1 of 5
Texas Tavern
Matt Bullington, fourth generation owner of 80-year-old Texas Tavern, attributes the restaurant’s success to consistency. “We buy the freshest products and we give customers what they want, doing it all with a smile on our faces.”
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Davidsons
Davidsons, a men’s clothing store since 1910, thanks their supportive clients and customers, vendors and employees by reinvesting in the quality of the local community through cultural and charitable organizations.
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Chas. Lunsford & Son
“It’s a testament to our employees that we have survived and prospered this long,” says Logan Forsyth about Chas. Lunsford & Son. The insurance agency celebrates 140 years in business this year.
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Eubank & Caldwell
SFCS Inc., founded in 1920 as Eubank & Caldwell, entered the seniors design field in 1940. Now, nursing and retirement projects are major components of the architecture company’s business.
5 of 5
Texas Tavern
Matt Bullington, fourth generation owner of 80-year-old Texas Tavern, attributes the restaurant’s success to consistency. “We buy the freshest products and we give customers what they want, doing it all with a smile on our faces.”
Chas. Lunsford Sons & Associates, 140 Years
An independent insurance agency founded in 1870. 16 East Church Ave., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: less than 5
Present Number of employees: 50
Mission Statement: An employee-owned independent insurance agency serving the Mid-Atlantic.
Back when Roanoke was known as Big Lick, Charles Lunsford started his insurance agency, delivering policies to clients by horseback. According to Logan Forsyth, current executive vice president and corporate secretary, four generations of Charles Lunsfords ran this now employee-owned firm.
“The urban legend is that we are second to Oakey’s (Funeral Service & Crematory) as the longest continuously operating business in Roanoke City,” Forsyth says.
A significant moment in the company’s history came in 1906, Forsyth explains, when a New York-based insurance company “deputized” Charles Lunsford and asked him to travel to San Francisco following an earthquake to settle $4 million in claims on behalf of the insurance company. Chas. Lunsford Sons & Associates earned recognition two years ago as the best place to work in Roanoke by the Blue Ridge Business Journal.
“It’s a nice tribute to the company and people that work here,” Forsyth says. “It’s also a testament to our employees that we have survived and prospered this long.”
Fair View Cemetery, 120 Years
A historic 73-acre burial park in Roanoke founded in 1890. 3300 Melrose Ave., Roanoke
Present Number of Employees: 6
Tagline: “Dedicated to a Future as Proud as Our Past”
Fair View Cemetery was established by a small group of leading citizens of Roanoke as one of the first privately owned cemeteries for public use in Virginia. In 1909, it became the first cemetery in Virginia to establish a perpetual care fund and, according to Dennis Cronk, president, was instrumental in the passing of a state law in 1918 that made such funds mandatory.
Many prominent business executives and 11 mayors are buried in Fair View, including members of the Trout, Woodrum, Andrews, Stone and Staples families. The cemetery also serves as the final resting place for veterans of the Civil, Korean and Vietnam wars, as well as both World wars.
Currently, the cemetery is less than half full. Fair View also owns and operates Cedar Lawn Memorial Cemetery on Peters Creek and Cove roads.
In a current newsletter, the Fair View Foundation thanks those who have donated to the preservation, maintenance and beautification programs to preserve the cemetery for future generations.
Davidsons, 100 Years
A retail clothing store for men specializing in custom-made clothing, Davidsons opened in 1910. 412 South Jefferson St., Roanoke and 4235 Electric Rd., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 3
Present Number of Employees: 10
Tagline: “Clothing for Gentlemen since 1910.” We focus on quality and service.
Joseph Davidson immigrated to Roanoke from Lithuania initially to work for a relative. He later worked at a clothing store, married the daughter of the owner, then decided to open his own clothing store, Davidsons, in 1910. At that point in history, says his grandson and current owner Larry Davidson, people were beginning to wear ready-made clothes at retail stores as opposed to making their own.
“He focused on quality clothing for men,” Davidson says. “The corporate name was Joseph Davidson Inc., but the store was Davidsons with no apostrophe because my grandfather didn’t know grammar very well.”
Over the last 20 years, Davidson says, there has been a cultural shift to men wearing more casual clothing for work and outings. The store suffered through this, and a trying economic climate, but a new shift has begun.
“Men are starting to show interest in tailored clothing again, particularly younger men,” says Davidson. “We are seeing a movement back to this certain sense of style.”
The company makes a point to thank their supportive clients and customers, vendors and employees by reinvesting in the quality of the community. As a family and a company, Davidson says it is their philosophy to give back, whether it’s through cultural or charitable organizations.
First Christian Church, 100 Years
First Christian Church, a Disciples of Christ denomination, celebrates 100 years in its current sanctuary. 344 Church Ave., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 1
Present Number of Employees: 3
Mission Statement: “To be and to share the good news of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.”
First Christian Church’s original congregation was a loose group of believers who met in a rented room in 1888, says Pastor Jim Rivers. It was there that they decided to establish the first Christian church congregation in the Roanoke area. They paid $5 a month for their place of worship.
The church moved to another building in 1889, tore it down in 1909 and built the current structure, which was dedicated on May 15, 1910. According to Rivers, Andrew Carnegie presented the church with $1,000 to purchase a new organ.
In the 1920s with 500 people attending Sunday School, the church needed more space. The three-story educational building with 12 classrooms was built in 1925.
“Up to that point, they must have been hanging from the rafters,” Rivers jokes. “I don’t know where they could have met for Sunday School.”
Other significant changes include new twin steeples erected 15 years ago and the organ that Carnegie helped fund was replaced 20 years ago. Recently, Rivers decided to take partial retirement and a new, 29-year-old pastor, Christopher Yopp became the pastor.
