It was a big day at Waltz Business Solutions in Crestview Hills KY just across the river from Cincinnati OH.
Current and former employees, customers and vendor partners joined for a celebration of the 60th anniversary of James Jehn’s purchase of the company from Frank Waltz in 1961.
Waltz is the USA’s 5th oldest office equipment dealership, opening their doors in Cincinnati as a typewriter repair shop in 1892. (Thank you Brian Smith at BTA for that info, courtesy of Mary Hopkins, may she RIP!)
The Jehns had nine children (all of their names begin with “J”) and five of them worked for Waltz over the years, with Jerry Jehn serving as their current president and his brother Josh Jehn and nephew Matt Jehn by his side – looking fantastic in their What’s Happenin’ hats sponsored by GreatAmerica, by the way.
My day began with a tour of their offices. The one picture you won’t see was of their victory wall, where they slap the sticker from the competitive equipment they replaced onto the wall. It’s full of logos from several local companies that I won’t mention (you know who you are).
Click here to see all event photos!
When you walk into the lobby you can’t help but notice the VERY old Mita Copystar copier from their early years. I’m told it still works!
This sits near a typewriter, paying homage to their beginnings. Indeed, there is plenty of nostalgia in the entrance area and throughout the building.
A walk through their demo room prominently displays brands they carry, including Kyocera, Epson wide format, PaperCut print management, Xerox and more!
Before the full celebration began, Jerry and Waltz COO Brian Durrett held a company meeting outside under the tent where they reviewed the last quarter’s highlights, including the announcement of goal’s met, resulting in everyone receiving a paid day off at a time of their choosing. Not a bad way to start the day and I soon became acclimated with the “Waltz Clap” as they celebrated this and other announcements.
Soon after, guests started rolling in. Kyocera representatives made the trip to celebrate with one of their oldest dealers. Former employees from years past, customers, the local chamber of commerce president Brent Cooper and Crestview Hills Mayor Paul Meier were in attendance.
Brother president Don Cummins came in from NJ. Although Don isn’t a vendor partner, he actually began his career selling for Waltz! He even bought his an old pitchbook you can see in the photos area of this article.
Shortly before the ice cream truck arrived, Jerry and Brian acknowledged a couple of current employees who were retiring in an emotional celebration of two long careers.
Speeches from the Mayor and chamber of commerce representative (apologies, I didn’t get his name) highlighted Waltz’s local achievements and philanthropy over the years in their community.
It was a special day for the employees of Waltz and the city of Crestview Hills KY. Congratulations, I look forward to covering your 70th anniversary!
SOURCE Industry Analysts Inc.