|
|
||||||
AboutOur Story: The Early Years
Bill worked hard those first years, getting out on the streets and selling products to the local corner grocery stores. He even took up following the "Ice Man" as he delivered ice to residents' homes, convincing many people that the new Frigidaire refrigerator was a vastly superior way to go. He became very successful in selling, and made loyal new friends along the way.
A few years later, 1952 brought more surprises, in particular, another baby boy, this one named Jimmy. He would grow up to become one of the nation's "top docs," and a CEO at Washington University School of Medicine, as well as Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs, but at the time, Bill viewed Jimmy's arrival with surprise at another mouth to feed just as he was learning that his employers wanted to retire and sell the business for which he'd worked so hard. Further, they wanted Bill Crane to buy their company! The necessary details were worked out, and the papers were signed. Soon thereafter, the doubts returned. Was this a major mistake? Had he misjudged his abilities and gotten into more than he could handle? With the support of his wife, Margie, they both began a lifetime of very hard work and dedication to their customers, their employees and their families. Bill handled sales and ordering, while Margie did all the bookkeeping. The business grew and grew, in large part by word-of-mouth, with families and their relatives returning again and again. Bill had decided long ago that he was in this business for the long haul. providing honesty and superior service after the sale were of the utmost importance to him. His customers recognized this then and continue to remain loyal to the company. Meanwhile, Billy (Bill Jr.) had stayed close to the ranch, learning from his dad what was really important in serving people. After graduating from college and working a brief stint as a teacher, he joined his mother and father in the family business. Eventually, his sister, Brenda, would join the company, as would Bill Jr.'s wife, Anita, and their two sons, Gary and John. |
STORE HOURS
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed 
 
|
