By Alan Wolf, YSN
Not many companies get to celebrate their 75th anniversary, but we’re happy to report that BrandSource distribution partner Almo Corp. is an exception.
The Philadelphia-based appliance, furniture and consumer tech business is marking its diamond jubilee in 2021 with a year-long series of celebrations and charitable partnerships.
The family-owned distributor was launched in 1946 by friends Albert Margolis and Morris Green. The two combined the first two letters of their names to form Almo, in order to appear up front in the alphabetical Yellow Pages phone listings.
Al and Moe started out by selling radio and TV parts to servicing dealers throughout the Mid-Atlantic states. Over the next 75 years the company grew into a thriving international distribution operation, shipping appliances, CE, pro A/V equipment, housewares and furniture to retailers out of nine regional distribution facilities with over 2.5 million square feet of warehousing.
“We are proud to still be running strong at 75 years and are especially thankful for the partnerships we’ve gained and maintained along the way,” said Warren Chaiken, Almo’s third-generation president/CEO.
While reaching the ripe old age of 75 is a major landmark, Chaiken described the past year as a “significant milestone” as well, given the company’s response to the pandemic. “Being able to quickly set up our processes for employees to work seamlessly from home, offering a Financial Relief Alliance program, stocking up on product to keep our partners in business, providing products that focus on screening and sanitizing, and creating a successful virtual platform for our in-person dealer events are just some of the ways we have continued to move forward through the challenge,” he said.
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Added Warren’s dad, chairman Gene Chaiken, “People are what make companies great and Almo is comprised of passionate, hard-working, caring people who bring meaning to our business and our relationships. Operating our business for 75 years has been a challenging and rewarding experience for all Almo stakeholders; we remain steadfast in our ability to be a value-added distributor for many years to come.”
To help commemorate the achievement, Almo will hold celebrations during its on-site and virtual sales meeting and road shows, and will provide time, talent and donations to 75 charitable organizations — one for each year — including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross and Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.