“We’re getting a lot of new families,” Rivers says. “We had been struggling, but I’m really excited about our future.”
Roanoke College Basketball, 100 Years
A program that began in 1910, The Maroons men basketball team now boast more than 1,250 program wins. 221 College Lane, Salem
Number of Members/Staff When Founded: 9
Present Number of Members/Staff: 20
While cheering on the Maroons today at the Bast Center, it’s hard to imagine life before basketball. The program at Roanoke College began in 1910, when the game was mostly a women’s sport.
“There was talk in the Roanoke collegian of getting rid of football and starting this game called basketball,” says Linda Miller, the school’s archivist, who says that after two area students died from football-related injuries, it was deemed too dangerous.
A gymnasium was built and students started playing pick-up games of basketball and later challenged local schools and the Roanoke city team.
Guy “Pinky” Spruhan (so named because he wore a red shirt that had bled to a pink hue) started coaching the Maroons in 1914 and led it to state championships in 1916 and 1919. He was also a driving force in the creation of the school newspaper, the Brackety-Ack, which sold $1 subscriptions to help fund the athletic teams.
Since then the Maroons have claimed 19 NCAA appearances, 10 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championships and, under the leadership of coach Charlie Moir, the 1972 Division II championship.
C.W. Francis & Son Inc., 100 Years
The longest standing real estate company in Roanoke opened in 1910. 305 First St. SW, Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 3
Present Number of Employees: about 13
Will Trinkle, president, says his father, James L. Trinkle, took over C.W. Francis & Son Inc. after his grandfather, C.W. Francis Jr., passed away at a young age. It was founded by C.W. Francis Sr.
The company has played a major role in developing south Roanoke, Trinkle says. He recalls hearing that the purchase of Chestnut Hill in the early 1960s was “the most anxious night. It was a big risk, but it ended up being the right thing to do.”
C.W. Francis & Son served as a launching pad for many realtors, including Ed Hall, Lynn Boone and Channing Bowling. It also has several employees, including Blanche Hawks and Ann Zimmerman, who have stayed with the business for more than 40 years. Edna Clark, who Trinkle says was a whiz at knowing the details of projects throughout the years, worked with the company for 49 years.
“I don’t think we could have made it to 100 years without them,” Trinkle says. These women are “so important to our history.” He also notes that his father shepherded the company through tough times in the 1980s, helping it thrive.
Lloyd Electric Company, 90 years
Founded in 1920, Lloyd Electric Company repairs electrical and mechanical industrial motors, pumps, fans and other equipment. 605 3rd St., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 10
Present Number of Employees: 12
Mission Statement: “Service before self since 1920.”
Originally named Barnett and Brubaker in the 1920s, the business was a small shop that specialized in automotive starters and generators. When Jay Lewis came back from World War I, he joined the staff and eventually bought the company. Now his grandson, Rick Lloyd, runs the place.
Under Lloyd ownership and name, the company branched out and began doing general industrial and machine work as well as onsite service. Most of their business today is repairing large equipment from cement plants, quarries and steel mills.
Lloyd grew up in the shop, working with his father, grandfather and brother. As a young boy, he and his brother would sweep, clean parts and drive the truck to different locations. Now his brother runs a second Lloyd Electric location in Harrisonburg.
SFCS Inc., 90 Years
An architecture, engineering, planning and interior design company, SFCS opened in 1920. 305 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 6
Present Number of Employees: 60
Mission Statement: Our passion is for meaningful and thoughtful design; we believe it has the power to bring people together and create environments where they can flourish.
SFCS began as Eubank & Caldwell in 1920 under the leadership of World War I veterans B.N. Eubank and J. Walker Caldwell. Eubank & Caldwell handled both architecture and construction for homes, churches, schools and theaters throughout Southwest Virginia.
In the 1940s, SFCS entered the seniors design field with Virginia Baptist Home in Culpeper. Since then, says Christina Sawyer, marketing assistant, the company has strived to better understand the needs of this segment of the population and improve the quality of design to meet those needs. Nursing and retirement projects account for a significant part of the firm’s national business. SFCS is currently exploring select international opportunities.
SFCS began a series of workshops 25 years ago to train staff on issues related to healthcare design and sensitivities to designing for seniors and older adults. Clients and other industry professionals took notice and asked to be part of the program. “The SFCS By Design Conference” has grown to a nationally known conference.
Gratitude for the company’s success is extended to “former partners the late J. Stuart Franklin, the late Bob Sherertz, the late Patrick N. Shaffner, Ronald O. Crawford, Rudy Jennings and Gregory Jones,” says Sawyer. “These gentlemen were great leaders and represented the best in their profession.”
Calvary Baptist Church, 85 Years
Calvary Baptist Church formed from the First Baptist Church in 1891, and moved to its current building in 1925. 608 Campbell Ave., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 2, the pastor and a secretary
Present Number of Employees: 9
Tagline: Senior Minister Donna Hopkins Britt says “a different kind of Baptist” is in the works as the church’s tagline.
During a giant storm that dropped three feet of snow on Roanoke in 1890, several men braved the weather to converse about forming a new church, says Senior Minister Donna Hopkins Britt. They contacted churches in the region to alert them of a Jan. 3 opening, and Calvary Baptist Church began with 34 charter members.
The church dedicated its current building in 1925, and although folks have talked about moving, Britt says something has kept them there. There would be a void if there were no free standing Baptist presence in the west end of downtown Roanoke, Britt acknowledges.
“We recognized that we can be a beacon for Christ here in meaningful ways,” she says.
Outpourings of good will have lead to warm moments in the church’s history. In the 1970s, the church formed a foundation that donates to local nonprofits. When fire damaged a church building in Maine and the pastor reached out for help, Calvary Baptist’s foundation stepped in. Since 2005, church members have taken part in a mission trip to Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota to lead Bible camps for children and work with the adults.
“It’s a great sign of Christ at work,” Britt says. “You feel good helping others, so it’s a win/win all around.”
Texas Tavern, 80 Years
A Roanoke icon, Texas Tavern restaurant opened its 10-stooled restaurant in 1930. 114 Church St., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 12
Present Number of Employees: 12
Mission Statement: “Give customers a fair shake” was founder Nick Bullington’s motto when he opened the restaurant, says owner Matt Bullington.
An advance man for the Ringling Brothers circus, Nick Bullington had always wanted to open a restaurant. He found great chili in San Antonio, convinced the cook to give him the recipe and settled in Roanoke, opening Texas Tavern in 1930. It’s been in continuous operation ever since.
The “open 24 hours, seven days a week, 364 days a year” restaurant has become a landmark in Roanoke, says fourth generation owner Matt Bullington. It’s a place where people from all walks of life gather for menu items that have remained – and will remain – the same for years to come.
“You’ll have a judge sitting next to someone they once put in jail, a banker next to a mechanic,” Bullington says. “You get a wider socioeconomic net of people here than anywhere else in Roanoke.
Running a restaurant, Bullington says he has had his share of humorous moments. A few years ago, someone broke in and tried to open the lock box. Bullington watched the surveillance video, laughing as the “man’s pants began to creep down until he bent over and they fell all the way down.”
Bullington attributes the success of Texas Tavern to consistency.
“We buy the freshest products and we give customers what they want, doing it all with a smile on our faces,” he says. “We exist because of great customers and loyal employees.”
Fink’s, 80 Years
Known for its high-end jewelry, Fink’s opened in downtown Roanoke in 1930. 3545 Electric Rd. and 4802 Valley View Blvd. NW, Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 1
Present Number of Employees: 100+
Mission Statement: We take pride in bringing our customers an extensive selection of the finest quality jewelry and Swiss timepieces, while providing an experience that reflects our personal integrity, our passion for the product we sell and our commitment to unsurpassed customer service.
Founder Nathan Fink was a pharmacist in Roanoke, and he pushed a cart on the streets of downtown selling jewelry on credit. By 1930, he decided to open a store, but it wasn’t just jewelry back then.
In addition to diamonds, gold and sterling silver jewelry, “he sold home goods, such as Samsonite luggage and Sunbeam kitchen appliances,” says Lindsey Kirby, marketing director. “It was the place to get the finest merchandise.”
Fink’s became a family business by the end of World War II and after Nathan Fink died in 1960, Alvin Fink shifted the focus more to jewelry and stores opened in other regions.
“There are now 14 locations in eight cities,” says Kirby. “And more expansions are on the horizon.”
The business exploded when grandson Marc Fink joined the company. Never losing sight of his grandfather’s vision, Fink focuses on selling “the best of the best,” Kirby says.
“He’s always looking for new opportunities,” she adds. “He’s very ambitious.”
Blue Ridge Parkway, 75 Years
Construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the U.S. National Park Service, began on September 11, 1935 near Cumberland Knob, N.C. and was completed in sections by separate contracts.
Employees When Founded: Private companies, federal and state highway officials, National Park Service employees, and a variety of WPA workers including Civilian Conservation Corps
Present Number of Employees: Approximately 175 permanent employees
Mission Statement: The National Park Service mission is “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”
Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National parks were established and/or authorized as two of the east coast’s great national parks in the 1930s, says Peter Givens, interpretive specialist for the Blue Ridge Parkway. During President Roosevelt’s visit to Shenandoah in the early 1930s, someone (presumably Virginia U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd) suggested that a recreational motor road linking the two parks would be an appropriate way to continue WPA employment projects and preserve the natural and cultural heritage along the mountains. By the outbreak of World War II, the Parkway was about half completed and, except for one section, was finished by the 1960s.
“The final ‘link’ around an ecologically sensitive section near Grandfather Mountain, N.C., was the subject of much discussion about where to route the road and how to preserve the slopes of Grandfather,” Givens says. “The Linn Cove Viaduct, an award-winning bridge was the final link of the Parkway that opened in 1987.”
Parkway visitors contribute more than two billion dollars to North Carolina and Virginia economies each year, according to university studies. From the beginning, communities and individuals realized the economic impact of the Parkway.
All of those who have worked along the Parkway throughout its history have contributed to the enjoyment of the millions of travelers.
Roanoke Fireman’s Federal Credit Union, 75 Years
A credit union for Roanoke fire or emergency medical services employees and their families founded in 1935. 1430 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke
Number of Members when Founded: 9
Present Number of Members: 850
Mission Statement: “Serve the people that serve the public.”
When the credit union was founded in 1935, Roanoke firefighters were responsible for buying their own uniforms and protective gear before beginning work – an investment that set them back about $500, more than $8,000 by today’s standards.
Nine firefighters pooled their money and chartered the credit union to help other employees borrow money, says Mike Rose, the credit union’s manager.
Now it’s the second oldest federally chartered credit union in Virginia. It’s a credit union in the true sense – members must be a Roanoke fire or emergency medical services employee or family member.
“It’s for the working man, and that’s what the credit union is all about,” says Rose.
