Dow Electronics was founded in 1959 by three partners (Doc Blower, Oscar Carter, and Bernie Wagman). Concentrating mainly on the sale of electronic repair parts and off-air reception equipment, Dow established itself as a wholesale distributor to the dealer market on the west coast of Florida. In 1974, the company was purchased by Phil and Jason Decker, and within five years, had expanded to six locations serving the entire state of Florida. During the early 1980's, Dow expanded its product offerings to include consumer electronics, and the newest electronic product grouping, satellite reception systems. The entire 1980's saw significant growth for Dow, as sales of consumer electronics and satellite reception products increased dramatically. In 1988, Dow purchased Specialty Electronics, a multi-state, multi-branch distributor, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. With this acquisition, Dow became a wholesale distributor to commercial and industrial users of electronic components and test and measurement equipment. With the added presence throughout the southeastern United States, Dow expanded its sales of electronic repair parts, off-air reception products, and satellite reception equipment to each branch location. Throughout the 1990's, Dow continued its growth in the satellite equipment market by concentrating its efforts on the satellite specialist retailer. In early 1996, Dow Electronics was appointed the authorized distributor of DISH Network products in the southeast United States. This new line of 18-inch direct broadcast satellite (DBS) equipment and services allowed Dow to open up new, additional selling channels comprised of cellular, computer, and consumer electronics retailers, while increasing its penetration in the retail channel of satellite specialists. In the late 1990's, Dow allocated staff and other resources to pursue the commercial market for signal reception and signal distribution equipment. In addition to reception and distribution of audio and video signals, reception and transmission of digital data via satellite antennas continues to be a growing market niche for Dow Electronics. Dow has continued to focus on products and markets that utilize signal reception and signal distribution expertise. Entering the 21st century, the market outlook for these types of products and markets appears very strong.