Chicago native Al Vodicka spent every summer as a teenager working in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. At the age of 25, he moved to the Rhinelander area permanently. It was 1968, and Al, Al's father, and Al's uncle purchased the Charles Laurel Company, a wholesale company for plumbing and heating supplies. An electrical department and a showroom were added in the 1970s. The company was renamed AVCO, short for Al Vodicka Company, and later changed to AVfCO, short for the Al Vodicka Family Company.

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In 2020 AVfCO was purchased by local Alex Ostrander and continues the legacy of a northwoods family-owned business.

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Today, AVfCO is known for its customer-focused and knowledgeable staff, competitive prices, and quick service. AVfCO stocks everything needed for residential plumbing, heating, electrical and cabinetry projects for home builders, residential and commercial contractors and Do-It-Yourselfers.