Calvary Memorial Church, 75 Years
Begun as Franklin Road Mission around 1918-1919, Calvary Memorial Church officially became self-supporting with its own facility as Franklin Road Chapel in 1935. The name changed again in 1957. 2226 Colonial Ave., Roanoke
Present Number of Employees: 3 full-time, 1 part-time
Goal: To savor, celebrate, share and spread the supremely glorious goodness of our God through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A bicycle was stolen from the Michaels family in 1918 and found at a home on Franklin Road where the poor people of that area did not feel welcome in the well-dressed churches of Roanoke, says Calvary Memorial Church’s pastor Mark Vaughan. The Michaelses decided to start a Bible study and outreach in that area on Sunday afternoons that grew over time.
“The Michaels family became those who first forgave and then gave sacrificially for the rest of their lives to share the love of Christ in a neighborhood where people felt too poor to attend church,” Vaughan adds. “God turned a theft into a fountain of giving by the power and grace of the Gospel in people’s lives.”
The church is proud of the longevity of its pastors. Kathryn Gorman came in 1931 to lead the children’s outreach, later becoming pastor and staying until 1975 when she was 80. Larry Eenigenburg started in 1977, remaining until his death in 1999. Vaughan arrived in 2001.
“Each new pastor has been welcomed unanimously by the congregation when they arrived,” Vaughan says, “and we thank God for His grace to continue to use His word in and through this church.”
Roanoke County Public Library, 65 Years
The Roanoke County Public Library was chartered as a public library by the State of Virginia in 1945. Six locations exist, with the headquarters at 3131 Electric Rd., Roanoke.
Number of Employees When Founded: approximately 3
Present Number of Employees: 35 full-time, 35 part-time and many volunteers
Mission Statement: The community’s primary resource for lifelong learning and the place people turn to for the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading, and the power of information.
The Roanoke County Public Library formed from just a small collection of books owned by the Women’s Club, says Diana Rosapepe, director of library services. Prior to chartering in 1945, it operated as a lending library out of the club’s building on Conehurst Avenue in Salem.
“Thanks to the sheer drive and determination of its first director, Blanche Pedneau, usage grew until it had to be moved to its own space in a building on College Avenue in 1959,” Rosapepe says. “The current headquarters opened in 1973.”
The library extended its services through a school bus turned bookmobile that traveled to outlying areas of the county to reach those who could not make it to Salem. Then, bookmobiles gave way to branch libraries strategically placed around the county to serve more people.
Staff and volunteers have made a high standard of customer service a “cultural norm,” Rosapepe says, “and I would be hard-pressed to say there has been on signature moment in 65 years. “Nearly every day seems to bring some significant occurrence, if not for us then for the thousands of patrons who rely on us for books, movies, computers and Internet access, programs and research.”
Harris Office Furniture Co., 60 Years
Julius and Anne Harris of Roanoke founded this company that sells, designs and installs office furniture in 1950. 520 Kimball Ave., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 2
Present Number of Employees: 26
Mission Statement: “To listen to our customers, to understand their needs, and to tailor our solutions to them. In the process, we help clients create productive, healthy, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing business environments.”
Harris Office Furniture began in Julius and Anne Harris’ dry cleaning business in 1950. The couple placed in advertisement on the front door to sell used office furniture, says co-owner Troy Reimer. Customers were intrigued and, according to the company website, the Harrises ordered more furniture from government surplus. George – a manager – and Judy Reimer bought the business from the Harrises in 1976.
In the 1980s, the company grew when it aligned with one of its vendors, Herman Miller, and started selling systems furniture (cubicles). Troy, the Reimers’ son, and Doug Hyre purchased the company in 2001.
“We would, of course, like to thank all of our customers, and all of our employees past and present,” Reimer says, for contributing to the company’s success.
Rutledge Paint and Body, 60 Years
Opened in 1950, Rutledge is an auto body service shop. 1829 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 2
Present Number of Employees: 4
Mission Statement: “Oh Lord, let my words be gracious and sweet, for tomorrow I may have to eat them,” reads a sign that hangs on the wall, says owner Bill Rutledge.
Bill Rutledge’s father Jesse started the company in 1950 after leaving fire engine manufacturer Roanoke Welding Company to strike out on his own.
A sign hanging on the wall has served as the company’s unofficial creed ever since—the idea being that the company’s promises are ones to live by. “It’s really true, and we try to live by it.”
Rutledge says one incident from working in the business causes him to laugh. A woman had called in frantic, saying, “I’ve been hit in the rear end and need some body work.”
Without thinking, Rutledge responded, “Should you call your family doctor?”
The woman was silent for a moment but the comment seemed to calm her nerves about her car accident.
Looking back on 60 years in business, Rutledge wants to thank his customers, suppliers, friends and family.
Air-Lee Cleaners, 60 Years
A dry cleaning business, Air-Lee opened in 1950. Three locations in Roanoke, one in Daleville.
Number of Employees When Founded: 6
Present Number of Employees: 28
James Glass started Air-Lee Cleaners in 1950 after working with Pitzer Jones at another dry cleaning business in the early 40s. Jones started Carter and Jones, where Glass worked with him before opening Air-Lee. Now, Jones’ son, Bob, owns Air Lee.
As a teenager, Jones says, he would ride his bike to Air-Lee’s and work because Glass and his father were good friends. It was 1987 when he bought the business from Glass.
Jones is proud to say Air-Lee was named “Best Cleaners” in The Roanoker’s Best of awards nine years in a row. For 60 years of business, Jones would like to thank “all of the Air-Lee employees and customers.”
