Left to right: Chris Wagner, Steve French, Michael French and Matt Wagner. Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Small Business Monthly
ST. LOUIS — Each year, St. Louis Small Business Monthly recognizes an elite group of family-owned businesses for their longevity and commitment to making the St. Louis region a better place. French Gerleman was recently named among this group, receiving the publication’s Family Business Award for 2019.
In his remarks, Publisher Ron Ameln noted that fewer than 30% of businesses survive into the second generation, while roughly 12% make it to the third. Founded in 1923 as a small repair shop in downtown St. Louis, French Gerleman is now led by fifth-generation ownership and has grown into one of the largest privately held companies in the region with distribution centers in St. Louis; Kansas City; Columbia, Springfield and Washington, Missouri; and Quincy, Illinois. French Gerleman is among the area’s leading providers of automation, electrical, datacom, safety and power transmission equipment.
“Throughout our 96-year history, our commitment to service and our focus on attracting and nurturing an excellent team have allowed us to grow into what we are today,” said Steve French, vice president of operations. “The products have certainly evolved, and we remain on the forefront of providing product and service solutions to help our customers be more efficient, competitive and profitable.”
The French Gerleman team was honored at a recent breakfast ceremony recognizing this year’s winners. For the full article, please visit St. Louis Small Business Monthly online.
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