About Akrit Commercial Refrigeration

Family-Owned and Operated Refrigeration Service Company Since 1955 

Akrit Commercial Refrigeration is committed to providing superior service to restaurants, grocers, hospitals, schools, stores, and other commercial facilities in the Greater Milwaukee area. Our technicians’ in-depth knowledge has been certified by our manufacturer partners and our warehouse is stocked with their factory replacement parts to ensure your organization receives the best service. 

Our History 

Akrit has been doing appliance and refrigeration work since 1955. Joe and Irene Popp started the business out of their home. The business started as a second job for Joe to help support his growing family while his wife worked full-time as a nurse. As the business grew, it slowly turned into a full-time job for Joe, so he hired a second technician and Irene left her job as a nurse to handle the office duties and raise their five children.  

The business was originally known as Speed Queen Service Center. Later, as the business grew and diversified, taking on other brands like Thermador and Sub-Zero, they began doing business as Akrit. In the late 70s, Joe and Irene bought an office and warehouse in Hales Corners, and then in 1980 started a commercial refrigeration division. Soon, the business had grown enough that there were opportunities for their children to join. 

Akrit remained in Hales Corner for more than 35 years, maintaining remote operations in Madison and the Fox Valley, before moving to its current New Berlin office in May 2017. The new 8400 sq. ft location, with office, warehouse and training room, provided much-needed space for growth and an opportunity to update systems. Today, our 35 employees, including second and third generation family members working as managers and technicians, work together to uphold the mission began in 1955 by Joe and Irene Popp.