Varney Inc., 55 Years
Varney Inc. has been a commercial and industrial services contractor since 1955, providing electrical, HVAC and plumbing solutions. 1701 Shenandoah Ave. NW, Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: approximately 6
Present Number of Employees: 118
Mission Statement: “We partner with our customers to anticipate problems and develop innovative solutions. We continually advance our processes to deliver unmatched value and customer satisfaction.”
Brothers Ray and Jeryl Varney started their own electrical business in 1955. Since then, the company has continued to grow. In 1985, Varney Inc. added mechanical and plumbing contracting. They implemented the Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 1997 and initiated its first transaction in May 2001. According to Kathy Seymore-Lanter, chief financial officer, Varney became 100 percent employee-owned in December 2008.
Over the years, Varney and its employees have consistently been involved in giving back to the community. Causes receiving contributions include Relay for Life, Rebuild Together Roanoke, SW Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank, Junior Achievement, the American Heart Association, Salvation Army and Toys for Tots.
“We would like to thank the Varney and Flowers families for giving the company its roots and its employees for advancing the company forward,” says Seymore-Lanter.
Breakell Inc., 55 Years
Breakell Inc., with projects such as government, commercial, educational, industrial and historic renovation with a focus on sustainable building practices, was founded in 1955; 2314 Patterson Ave., Roanoke
Present Number of Employees: 75
Mission Statement: Breakell Inc. is committed to the success of our clients, employees and community through evolving sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship.
In 1955, Stanley Breakell and William Watts founded Watts & Breakell, a company with roots in residential construction and subdivision development. With growth and expansion, the firm moved into commercial and industrial construction, and in 1982, the name changed to Breakell Inc. Stanley G. Breakell, son of the founder, has led the company since 1987.
In the beginning, says Vickie Damico, director of marketing, the company had a second phone line, which rang at Breakell’s home. His wife was home with the children (current CEO Stanley and his brother James, president of the company). When the phone would ring, she “put on a professional voice to act as though she was working in an office,” Damico says.
With an eye to the future, Breakell Inc. is pioneering new ways of working, communicating and building through its commitment to sustainable business practices and advancing project management technology.
“The company is proud to have eight LEED® Accredited Professionals on staff to meet the demanding requirements for sustainable construction,” Damico says. “The company is also a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and a certified HUBZone contractor.”
Lanford Brothers, 50 Years
Highway contractors, Lanford Brothers opened in 1960. 122 North Commerce St., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: approximately 10
Present Number of Employees: up to 250
Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality construction service, create the safest work environment utilizing skilled employee owners and well-maintained equipment and continuously pursue innovative ideas with new technology.
Ken Lanford, president of Lanford Brothers, says his father, Stan, and Uncle Jack followed in the footsteps of his grandfather by starting their company in 1960. Lanford’s grandfather became involved in construction in the 1920s, moved to Roanoke in 1948 and opened a company. Four years after his death, the brothers created their own construction business.
“They, like most small companies,” says Lanford, “started with smaller jobs as subcontractors and built box culverts and bridges. Later, they made the transition from building to repairing roads and bridges, and that’s what’s kept us alive for 50 years.”
Lanford Brothers is now an employee-owned company, a significant achievement Lanford says. A great move for employees, they are able to own more stock, which becomes their retirement fund as well.
As the company developed, Lanford says English Construction in Lynchburg played a major role in getting Lanford Brothers on its feet.
“We give them a lot of credit for the success we’ve had,” he adds.
Downtown Roanoke Inc., 50 Years
A non-profit development organization founded in 1960. 213 Market St., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 12 members of the Board of Directors
Present Number of Employees: 3 full time, 1 part time
Mission Statement: Downtown Roanoke Inc. – making your downtown experience exceptional through programs, marketing, events, economic development, advocacy and leadership.
Downtown Roanoke Incorporated began in 1960 with a goal of preserving Roanoke’s downtown and pursuing development for the future of the area. The private sector, not-for-profit organization is “dedicated to making Downtown Roanoke a great place to work, live, invest and play,” says Lyndsay Smith, program manager.
DRI’s 22-member Board of Directors consists of retail, restaurant, professional, industrial business and property owners in downtown – as well as other areas of the Roanoke region – who partner with other owners, merchants, non-profits and the government to “develop strategies, shape public policy, and implement programs to strengthen the economic vitality of downtown,” Smith adds.
DRI has achieved much success with producing and promoting year-round events held downtown, including Dickens of a Christmas, Movies in the Park, Greening on the Market and In the City T-shirt Day.
Brambleton Auto Service, 45 years
An auto repair and brake service business, Brambleton Auto Service opened in 1965. 3223 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 5
Present Number of Employees: 5
Don Foutz says the key to getting customers to keep coming back is doing good work and keeping honest.
Foutz was working in a garage, and his brother, Rodney, was working at Magic City Ford when they decided to go into business together.
He’s owned the company for 45 years and now has both his son, Keith, who is the head mechanic, and his grandson, Jared, working for him too.
“They stuck with me pretty good,” says Foutz, adding that the recession hasn’t been affecting his business.
“People are holding onto their old cars,” and that means more tune-ups and repairs come through the garage doors, he says. He assumes people would rather spend a few hundred dollars to keep their current car than tens of thousands for a new one.
Foutz remembers one customer who brought her car in to be inspected. When she came by later to pick up her car, her tire was flat. She was angry and said the tire hadn’t been flat when she brought it in.
“I said ‘I know, I drove it,’ “ Foutz laughs, saying that she had probably run over a nail. He replaced her tire and didn’t charge her.
“So then she came back to see me later. Guess she thought I might be some kind of honest,” Foutz says.
Thor Inc., 45 Years
A construction company formed in 1965. 3313 Plantation Rd.
