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To familiarize you with us, the history of Checker Distributors follows. As you will see, our
company has grown to its present size because of the dedication and commitment of our employees.
Checker Notions was founded in 1948 by Bob Krieger and Jerry Van Walbeck to
promptly supply zippers, threads, yarns and ribbon to J.C. Penney, Woolworth and Kresge stores in Northwest
Ohio. Delivery from the store's main supply sources could take up to six weeks. The founders recognized that
potential business awaited if orders could be shipped the day they were ordered. Our present day commitment to
same day shipping remains the same.
The venture began with $150 each and was located in Jerry's basement on Bellevue Road in Toledo. Bob would
sell the products during the day and Jerry would process the orders and keep the books. Both partners still
maintained other full-time jobs. Checker was a very small private enterprise.
Del Krieger, Bob's wife, named Checker Notions when she made an order form for all the
notions stocked so the customer could put a check mark next to the items they wanted. She initiated the
phrase "Check with Checker." This phrase appeared on company stationery and was part of
the greeting on the telephone.
Various sundry items such as hair goods and baby items were added to the small inventory of items as more
variety and drug stores became customers. The business grew slowly because of the need of both partners to
continue their full-time jobs.
1952 marked a major event. The first employee was hired. Her name was Helen Younkman. She
worked part-time filling the orders and answering the telephones during the day.
In 1953 the fledging concern was moved to a small storefront on the corner of Lincoln and
Detroit Avenues in Toledo. Also during this year, the second employee, Del Krieger joined the company on a
part-time basis when she could break away from raising her two small children, Rob and Dede. Helen and Del
worked in the warehouse, Jerry did the books and Bob called on the customers.
1954 marked the year that Del began to call on stores along with her warehouse
responsibilities. The potential for more business was evident as long as the customers could be made aware
of the services that Checker could provide them.
1955 was a turning point in regards to commitment for Checker's growth.
Coats and Clark was Bob's employer. While he was on vacation his supervisor called on Checker
and found out that Bob was an owner and that he was working for both companies, against company rules. Coats
and Clark immediately terminated him. This left no other choice. Del began to work full-time and Bob had to
substantially increase his geographical sales effort calling on stores for Checker.
By 1959 Jerry chose to devote his full-time efforts to his father's company and sold his
share of ownership to friends of the Krieger's, Marge and Lou Beale of Detroit. They remained silent partners,
leaving the management to the Krieger's. Also in that year the business and family residence was moved to the
Secor Road location. The entire inventory fit easily into the front Southeast corner building of 2650 square
feet. The Krieger family lived in the house in front of the business. By now there were two full-time and two
part-time employees. Business times were not good and without the sacrifices of Del and Bob, the company
would not have survived.
In 1963 through much perseverance, determination and hard work the first addition, the
Southwest corner section of 4,400 square feet, was added to the original building. In this year, the
Krieger's purchased the Beale's share of the company.
During the next eight years, many various types of products were experimented with. Tablecloths, yarns,
novelties, knick-knacks, inexpensive luggage, hats, clothesline and various other general variety store
merchandise were stocked. This gave customers a variety of products to choose from and expanded our
reputation as a company, which was capable of supplying what the customer wanted.
In 1967 Checker exhibited in it's first trade show, the Cleveland Textile Show. They
were the only distributor of notions present and it helped greatly in the expansion of its business.
In 1971 Rob Krieger returned from the Army and chose to work for the family business.
At this time there were six full time and five part-time employees in the warehouse and two part-time
salespeople.
In 1972 Checker was incorporated. Product lines were being reviewed and expanded.
Competition was fierce but they met it with new products, more services and a determination to make
their company the best.
1973 marked the introduction of our first automated billing machine, a Burroughs
"L4000". Primitive by today's standards, it greatly assisted the extension of invoices and ledger
cards, which were previously typed or handwritten.
The first complete catalog was published in 1974. Also, two incoming nationwide WATS
lines and one incoming WATS line for Ohio were installed.
In 1975 the second addition to Checker was built to bring the total
capacity to 10,040 square feet. The number of employees was now 17, both full and part-time.
Between 1976 and 1979, three new catalogs were published and exhibition
in regional shows was expanded.
1980 brought Checker to the computer age. Our first computer, an IBM
System 34 was installed to help in all phases of business. Additional salespeople and warehouse employees
were hired.
1982-83 saw our product lines expanded to give greater depth to sewing notions and craft
related items. More catalogs than ever were distributed to customers.
In 1984 fabrics and art supplies were added to our product line. These decisions were
made because of the declining demand for just notions. Our ability for change and diversification was
once again demonstrated.
1986 brought our second-generation computer, a Burroughs B1900 with software especially
designed for a distributor. Also, our third addition was built bringing the square footage to over 24,000
square feet. 1986 was the year in which the employee handbook was first published.
1987 saw Checker expand its territory with more salespeople. We also
added more warehouse employees, customers and products.
In 1988 we continued to expand fabric lines with VIP and discontinued fine art supplies.
We also officially changed our name to Checker Distributors in our 40th year of business.
In 1989, more salespeople were added to increase geographical coverage. We expanded our
inventory in books and patterns.
