Three generations of the Gilliam family and nearly seven decades of hydronic and steam expertise — representing and servicing commercial and industrial boiler equipment across the Carolinas and Southern Virginia.
RK Hunter & Company Inc. was founded in 1957 by Richard Hunter as a manufacturers' representative agency focused on air-side products. In 1971, James “Jim” Gilliam acquired the company — and over the decades that followed, he transformed it into the commercially driven, hydronics-focused firm it is today.
Clarke Gilliam joined the company in 1980, shortly after graduating from NC State with a degree in mechanical engineering. Following Jim's passing in 2007, Clarke stepped into the role of President, carrying forward the standards and relationships his predecessor had built.
Today the third generation is represented by Andrew Gilliam, who joined the company in 2021. From its home base in Raleigh, RK Hunter continues to grow — with a second office planned for Greenville, South Carolina in 2027.
The company begins as a manufacturers' representative agency focused on air-side products.
Jim takes ownership and begins steering RK Hunter toward commercial work and hydronic heating.
Fresh from a mechanical-engineering degree at NC State, Clarke comes aboard and helps build the firm's technical reputation.
Following Jim's passing, Clarke assumes leadership, continuing the company's focus on commercial and industrial hydronics.
The third generation of the Gilliam family comes into the business.
Building on its Raleigh base, RK Hunter plans to open a second office in Greenville, South Carolina.
Three generations of ownership have built RK Hunter's reputation on technical know-how and dependable service.
Acquired RK Hunter in 1971 and, over the decades that followed, transformed it into a commercially driven firm focused on hydronics — the foundation the company is built on today.
A mechanical engineer (NC State) who has been with RK Hunter since 1980, Clarke has led the company as President since 2007, building its reputation on technical know-how and dependable service.
Representing the third generation of the Gilliam family, Andrew joined RK Hunter in 2021 and works across the company's sales and service relationships.
We specify and supply job-specific hydronic equipment, sourcing direct so the right product meets the demands of each project.
Start-up, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacements — for equipment we sold and equipment we didn't.
A deep parts inventory and fast regional response keep your mechanical room running when it matters most.
From K-12 schools to universities, hospitals, government facilities, and manufacturing plants across a three-state region.
Reach a team that knows the equipment inside and out — from selection through start-up and beyond.