Mission Statement: At Thor, Inc., we strive for the finest construction product consistent with our project owner’s specifications and requirements. We always use proper materials, construction techniques, equipment, scheduling, expediting, and safety measures. We live Total Quality Management everyday.
When Thor Inc. was founded in 1965 by F.J. “Red” Ward, it was a relatively small construction company, says CEO John Whittle. In 1968, Ward contacted Whittle – who was an associate with Hayes, Seay, Mattern and Mattern at the time – about a possible “arrangement.”
“Red was nearing retirement and wanted a younger person to take over when he retired,” Whittle says. “I spent the next three years learning everything I could from Red before he retired and I took over.”
Though working as a professional engineer, construction was Whittle’s passion. He had worked summer jobs for construction companies and “it got into my blood like nothing else.” Since taking over Thor, the company has grown in size and prominence, he says.
Whittle recalls one of the toughest times in his career was in the early 70s.
“If you were fortunate enough to have any work back then, it was almost impossible to purchase the materials to accomplish the work for what you had estimated,” he says. “Many contractors and subs alike were forced to fold. It really changed the complexion of the construction industry.”
Thor survived, and Whittle – now close to retirement – says he feels blessed to have young and talented folks to carry on the company. His son, Allen, is president and the company is employee-owned.
Perdue Exterminating, 40 years
A pest control business, Perdue Exterminating was founded in 1970. 4323 Old Cave Spring Rd., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 1
Present Number of Employees: 5
Mission Statement: “Large enough to serve you, but small enough to know you.”
Founder “S” Perdue was a salesman who started the business in 1970, and as soon as his son, Andre, the current owner, got off the bus from the military, he started spraying bugs too.
During the recession in the 1970s, times were tough and Andre would often do odd jobs for customers like fixing leaky faucets to help make ends meet.
Entomology courses at Virginia Tech and working with the Pest Control Association helped him hone his craft.
From time to time, Andre’s young daughter would accompany him on calls. He remembers specifically one incident at a vacant house where he was spraying for cockroaches. His daughter was two years old at the time.
“Roaches started running and she was scared, so I told her to step on them. She had a great time,” Andre says.
Afterward they went to the donut shop. “I had to clean off her little white shoes before we could even go in.”
Luigi’s, 40 Years
Roanoke’s first Italian restaurant, Luigi’s opened in 1970. 3301 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke
Present Number of Employees: 19
In 1945, young Lou Iott was looking forward to dinner at Mama Leone’s family Italian restaurant in New York City. With the place crowded, it would be near impossible to dine that night, but Iott’s friend knew one of the cook’s, so they sat in the kitchen.
Iott was so impressed with the food, telling Mama Leone’s son, Gene, that he hoped to open his own restaurant someday. Gene gave him a cookbook that eventually became the basis for many recipes used at Iott’s restaurant, Luigi’s.
“We’ve been very successful,” says Maristane Rocha, owner. “We have loyal clientel; we’re a family business and are very proud of what we do.”
Rocha says they are blessed, having generations of families continue to dine at Luigi’s.
“People come here that I used to hold when they were little,” she says. “Now they’re already going to have babies. We get lawyers, doctors, groups from church who come here. I’d like to thank the Roanoke people and those who have supported us all this time.
“I thank God too; if he didn’t send us all these people, we wouldn’t be here.”
Prillaman HVAC Inc., 40 Years
Specializing in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, Prillaman’s was founded in 1970. 1125 Intervale Dr., Salem
Present Number of Employees: 14
Goal: To provide the best service to customers. “We don’t always get it right the first time, but we’re going anywhere until you’re happy,” says Toni West, co-owner.
Back in the 1970s, says Toni West, co-owner of Prillaman HVAC, technicians and mechanics realized it would be easy to start their own business and make they money their employers made. That’s when Joe Prillaman and his wife, Georgia, started the company.
An acquaintance of Joe’s, West was hired in 1991 to help with the business. A successful venture came in 1994 when “we purchased the assets of Air Comfort and partner, Bruce Jones, joined us,” says West. That aided in the company’s growth.
“In these economic times, it’s hard,” she adds. “I think of companies who don’t have 40 years of customers like we do. With our customers, we’re on to (doing business with) their children and grandchildren now.”
Longevity has been a key to success as well. Many employees have been with Prillaman HVAC for 25 to 30 years, making them more “like a family,” West says.
Joe Prillaman retired from the company eight years ago, but West says she knows he would thank “all of the people that trusted us and gave us a chance.
Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 35 Years
Founded in 1971, it’s the largest cooperatively owned natural foods grocery store in Virginia, providing the community with nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. 1319 Grandin Rd., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 2
Present Number of Employees: 45
Mission Statement: The Roanoke Natural Foods Cooperative is a member owned and operated retail store committed to providing the highest quality organic and natural foods at low cost. We support responsible environmental practices, local organic farmers, sound nutrition, local businesses and our community.
Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op was born in the basement of Frank and Eva Jo Wu’s home in 1971. The two had moved from D.C. and found that Roanoke had nowhere to purchase natural and organic foods. They ordered the products in bulk, and local residents became interested. The co-op changed buildings several times and on May 28, 1975, the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op became incorporated and open for business. It has been in its current – and fifth – building since 1999.
The move to the former Thriftway store was a turning point, says Elizabeth Wilson, operations manager. Its 11,000-square-feet seemed larger than the co-op needed, but they were capable of filling the space.
“Bruce Phlegar, our general manager saw the need for growth,” Wilson says. “We were ready, but it was a huge leap of faith and it legitimized us in many ways.”
