Greater Reading businesses have some incredible stories to tell. GRCA is bringing these to stories to life.
Parts of these stories may make you laugh. Other parts may help you feel inspired. And still others might bring up new thoughts or questions.
But above all, we hope these stories spark your passion and excitement for what’s possible in Greater Reading, Pa.
Perseverance & Overcoming Obstacles
Shuman Development Group
Back in 1994, Alan Shuman didn’t set out with grand visions of business ownership; and he certainly didn’t imagine that, one day, he would develop more than two million square-feet of space in Reading, Pa. Join us as we delve into the story of Shuman Development Group and its unforgettable mark on the bricks and mortar of our community.
Bobcat of Reading
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bobcat of Reading was faced with delays in acquiring equipment and uncertainty looming over the economy. Its operating entity, Crownstone Equipment, found itself navigating uncharted territory. Bobcat of Reading not only survived but righted the ship in the face of adversity.
Go Fish! Seafood Market and Sushi Bar
From rebuilding after a devastating fire to working through a global pandemic, Go Fish! Seafood Market and Sushi Bar embodies resilience and determination in the face of some seriously stormy seas. Dive into a story that reminds us that life’s challenges and changes don’t happen on a schedule; and when they arrive, sometimes it’s best to go with the flow.
Fromm
From delivering a single reel of wire to designing sophisticated end-to-end production systems, Fromm’s contributions light up the grids and power the processes of thousands of businesses in Berks County and beyond. Learn how they’ve kept the spirit of innovation burning bright for an entire century.
Helping Harvest
“In March of 2020, before we all knew what COVID was, Helping Harvest distributed 140,000 pounds of food. The next week, when the schools closed, we did 340,000 pounds.” Read about how its team, along with dozens of community members, banded together during dark times to create a bright spot for families.
Santander Arena
Venture into the unseen world of tech and prep, meet the cast of characters, and discover the incredible dedication at Santander that makes the magic possible. From weathering the storms of economic challenges to reimagining itself in the wake of a global pandemic, Santander Arena has proven that the show must go on.
The Standard Group
From its historic beginnings as a box manufacturer to its evolution into a cutting-edge communications company, The Standard Group has proven that innovation and tradition aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re the twin engines of excellence.
innovation & community
Berks • Fire • Water Restorations, Inc.
From Ted and Lisa Lavender’s humble beginnings working out of their green and gold personal vehicles to their current 17,000-square-foot facility, Berks • Fire • Water Restorations, Inc. (BFW) is pushing the industrial cleaning and restoration industry forward in unexpected ways.
Sweet Street Desserts
Almost every Reading, Pa. native has a story about Sweet Street Desserts: a birthday cake that was the best gastronomic experience of their 10-year-old life or a baseball practice that ended with an exquisite tray of cookies brought by a parent who just happened to be a Sweet Street employee.
Reading Bakery Systems
Thanks to an emphasis on innovation, adaptation and collaboration, Reading Bakery Systems (RBS) has exploded from a small pretzel machine shop in Reading, PA to a trusted partner of global distributors found in grocery store snack aisles worldwide.
Prospectus Berco
From its roots as an early provider of disability services in the late ’70s to its current position as a leading provider and innovator in its field, Prospectus Berco’s story is a testament to the power of possibility and magic of little moments. If you could use a smile today, we guarantee that this story will uplift and inspire.
MG Architects
If you take a leisurely drive down Penn Street or venture up the winding twists and turns of Hill Road, you’ll find traces of the past adorning the homes and buildings, from elegant arches to stately structures. The city’s charm is a testament not just to its rich and vibrant history, but to masterpieces crafted by MG Architects—an architectural firm with more than a century of work in and around Reading, Pa.
Berks Encore
Berks Encore delivers more than just meals to the senior citizens of Greater Reading. From many partnerships, Berks Encore offers medical care, health classes, activities, exercise classes and more to its six senior center locations. Just last year, the organization served over 155,000 meals to Berks County seniors.
Animal Rescue League of Berks County
If someone approached you and offered to buy your pet, what would you say? The vast majority would probably say, “Thanks, but no thanks. They are not for sale.” Infused with grit and determination, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County’s story tells a “tail” about the incredible, far-reaching impacts that flow through communities when people and pets are united by a purpose.
New Castle Lawn & Landscape
What began as a simple way to put some extra spending money in Brian Cuccaro’s teenaged pocket has blossomed into a full-service lawn and landscaping business boasting a 9,000-square-foot warehouse and 85+ employees. Today, after a number of ups, downs and turnarounds, New Castle Lawn & Landscape leans heavily into the elements that have brought them out on top, time and time again: community, culture and collaboration.
A.D. Moyer Lumber
We take you back in time to explore the roots of A.D. Moyer Lumber — a business that was born when a local handyman and jack-of-all-trades devised a plan to sell off the pieces of an abandoned roller coaster in the wake of the Great Depression. A.D. Moyer Lumber’s story is a testament to American ingenuity and teaches us that even when the ride is over, something great may be waiting on the other side.
Bollman Hat Company
A love of craftsmanship is palpable in this nostalgic space, from the wool carding and felting floor to the rows of sewing machines to the wood-paneled boardroom. Found in 1868 with a vision for providing for the people and community, this is the story of how Bollman Hat Company became, and remains, the oldest hat manufacturer in America.
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