About US
Indian Nation Wholesale (INW) is a third-generation wholesale distribution company run by the Cross family. We come from humble beginnings, starting with a single candy truck in 1953 and we’ve been family-led for 70 years.
Our
Company History
Simply said, INW is the best-in-class distributor for local, independent retailers on both banks of the Red River. We are a family-run wholesale distribution company powered by our close and personal partner relationships. Our small-town values guide how we care for our clients, employees, and vendors.
1950’s
We are deeply proud of our origins, guided by the entrepreneurial spirit of our founder, Raphen Cross. Starting as an independent subjobber for Curtiss Candy Co., he passionately sold beloved American candies like Baby Ruth and Butterfinger from his sole candy truck, serving local stores throughout Southern Oklahoma.
1960’s
Having worked very closely with local wholesale distributors in his time as a subjobber, it was only natural that Raphen joined Stephenson Wholesale, in Madill, OK in the late 1960’s
1970’s
In 1972, Raphen and Naomi Cross acquired Stephenson Wholesale, starting a new era. The next year, their son, Ron Cross, joined as the company's first dedicated salesman, tasked with growing the business. Ron's efforts included managing routes, selecting products, and delivering orders to stores, significantly contributing to the company's expansion.
1970’s
As the business flourished, Naomi Cross became part of Stephenson Wholesale in 1974. To optimize operations, the Cross family consolidated their activities by closing the Madill, OK warehouse and centralizing all operations in Atoka, OK.
1980’s
In 1983, the Cross family expanded by purchasing land in Durant, OK, where they constructed the Durant warehouse. That same year, Tammy Cross, who now serves as our Chief Executive Officer, joined Stephenson Wholesale. Further growth was achieved in October 1987 when the company acquired the Eufala warehouse.
1990’s
In the early 1990s, seizing a promising opportunity, Stephenson Wholesale ventured into North Texas. This expansion was followed by the acquisition of Max’s Wholesale in Ardmore in 1996
2000’s
In 2007, Stephenson Wholesale expanded by acquiring Wilson Wholesale and constructing the Lawton cross-dock warehouse. Two years later, in 2009, Corey Cooper took the helm as President of Stephenson Wholesale. The company's growth continued with the acquisition of Duncan Wholesale in 2012. Most recently, in September 2021, Greg Cross was appointed President of Stephenson Wholesale, marking a new chapter in the company's leadership.
2024
In April 2024, Indian Nation Wholesale (INW) announced the acquisition of Standard Distributing, a fellow distributor serving Northeast Oklahoma, Southeast Kansas, and Northwest Arkansas. The acquisition significantly expands INW’s reach and product offerings, solidifying its position as a major player in the region’s wholesale market.
OUR BELIEFS & VALUES
We remain a people-focused company fiercely committed to personalized service. This commitment is evident in our courteous delivery crew and friendly front-line and back-office support teams.
Our company as a whole works hard every day to support the success of our clients.
CULTURE
INW, in essence, is family. We’ve built a culture of commitment to one another. That includes a commitment to the career advancement of our team members. When our team feels supported and cared for, they are motivated to go the extra mile for our clients. In fact, most of our current leadership is comprised of team members who have grown with us throughout the years.
Community involvement
Our company is small-town and local first. We make a commitment and contribute to growing and enriching our local communities. That means we give back and get involved through charitable giving, always championing family values.
Our
Leadership Team
Greg Cross
President
Dawn Laxson
Vice President of Administration
Marcus Easter
Interim CFO