During the grand opening, Wilson recalls as a funny moment in the history of the store, Mayor David Bower attended for the ribbon cutting. They offered him a taste of one of their products, beet juice.
“I give him an A for effort,” Wilson laughs. “His expression after tasting it was priceless.”
For helping the co-op come this far, John Bryant, director of marketing, says they thank the founding members and, of course, the community.
“We wouldn’t be able to function without them,” he says.
Hall Associates Inc., 35 Years
A full-service commercial real estate firm, Hall Associates Inc. opened in 1975. 213 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke
Number of Employees When Founded: 4 agents, 2 employees
Present Number of Employees: 26 agents, more than 100 employees
Tagline: Providing Commercial Real Estate Solutions
Edwin C. Hall, John C. Glasgow and Henry Scholz Jr. founded Hall Associates – the first true commercial real estate company formed in the valley – to manage and lease the downtown Carilion Administrative Services Building (formerly the First Union Building).
The company still manages the building today and in addition to commercial real estate, focuses on commercial, facilities and residential property management/maintenance, a janitorial division and a homeowners association and property owners association division.
From the beginning, Hall, president and CEO, was quickly thrust into a position he was not expecting. One partner passed away one year after the firm opened, the other four years later.
“That forced me to run the company myself,” he recalls. “I had to overcome these losses right away. I didn’t have much choice, but I had to get it done.”
Hall says the firm would not be celebrating an anniversary today had it not been for his opportunity to partner with Glasgow and Scholz. He also credits his experience working at C.W. Francis & Associates for the longevity.
Five years ago, the company became involved in two education-based endeavors. They worked with Virginia Western Community College to open the Hall Associates Career & Employment Center and helped with the Access program in Salem for students who qualify to get free tuition to attend VWCC.
Vinton Bookkeeping & Tax Service, 35 Years
Opened in 1975, the business provides bookkeeping and tax services for the Roanoke Valley. 212 S. Pollard St., Vinton
Number of Employees When Founded: 2
Present Number of Employees: 3
Mission Statement: “Our reputation is built around personalized service.”
What started as a side job for Ethel Noell to make extra money became the more than 900 tax returns she will complete this season.
Noell was working part time as a secretary at Josten’s, (known for yearbooks and graduation rings) when she put her bookkeeping knowledge to use and helped found the company.
“We’re not a franchise, we’re not some large CPA firm,” says Noell. “We work with the client on a one to one basis.”
Looking back on 35 years of business, Noell says it’s all due to the clients who continue to come back year after year. “I’m working three generations – we’ve been through parents, children and now grandchildren,” Noell says.
There have been clients, she says who would come in for tax return assistance only to forget mentioning that they had a child that year or, in one case, got married.
“I never told his wife he forgot,” Noell says.
Harry F. Bosen Jr., P.C., 35 Years
Harry F. Bosen Jr. opened his law practice in November 1975 after becoming licensed by the Virginia State Bar in September 1975. He became a professional corporation in 1981. 306-A East Main St., Salem
Present Number of Employees: 3
Tagline: Seek the truth, seek justice.
After passing his Bar Exam, Harry F. Bosen Jr. borrowed $3,000 to open an office on Main Street in Salem, moving to his current location in 1981. He won his very first jury trial in a criminal case in Roanoke County Circuit Court.
“I was up against John Lampros who was the chief Commonwealth’s Attorney and one of the toughest and best prosecutors in the state,” he says.
His most rewarding case came a few years ago in Bland County Circuit Court while representing a man accused of raping his five-year-old cousin 12 years before the charge. The man had confessed to the rape upon interrogation by the Virginia State Police.
“No attorney would take the case except to plead him guilty on a plea deal for 20 or more years,” Bosen says. “I tried the case on a not guilty plea and proved that the allegation and confession were false and that the crime never happened. He was found not guilty in a county where no defendant had been acquitted on a felony trial in over 20 years.”
Bosen thanks several attorneys in Salem for helping him as a young lawyer.
“Charlie Phillips, Furman Whitescarver, Jr., Keith Hunt, Harlin Perrine, etc. and Judges: F. L. Hoback, Sr., Ernie Ballou, Byron Gochenauer, Norman Moore, F. L. Hoback, Sr., Jack Coulter, James Turk (federal) all taught me how to be a lawyer and to think outside the box,” he adds.
Audiotronics, 35 Years
This provider of audio, car stereo and video systems and products, as well as installation services, opened its doors in 1975. Two Roanoke locations: 2750 Ogden Rd., 6802 Peters Creek Rd.
Number of Employees When Founded: 2
Present Number of Employees: between 25-3
Mission Statement: Audiotronics exists to competently serve its Customers with superior products, services and advice within the consumer electronics realm. We will at all times serve our customers and employees with dignity and respect. It is not our mission to be the biggest at what we do, rather we will endeavor to be the best in those products and services, which we offer to the public.
What was initially a hobby of David Smith’s turned into a full-fledged business. Audiotronics started in 1975 as a sort of “two channel stereo world” says co-owner Alan Guyes. John Ferguson later purchased the company and Guyes joined 30 years ago.
Over the years, the owners have taken a few leaps of faith, first moving from their small, rented location to their primary store on Ogden Road. Last year, they bought a second building on Peters Creek Road. Plus, they’ve had to constantly keep up with new technology.
“You have to reinvent yourself,” Guyes says. “If I’d been told we would be doing home automation systems (such as motorized shades), I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Guyes says the reason Audiotronics continues to stay in business is because of their great customer base. The company is “all about the customer experience and we hope to exceed expectations,” he adds.
