Friday, March 29, 2024

6 decades-old Indiana businesses share secrets to success

By Lauren Caggiano

 

Not every business can stand the test of time. It can be a challenge to stay relevant and profitable in changing times. Luckily for the Hoosier State, several businesses in a variety of industries have enjoyed multiple decades of success. Here are a few we’ve highlighted:

Peerless CleanersPeerless

Since 1915, Fort Wayne-based Peerless has served northeastern Indiana as the oldest full-service cleaner in the area. Services include everything from traditional dry cleaning to fire restoration. They have 10 drop-off locations in Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Angola and Auburn, and offer home delivery as well. Staff includes 100 part-time and full-time employees.

According to President Steve Grasshoff, the Peerless name carries a lot of weight. In his words, “it’s a strong name” and has survived ups and downs over the years. In the 15 years he’s led the company, Grasshoff said investing in the community and treating employees and customers right have been central to their business practices. Speaking of practices, he said technology upgrades will be king as a point of difference in the coming years. They’ve recently invested in a green dry cleaning process, which is trending in the industry.

G.A. Schimpff’s ConfectionarySchimpff’s Confectionery

Located in Jeffersonville, G.A. Schimpff’s Confectionery is one of the oldest, continuously operated, family-owned candy businesses in the United States. Started by Gus Schimpff Sr. and Jr., the business has survived wars, floods, depressions and recessions through four generations.

This place exudes nostalgia, complete with a ’50s soda fountain and original tin ceiling. Customers come from far and wide for homemade candy and real fountain drinks. In 2001, the family added a candy demonstration area and candy museum to cater to curious customers.

Speaking of customers, co-owner Jill Schimpff gives credit where credit is due.

“We make it good and you make it famous,” she said, adding, “If you make something good, people will come.”

Allison TransmissionAllison

Today, Indianapolis-based Allison Transmission is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic commercial-duty transmissions and a leader in hybrid-propulsion systems. But it wasn’t always such a giant.

The company started in 1915 with the vision of one man — James Allison — to support his Indianapolis 500 racing activities. Later in 1917, he shifted his shop’s focus to support the U.S. war effort and undertake a series of design modifications to existing military equipment. That sense of enterprise and ingenuity has remained consistent over the years.

“Our company was founded on the values of innovation, quality and reliability,” said Lawrence E. Dewey, chairman, president and CEO of Allison Transmission. “Although 100 years have passed, I’m very proud to say those remain our driving values today. With our products and services, we are improving the way the world works.”

Embassy Theatre

Built as a movie palace and vaudeville house in 1928, the Emboyd Theatre was the go-to place for entertainment in Fort Wayne. In 1952, the Emboyd Theatre and Indiana Hotel were sold to the Alliance Amusement Corporation, along with the Indiana Hotel adjacent to the theater. The name changed to the Embassy Theatre, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

“The Embassy Theatre has been and remains to this day a crown jewel for the city of Fort Wayne and Northern Indiana,” said Kelly Updike, the Embassy Theatre’s executive director. “From the vaudeville days of the 1920s to our new renovation set to open in 2016, the Embassy entertains audiences with the best of Broadway, concerts, comedians and more.”

Taylor’s Bakery

Taylor’s Bakery is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated bakery in Indianapolis. It has catered to central Indiana’s sweet tooth for 102 years with its scratch-recipe birthday cakes, wedding cakes and specialty cakes.

Founded in 1913 by Dennis O. Taylor, it all began as a small food business. It grew from there. In 1968, the family opened the current location at 62nd Street and Allisonville Road. Today, Taylor’s Bakery is synonymous with custom creations and exceptional customer service — a distinction the owners don’t take lightly.

“I’ve always said you have to be lucky and good,” said President John Allen. A small business is fragile and depends largely on good people and customers, he added.

The Henry Company

In 1939, the Henry family relocated to Indiana from Ohio. Harold Henry opened Henry’s Sweeper Service on Columbia Avenue in Hammond, where the family sold and repaired vacuums. Operating nine offices throughout north central Indiana, Harold became one of the most successful vacuum cleaner dealers in the U.S. The business is still family owned; Harold’s grandson Steve Henry now operates the three Henry Company stores in Hammond, Highland and Merrillville.

Staying true to the founder’s vision and values has served the company.

“Throughout his business career, Harold Henry demanded that all his fellow employees provide the best products and service to each and every one of his valued customers,” said Dave Marshall, a spokesman for the store. “Today, The Henry Company under his grandson’s guidance continues to honor those standards set forth by its founder.”

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