59 replies to this topic

[dallasm12]

Anyone have a list of the Top 10 family owned suppliers doing a reputable business in this industry?

[plantia]

Sanmar is the first to come to mind.

[jimknecht]

Don't know what you mean by top 10... But Dooley Co. comes to my mind.:D

[plantia]

Learn something new every day, I didn't know Dooley was family owned.

[Tigerpaw]

Friends...
Based on previous comments on this board, The Dooley Company would be "Top 10" to many people for many excellent reasons.

Another family owned supplier; Gill Studios.

Tom

[jimknecht]

plantia said:

Learn something new every day, I didn't know Dooley was family owned.

Dooley is my dad's nickname & he & my mom started the business in my bedroom when I was a wee lad. My sister is my partner & my youngest son who just graduated with a degree in finance, works in the art dept. Plans are for him to take over from me.

[dusty]

jimmy:

if your son just graduated with a degree in finance and he's now working in the art department, who is in charge of accounting, the horse?
:lol::lol:


cautionary disclaimer:
no animals were harmed or destroyed while producing this post.

[royster13]

I think if you look real close you can tell it is a very smart horse.....RCS....

[jimknecht]

royster13 said:

I think if you look real close you can tell it is a very smart horse.....RCS....

He & his 3 buddies are obviously much smarter than me.... and I'm quite sure they are smarter than the two of you.;) Thanks for the kind words Tom.

Back to the topic, which I personally like, do y'all find you get better service from these family owned suppliers? I know from my perspective, I certainly do. I am currently switching suppliers on our stadium cups. Going from one which is owned by venture capitalists (WNA) to a family owned concern. Just like in my business, they seem to take the business MUCH more personally & are much more responsive.

[dallasm12]

It would be nice to have a list of 10 or so reputable family suppliers that would cover the main categories of product lines and concentrate on using them for most of our orders. Simplify things really.

[Tigerpaw]

jimknecht said:

Back to the topic, which I personally like, do y'all find you get better service from these family owned suppliers? I know from my perspective, I certainly do.

Friends...
Though it would seem a "family owned" business would yield better service than a "corporate owned" business, methinks it's a bit more 'personal' than this.

In my experience, one "family owned" supplier mentioned previously, and with which I've done alot of business, has a sense of arrogance and elitism I find distasteful. Yes, their work and products are fine, yet I cringe each time I find the need to talk over the phone with anyone in their company.

On the other hand, a major "corporate owned" company on the east coast has superb customer service personnel, and I love calling and talking with them!

-Bottom line: it seems some folks forget that we're in the "people business"... no matter on which side of the fence we sit.

Very truly.. Tom

[picturegif]

Quikey mfg. the grandfather was the original Quickcoin idea maker.

[jkeely]

Quickpoint, Inc. has been family owned since 1928.

Joe Keely, CAS
Director of Sales
Quickpoint, Inc.

[DBeavers]

I would have to add Dard Products/TagMaster Line. Dard was founded by the Jack Shevin (dec'd), Cary Shevin's father. Cary is presently at the helm, with his daughter, Bonni Sandy as VP. This is definitely one family own and "OPERATED" business, with Cary and Mrs. Cary taking turns with Bonni it travelling to Hong Kong, China, and elsewhere to source some of their products.

Hands on approach and a customer-oriented enabled me to get a corrected order delivered to me within 22 hours of my call. A Dard employee made an error in typesetting, and they made good on it, including the overnight delivery. Now, that is service in my book.

For those who aren't well versed in DARD - Distintive Advertising Reaps Dividends.

Another favorite family owned supplier would be the previously cited Classy Glass/Dooley Co. Kudos to Jim and all at Dooley.

I can't quit while I'm on a roll, so let's include the Godsey family of Gold Bond and World Wide Art Studios. Great people, great companies with wonderful products and service. And home of the only promotional shrimp peeler in the industry (that I'm aware of). (For those with two decades or more in this industry, you may remember them by their original Line Name - Kingston.

And last, but certainly not least among my favorite family owned and operated promo suppliers is Custom Crest (CPI), with their seven product lines in one catalog. Location is important, as their coffee mugs are just one to two days ground service for my local and regional customers.

Personal service is always important to me, and these companies deliver consistently.

Dennis

P.S. I can't believe I omitted Joe, Mike, and Rita Fleming with Hub Pen. Quality pens, great service, and never a charge for rush production (Just like Dooley).

If I put my brain to it, I'd be here all day covering Aakron Rule and countless other family-owned and operated companies, and they deserve to be listed - but customers and duties call.

[mpossoff]

I prefer to do business with family owned suppliers as the service is better. Personal service. I like when the "owner" is readily available.

In my short career as a PPD I'm learning that price isn't an issue. It's personal and excellent service that makes ME look good to my customers and prospects.

I'm changing my mindset on the upcoming year. I'm going to stick with suppliers that are good to me and Kaeser and Blair of course and NOT run around and try to find the best price. Service first.

Marc

jimknecht said:

He & his 3 buddies are obviously much smarter than me.... and I'm quite sure they are smarter than the two of you.;) Thanks for the kind words Tom.

Back to the topic, which I personally like, do y'all find you get better service from these family owned suppliers? I know from my perspective, I certainly do. I am currently switching suppliers on our stadium cups. Going from one which is owned by venture capitalists (WNA) to a family owned concern. Just like in my business, they seem to take the business MUCH more personally & are much more responsive.

[RelKey]

There is a key decorating company out there who is family owned but I can't think of their name... KelRey or something like that.

[billyk]

I believe that Aakron is a family business. billyk

[Egoes3]

Goes Lithographing Company operates the Rocket Line, and Nova Line of calendars. Family owner for over 100 years. I am the 5th generation at Goes.

[DBeavers]

Eric,

I have one customer who has ordered the Queen Mary from me since 1988. As far as I know, this bank has been using your premier calendar for over 60 years.

Thanks for posting under this heading, as I wasn't aware Goes Litho was still a family owned operation.

Dennis

[bjrmki]

Shelbyville Pencil in Shelbyville Tennessee - Dan Townes & family.
Very good supplier.
bonnie/oh