DISQUS

Chris Ziegler · 2 years ago

Coming soon in Historic Preservation Deathwatch: Julian Ship Supplies!

JULIAN'S SHIP SUPPLIES
Founded: Mid-1940s
Owner: Flo Martinez
Employees: Five
Business: Provides food and other materials for merchant ships and some smaller private vessels. Supplies include fresh fruit and vegetables, wire and rope, maps, lumber and any other item requested. The company can also serve as a liaison and translator for foreign crews.
Sales volume: Unavailable
Trivia: The company's historic headquarters since 1954, at Magnolia and Broadway, was recently condemned by the city of Long Beach to make way for a retail/residential development. The building may ultimately be moved to a new location because of its historical value, but the business itself will relocate to 16th Street and Daisy Avenue.

It's a specialty business, one built on personal relationships and quality of service. No one knows this better than Flo Martinez, whose late husband, Julian Martinez, opened Julian's Ship Supplies in downtown Long Beach nearly 70 years ago.

Flo took over after Julian died in the late 1990s and has watched as the harbor has evolved from its Navy days to become a key link in international trade.

Some customers date back decades.

"We know a lot of people, and that's helped us survive," Martinez said. "We can get them whatever exotic foods they might want, or if they need special equipment, it's our job to find it."

Often, a ship captain or agent will send an order by e-mail, detailing supplies needed and expected time of arrival and departure.