While WOMT Radio celebrates 100 years of service to the Manitowoc community, so does another local company.
Schaus Mechanical, which came to life as William Schaus and Son, is still family-owned five generations later.
Jerry Schaus is a part of the fourth generation of owners, and he is joined by three other members of the fifth generation who are keeping the company going.
He says owning the company is an honor.
“We enjoy what we’re doing,” he said with pride. “It’s hectic, a lot of hard work, but (i’s) a long time for a family business to keep going.”
When Jerry’s great-grandfather started the company, they did a little bit of everything for the residents of Manitowoc.
“They did sheet metal work, heating, had hardware, washers and dryers, paint, roofing, all kinds of different things,” he explained. “Obviously, through the years things have changed.”
One of those changes was the creation of a rigging business, started by Jerry’s Uncle Jim, which is still alive and well today, known as Allstates Rigging.
Schaus Mechanical used to be known as Schaus Roofing and Mechanical Contractors, but that also changed as they dipped their toes into another venture.
“In the last five years, we sold our roofing division, and we picked up a plumbing division, which is known now as Maritime Plumbing,” Jerry recalled.
Jerry says construction has been in the family blood for generations, but even more important has been how the Schaus family cares for the other families who make up their employee pool.
“There’s a lot of employees here…a lot of families that we have working here,” he noted. “We need to make sure, with all their hard work and dedication, that we can reward them well with pay and good benefits. And also, pretty importantly, is supporting the community.”
Schaus Mechanical has survived 100 years thanks to its willingness to adapt to the needs of the community and the strong workforce that has put their blood, sweat, and tears into the business.
Jerry says that is what they will need to continue to do if they want to make it another 100 years, adapt, and treat their employees with the respect they have earned.
Part of that support will include a special party for the employees and their families, which they will hold at the Chiefs Clubhouse later this year.