In 1990, a large southern sales force was hired. The need for next day delivery to our
customers made this expansion essential. Also, our third generation computer, an IBM RISC 6000 was ordered
for installation in 1991.
In 1992, additional sales representatives were hired on the west and east coasts to
service and supply customers in those territories. Our service excellence and reputation as a nationwide
distributor continued to grow. Adaptation and flexibility were key to our successes. We grew while other
distributors were declining.
In 1993, our computer was upgraded with more memory and software. A personal computer
network was installed to enhance our reporting techniques in all facets of the business.
In 1994 more salespeople and warehouse staff were required to meet our growth. Emphasis
on customer service remained our highest goal.
In January of 1995, Checker Distributors relocated to a new warehouse at 400 West Dussel
Drive Ste B in Maumee, OH, with a total capacity of 63,000 sq. ft. A new phone and computer system were
added. This location better serves the needs of our ever-growing company.
In 1996 the decision was made to bar code all products for internal radio frequency
paperless processing of orders. This will greatly increase efficiency and accuracy. A new bound notions
catalog was printed. In addition, a new, full color Book & Pattern catalog was produced combining
over 250 vendors into a single presentation, an industry first.
1997 was an exciting year as we began to prepare for the year 2000. The concept of
Checker 2000 was developed to anticipate the expected changes in the world market.
Our objective is to maintain Checker as the world's leading distributor in our market.
Plans, goals and contingencies were analyzed and put forth. Our marketing and sales departments were
expanded. Promotional ideas for our 50th year of business in 1998 were developed.
Radio frequency equipment and software for internal processing of orders was purchased. The recording of
55,000 item bar codes into our computers for use with the RF equipment was begun. We began construction
of our Internet site as our window to the world. The Online Store was released in August. Organizational
capabilities were expanded to accommodate our growth. Checker University was established
to train all of our employees on the finest point of our business, which is CUSTOMER SERVICE.
1999 We developed our capabilities further into electronic commerce arena. Our website
was expanded and the customer's response was very enthusiastic. Our internal E-mail system was installed
for internal and sale representatives use. Again, our employees showed their ability to change and grow
with new technologies. Our increased product selection in books, patterns and notions added additional
customer value. Order fulfillment levels were the highest ever. Our commitment to value added service
through our marketing department reached new heights. Progress on the installation of Warehouse Management
System intensified. This system will allow us to significantly improve our accuracy and efficiencies in
inventory, order processing and receiving. This will result in even higher customer satisfaction.
In 2000 we initiated our NICHE (Not In Chains) product identification program where we
identify for Independent businesses items that are not in the chain stores. We are the only distributor
to provide this service. Checker also formed a partnership with Creative Grids UK to
become the exclusive distributor for Creative Grids® Non Slip Quilting Rulers for the western
hemisphere. We maintained our commitment to Independents by insisting that these rulers not be sold in
chain stores.
The year 2001 saw further expansion of our product line to over 72,000 items. Our buyers
continue to search the world to find products that fill the customers' desire. We are a one-stop resource
for businesses worldwide.
In 2002 the Maumee warehouse increased to 100,000 sq. feet. In addition, we installed
5 carousels to speed the processing of orders. Connected to our computer networks and radio frequency
hand held computers, we set a goal to ship all orders received by 2PM the same day. This is another
enhancement of our commitment to Customer Service. Our 4 Seasons Promotional Fabric division
also made its debut. Realizing the demand for low price, high quality, 100% cotton fabrics, we combined
our buyers' expertise and Checker's resources to sell and promote these products to
businesses worldwide.
Recognition of our employees hard work and attention to customer service were recognized on October 25,
2003 at the International Quilt Market, when Checker was awarded the "Best of Notions
Distributor for 2003" by the Fabric Shop Network representing almost 1,000 domestic quilt and fabric
shops. We won the Best of Categories in: Fill Rate, On-Time Delivery, Accuracy, Return Policy, Order
Desk, Salesperson to Work With and Company to Work With.
In 2004/2005 we installed state of the art distribution software that incorporates all
aspects of the distribution processes into one system. The utilization of all encompassing software and
the dedication of our employees will insure that we maintain our high level of service to our customers.
In 2006 our Team worked hard on developing a new comprehensive website that incorporates
advanced search capabilities, a fabric color selector, top 20 selling items and newest products by category
and "How to Use" product videos. The "Where to Buy" feature is designed to guide consumers to Independent
businesses & to bring "wish lists" of products they select to the Independent.
In 2007 customers now have two web based information resources from Checker. We created our weekly Blog
or newsletter, www.checkernewsletter.com,
keeping Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needleart businesses up to date on all that is happening and new
ideas. It informs about new products, industry news, our staff and our suppliers. We also continue to
modify and update our very complete website, www.checkerdist.com, making it the most informative and
easy to use in the industry. Both of these communication tools show our commitment to Independent
businesses giving them access to our vast inventories and pool of information at their fingertips.
Checker's future is bright. Commitment to customer service is paramount in everything
we do. Our customers are our future and we will do all that is required to provide the very best of service!
We are proud of our tradition, prompt shipping, team effort and customer service. Welcome to our TEAM!
Sincerely,
President
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