R.H. Smith Dist. Co. was formed as a petroleum company in Grandview Washington in 1947 by Robert H. Smith. The Company has marketed under the petroleum brands – Signal, Rainbow, Amoco and since 1982, Conoco. Until 2000, the Company has also operated as a construction company specialized in petroleum installation, repair and maintenance. Robert H. Smith retired in 1985 but is still the Chairman of the Board.

His wife Betty retired after working as company's accountant for almost three decades and now serves as the Secretary of the Board. Their sons Rod, Doug, and Rick took over the Company and continue converting gas stations to convenience stores and managing business growth.