2006, Gil Sr. and his wife Christina became sole owners of the F.S. Welsford Company. Four years later, Gilbert Jr. launched ValveMan — a wholly owned subsidiary that took the company from its PA, NJ, DE roots to a national eCommerce distribution powerhouse selling in all 50 states.
In 2023, brothers Gilbert Jr. and Jason Welsford rebranded F.S. Welsford Co. to Welsford and created the FSW Group — an umbrella company overseeing both Welsford and ValveMan. The mission: deliver the best B2B customer experience on the planet, powered by technology and deep product expertise.
Our People
The Heartbeat of ValveMan
Behind every order and every spec sheet is a team that genuinely cares. 30+ full-time employees who know valves inside and out — and love what they do.
What Drives Us
Core Values
These aren't words on a wall. They're how we show up every day — for each other and for every customer we serve.
Integrity
We act with honesty and respect in every interaction — with customers, vendors, and each other. No shortcuts. No excuses.
Supportive
We communicate clearly, celebrate wins as a team, and lift each other up when things get hard. Your success is our success.
Ambition
We're never done learning. We invest in professional development, hold ourselves to a high standard, and push each other to be better.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
We don't wait to be told. We spot problems, build solutions, and take ownership of outcomes from start to finish.
Need a Valve Expert in Your Corner?
Our team is standing by to help you find the right valve for any application — same day quotes, real engineers, no runaround.