Stories of family business legacies
By Rachel Kovach, Communications & Marketing Intern, GRCA
Within the complexities of the business world, one simple business model continuously stands out for its constant togetherness and huge successes—family businesses. Especially in the Greater Reading community, family businesses are plentiful and highly influential. Whether it be inspiring stories of resilience or celebrations of success, family businesses will always be revered and appreciated here. Let’s meet a few that call Greater Reading home.
Berks·Fire·Water Restorations, Inc.
Berks·Fire·Water (BFW) was founded in the summer of 2000 by Ted and Lisa Lavender after they recognized Berks County’s need for a full-service restoration company. In 2012, Ted and Lisa opened the Restoration Technical Institute to educate restoration and insurance professionals nationwide.
BFW specializes in restorations for residential or commercial areas from almost any kind of damage. Its full list of services includes water damage, fire damage, storm damage, mold removal, biohazard/crime scene, sewage backup restoration, vandalism/graffiti, contents restoration, textile restoration and duct cleaning.
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F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc.
F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc. was founded in 1871 by George Brown in Douglassville, Pa. The business originally sold custom-made animal feed to farmers in the area. Since then, six generations of the Brown family have run the business, contributing to its success and expansion. From custom farm feed to top-notch pet and wild bird feed, F.M. Brown’s has had success for over a century.
F.M. Brown’s currently offers luxury lines of food products for pet birds, small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, wild birds, poultry and waterfowl. These food lines all include a main meal, treats and supplements. In addition to food, it also offers pet bedding and litter.
Gipprich Jewelers
Gipprich Jewelers was founded in 1945 by Walter J. Gipprich, making it the oldest jeweler in Berks County. For nearly 80 years, Gipprich Jewelers has brought quality products, creativity and expertise to the area.
Gipprich Jewelers offers services such as jewelry repair, ring sizing, creation of custom jewelry pieces, appraisals and more. The jeweler sells diamond engagement rings, estate jewelry, blessing bracelets, as well as pieces from other jewelry brands.
Origlio’s Beverage
Origlio’s Beverage was founded by Antonio Origlio in 1933. For the past 90 years, Origlio’s Beverage has been serving Southeastern Pa., including Berks, Lancaster, Bucks, Montgomery and Lehigh counties.
Origlio’s Beverage carries an extensive portfolio of beverage brands such as Blue Moon, Dogfish Head, Corona and White Claw.
Berks Homes
Berks Homes is a family-owned building company that was founded in 1973. For the last 50 years, Berks Homes has built so many houses in Eastern and Central Pa., allowing people to achieve their dreams of becoming homeowners.
Berks Homes has about 100 different models of houses, pages full of photos from previous builds, a search engine to find homes based on style and location, resources for prospective homeowners and more.
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Heeby’s Surplus
Heeby’s Surplus, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Kevin and Denise Heebner, and focuses on purchasing and reselling a surplus of building materials at reasonable prices. Despite many obstacles throughout the years, Heeby’s Surplus has remained successful.
Heeby’s Surplus sells an array of building materials for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, windows, doors, electrical/lighting, tools, mirrors and outdoor accessories.