Why We Stay Family-Owned: A Commitment to Our Values and Community

The guys at work on a customer's pumps within minutes of Johnny arriving back at the shop with them.

In the ever-evolving world of business, the question of why we choose to remain a family-owned operation often arises. After all, isn’t the ultimate goal of any business to make money? While financial success is undeniably important, for us, the essence of being family-owned goes beyond mere profit margins. It's about principles, community, and legacy.

The Value of Being Family-Owned

Being family-owned means more than just keeping the business within the family. It represents a commitment to maintain the values and quality that our founders envisioned. For some, selling the business might seem like an easy way out. But for us, the idea of handing over our legacy to a faceless corporation, which might prioritize profit over quality, isn’t an option.

• Community Impact: We take pride in providing good jobs for our community. Our employees aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet; they're our neighbors and friends. By staying family-owned, we ensure that we continue to support them.

• Quality Commitment: We produce a product we believe in. When companies are sold, often the focus shifts to cost-cutting, which can degrade quality. Just think about those once-reliable Vice Grips. Now, they're just knock-offs. We refuse to let that happen to our products.

• Customer Service: Our business thrives on repair, maintenance, and excellent customer service. It's what sets us apart. Many potential buyers saw this as a drawback, but for us, it's a strength.

  
  

The Risk of Selling Out

When family companies sell to conglomerates, they often become just another cog in the corporate machine.

• Loss of Jobs: Selling often means layoffs. Our hardworking staff would be the first to go, replaced by overseas workers.

• Degraded Products: The second we sell, there’s a risk our product quality could decline, leaving our loyal customers disappointed.

Our Roots and Our Future

Our business started as a big idea from a little guy—a truck driver in the oilfield, a farm kid who dropped out of high school. It's a story of hard work, dedication, and resilience. Selling out would mean erasing that history.

• Pride in Work: We are proud to be middle-class, blue-collar workers. It's something worth preserving.

• Customer Trust: We care deeply about the people who use our products. Maintaining that trust is invaluable.

Steps to Preserve Your Family-Owned Business:

• Prioritize Quality: Never compromise on the quality of your products or services.

• Value Your Team: Ensure your employees feel valued and secure.

• Stay True to Your Roots: Remember why your business started and stick to those principles.

• Engage with Your Community: Build strong relationships with your local community.

By staying true to our roots, we not only preserve our legacy but also ensure that our community continues to thrive. So, the next time you see a family-owned business, remember that it’s not just about the money—it’s about much more.