Fourth generation sets the bar high at Ben B. Schwartz
Fourth generation sets the bar high at Ben B. Schwartz
Since opening its doors in 1906, Ben B. Schwartz Inc., located on the Detroit Terminal Market, has been on the cutting edge. “The railroad decided to build a terminal market in Detroit,” said Chief Operating Officer Nate Stone. “Ben B. received the first load that ever arrived at the terminal.”
Evolving from the dream of a Lithuanian immigrant who began making a living selling produce, today the fourth generation of family members are making their mark.
Jake Billmeyer, a fourth-generation owner at Ben B. Schwartz Inc. is flanked by Robert Sanders and Ralph Laderoot III of the buyer/sales team. (Photo courtesy of Ben B. Schwartz Inc.)
"Companies come and go these days," Stone observed. "It's unbelievable how much these young people know. Their thinking is fresh and current."
Bucking trends that see young people leaving the produce industry, Stone is gratified at the level of expertise and enthusiasm shown by the younger set. He illustrated by saying the median age of company employees is in the 30s.
"Young people have grown up with technology," he said of the forward-thinking perspective they bring to Ben B. "We have young people with college degrees."
Stone said Jake Billmeyer, a standard bearer of the fourth generation, is the son of President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Billmeyer. Jake Billmeyer, who graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, began his work at Ben B. in 2009, learning all facets of the company business. “Jake is as focused as any of the owners,” Stone stated.
The working atmosphere at the company is conducive to hard work. But Stone said the employees also take pride in a job well done.
Ben B. services regional customers and moves product into Canada. “We’re doing business all over,” Stone said. “The company is poised to move into the next generation.”
