3 minute read
Three Generations Strong
SCHLOSSER & ASSOCIATES CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF FAMILY LEGACY
BY GARNET DENNIS
Running a family business is a delicate balancing act, requiring a blend of sacrifice, time management, and an unwavering commitment to shared goals, yet through the challenges lies a deeply fulfilling journey of building a legacy. In 1954, my father, Paul Schlosser, Sr., founded Schlosser Plumbing & Heating, a residential repair service located on Newark, Delaware’s Main Street.
As the family grew, so did the business. I had four siblings, and the plumbing business provided for our large family throughout the years. My brother, Paul Jr., being the only son, worked in the business along with Nancy, my eldest sister. In the 1980s, