The history of CDI is a classic business success story. In 1994 with an idea and perseverance, entrepreneur Pat O'Brien created Crystal Distribution, Inc in Crystal, Minnesota.

Starting out as a distributor's rep in the HVAC industry, Pat bought and sold products such as dampers, louvers, and duct work accessories. It didn't take long for Pat to realize that not everyone does what they say they are going to do. After missing several deadlines due to other manufacturers Pat had a desire to make a change to his business. Through many conversations with people in the HVAC industry it became apparent that there was a definite need for a curb adapter manufacturer that could deliver on time and faster than the industry norm. It was then that Pat started manufacturing his own items and placing added emphasis on delivering to the customer on time.

Pat changed the name of the of the company to CDI and moved to a 2500 sq. foot building in Maple Grove, Minnesota that he shared with 2 other companies. He spent his days calling on distributors in the Minneapolis area and he spent his nights manufacturing what he sold. Some days he sold so much that he would recruit family and close friends to come and work all night with him.

By 1998 Pat was ready to venture outside of Minnesota, setting out to Des Moines, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri. He had hired a few essential people including his wife, Bobbi Jo, to help the business grow and succeed. CDI's reputation as a company built on strong principles and values and the ability to fulfill our promises continued to grow, and our market share continued to spread across the Midwest to Chicago and Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Louisville.

Less than four short years later Pat had taken over all of the original 2500 sq. foot space in Maple Grove and more. CDI was occupying 22,000 sq feet and had hired its first on-site engineer (Mark Greenwood) and its first outside salesman other than Pat (Jim OBrien). With the acquisition of several high-tech machines, many more employees, and the use of the company's innovative website CDI had become a nationwide curb manufacturer.

Today CDI is a leader in the curb adapter industry. With the constant reminder of our customer's needs and our passion for being the best CDI has grown to a new building in Elk River, Minnesota where we occupy 32,000 sq feet and employ over 70 wonderful, loyal, and excited people!

Today the values and principles that CDI was built on are evident in every aspect of our company. We still have a strong desire to completely satisfy all of our customers. We realize that without your continued support over all these years Pat never would have had the ability to turn his idea into reality.