“We have some customers that just love us to death,” he says. “It’s not uncommon to be in the store and a customer walks in with freshly baked bread or cookie as a thank you. And if we can thank anyone, it’d have to be our customers and our employees, many who have been here 20+ years.”
Church of Christ-Lake Drive, 35 Years
This church was founded in 1975. 1050 Route 24 Bypass, Vinton
Present Number of Employees: 100
Church of Christ had its first worship service in January of 1975.
“It has really been a blessing to be here,” says Pastor Tommy Blewett. “We received a very warm welcome with outstretched hands from the community.”
Blewett is particularly fond of the youth Bible camp that happens every summer. For 25 years members of the congregation have taken a week to teach nearly 100 children.
“It’s all volunteers,” Blewett says. “It’s the love this congregation has for each other.”
Blewett recalls a story the congregation tells from before he became pastor in August of 1988. Someone had been cleaning the baptistry and accidentally left the water running. The water flooded the downstairs portion of the church.
“At the time, that wasn’t funny, but 25 years later, it’s pretty funny,” Blewett says.
Luckily there haven’t been any further problems.
“Of course everyone is very careful about cleaning the baptistry now,” Blewett says.
Building Specialists Inc., 35 Years
This full service general contractor since 1975 specializes in construction and renovation of commercial and residential projects. 114 Day Ave., Roanoke
Tagline: It’s not what we build. It’s how.
Building Specialists Inc. was founded in 1975 by Bob Fetzer. Since then, the company has contributed their talents to renovations of their own office (one of the first to be renovated downtown), the Grandin Theatre and Roanoke College’s President’s Home.
In 2005, BSI worked with Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture and the Virginia Tech School of Design to design and build ABC’s Extreme Makeover home in Blacksburg. The company donated more than 60,000 hours of time and manpower and recruited more than 4,000 volunteers, says Sandy Murray, marketing director.
“We worked to solicit thousands of dollars in donations to make the project happen,” she adds.
BSI is proud to offer 90 years of combined experience through a team that is “adept at eliminating the hassles and avoiding the pitfalls common in construction,” Murray explains. “We are constantly looking at new and innovative technologies in construction, including ‘green’ and sustainable design, continually evaluating and updating our services and sharing that information with the teams we work with.”
Spartan Silk Screen, 35 Years
Specializing in heat transfers, screen printing and embroidery, Spartan Silk Screen opened in 1975. 107 Roanoke Blvd., Salem
Number of Employees when Founded: 2
Present Number of Employees: 3
Spartan Silk Screen started in 1975 by Howard and Beth Semones. Lisa Smith bought the business in October 2008 and expanded the store’s inventory, brands and products available.
“I wanted something closer to home without the travel and headache of upper management,” Smith says.
Having a new business in the throes of the recession was difficult.
“The business has been very interesting and challenging for me so far,” she says.
All work is completed in-house. The business’ main customers are area schools, businesses and other groups such as churches.
Smith says the company will continue to provide its customers with great value and quality products.
Anniversaries under 35 Years
30 YEARS
Summit Helicopters Inc.
595 Cougar Dr., Cloverdale
Mac and Bob’s
316 East Main St., Salem
Bowing Enterprises/Trebark Inc.
3434 Buck Mountain Rd., Roanoke
Dance, Etc.
360 E. Virginia Ave., Vinton
Chateau Morrisette
287 Winery Rd. SW, Floyd
GSS Computer Technology
5238 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke
Denison Insurance Agency
358 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke
Southwest Sunroom & Window Co.
625 College Ave., Salem
25 YEARS
Architectural Wood
6525 Commonwealth Dr., Roanoke
Perry F. Kendig Awards (Roanoke College)
221 College Ln., Salem
Elderscholar Program (Roanoke College)
221 College Ln., Salem
Magee, Foster, Goldstein & Sayers
310 First St., Roanoke
Bentech
1429 Centre Ave., Roanoke
VIP Planners Inc.
1502 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke
20 YEARS
Carlos Brazilian International Cuisine
4167 Electric Rd., Roanoke
Southwest Virginia Ballet
305 East Calhoun St., Salem
Cobb Technologies
1318 Plantation Rd. NE, Roanoke
Mill Mountain Coffee
Locations in Roanoke, Salem and Daleville
The Wallace Agency
106 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke
Afton Vineyards
234 Vineyard Ln., Afton
15 YEARS
AmRhein Wine Cellars
9243 Patterson Dr., Bent Mountain
Creative Occasions
111 E. Lee Ave., Vinton
Apple Barn Gallery
19781 Main St., Buchanan
The Roanoke Discovery Shop
3723 Franklin Rd., Roanoke
Kinsey Shane & Associates
201 W. Main St., Salem
Reid’s Fine Furnishings
1324 Grandin Rd., Roanoke
Leonard’s Copy Systems Inc.
1225 Washington Ave., Vinton
Peaks of Otter Winery
2122 Sheep Creek Rd., Bedford
Valley Bank
Various locations in the Roanoke Valley
10 YEARS
Roanoke Higher Education Center
108 North Jefferson St., Roanoke
Spectrum Design, P.C.
10 Church Ave., Roanoke
Southern Print & Copy
2406 Franklin Rd. SW, Roanoke
5 YEARS
Patriots Home & Auto Outfitters Inc.
7562 Hitech Rd., Roanoke
The Glebe
200 The Glebe Blvd., Daleville
She’s International
112 E. Main St., Salem
HomeTown Bank
202 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke
Cabinetry with TLC
4325 Old Cave Spring Rd., Roanoke
Fork in the Alley
2123 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke
Two Rob’s
3618 Brambleton Ave., Suite D, Roanoke