Tom Brown Inc.
Expanding horizons
A long tradition of quality and service have led to growth for Tom Brown,
Inc., with an increasing customer base and new territories to conquer.
Tom Brown Inc. made its start in 1936, specializing in building materials
such as clay tile pipe, building lime, and other hard materials, according
to current owner Kenny Brown. It was Kenny's grandfather, Tom Brown, who
ran the company back then, operating the business from a building on Pittsburgh's
North Side, with the founder's son taking over in the early 50s. The firm
expanded its offerings in 1952, buying a brickyard and offering architectural
precast concrete in the early 60s. This acquisition made for a natural transition
into sealants, caulking and other waterproofing materials, which by 1978
formed the core of the business. Kenny Brown came on board that year and
five years later was at the helm of operations. "We grew by developing
our major lines, and then finding other industries who used those lines
and learning to service them; and finding out what other materials they
needed," he says.
The firm now has 45 employees. "We pride ourselves on our longevity,"
says Brown. "The guy I took over for was here from 1939 to 1983, 44
years, and we also have a bookkeeper who has been here that long."
As the firm transforms, it continues to branch out. Today, TBI is creating
a larger role in the building community by going beyond its niche in sealants
to a full line of specialty construction products, which includes waterproofing,
with special emphasis on restoration work and municipal infrastructure.
This public works division encompasses wastewater plants and sewers as well
as highways, roads and bridges.
"We looked at the long-term prospects, and we saw that these had
the most viable potential," says salesman Chuck Lewis. "New construction
is an excellent market, but renovation is on a growth track." To prove
its merit, Chuck belongs to the Cleveland Restoration Society and the International
Concrete Repair Institute.
In addition to expanding its product lines and services, Tom Brown, Inc.
is also expanding its territory. The Lawrence, PA-based company opened offices
in Columbus and Cincinnati five years ago. The 6,000-sf Akron facility in
Stow opens in May, featuring offices, display area and a warehouse that
will serve as a prototype for the other Tom Brown locations.
"We are in rental property now," says Lewis, but the firm's
emphasis on building a permanent site demonstrates that it is "here
for the long haul. This one is our benchmark." In addition, the firm
has a representative in West Virginia, with plans to move into Virginia,
Kentucky and Eastern Pennsylvania. BXM
The branches
- 224 Georgetown Road P.O. Box 460, Lawrence, PA 15055-0460, Toll Free:
800-446-2298
- 1740C Harmon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223, Toll Free: 800-434-6956
- 578 Northland Boulevard., Cincinnati, OH 45240, Toll Free: 888-254-8850
- 1659 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224, Phone: 330-761-2557
Diversity of product
and services
Customers of Tom Brown, Inc., know they can count on it to supply a
variety of product needs, as well as expert advice, knowledgeable service
and installation
For over 70 years, Tom Brown, Inc. has focused on the needs of its customers
by continuously improving its product line, investing in the latest technology
and machinery, and providing a knowledgeable sales staff and customer service
department.
Tom Brown, Inc. started converting and die cutting tapes for the OEM
window manufacturers in 1983. That continues today, with the distribution
of a full line of foam sealing and attachment tapes.
Tom Brown, Inc. is one of two companies in Northern Ohio that distributes
Dow Corning. Other lines include Pecora, for which it is the exclusive source,
Albion, Cetco, Tamko, Cox, Dayton Superior, Degussa, EaCo Chem, Emseal,
Fein, Great Stuff, Integrity, ITP, JL Industries, Imco, Nelson, Saint Gobain,
Conproco, 3M Tapes, Tremco, Williams Bros, Korolath, Vandex, Volatile Free,
Metzger/McGuire, Simpson Strong Tie and Gunther, as well as Q'SO.
The sales manager for the Ohio distribution division is Roger Burris.
"We have 11 sales guys," says owner Kenny Brown, "and each
one of them specializes in a certain area. I handle tapes, but we have experts
on everything from highways to railcars. And we all help each other and
share information with each other."
Another Brown descendant, the current Tom Brown, heads the construction
division, which specializes in sports and stage flooring, as well as commercial
waterproofing, pedestals, pavers, and roof gardens. Major flooring lines
used by the firm include Connors Sport Court, the official floor of the
NCAA Final Four.
"Kenny is excellent to work for," says Chuck Lewis of the Akron
office. "He hires the best people, pays them well and leaves them alone
to manage the business. Our marketing strategy is long-range, and we do
what we have to do for our customers to make the business grow."
According to Lewis, "Tom Brown Inc. offers not just a product for
a price, but expertise--education and training about how products are best
used. We know that we have a lot to contribute to each project. Misinformation
can cause great damage to a structure. Our product mix is designed to stay
in the consumables rather than tools, though the firm will stock things
like gloves, bits and other small items as a convenience."
And that is as it should be. Convenience, expertise and diversity are
the hallmarks of the Tom Brown, Inc. management style. BXM
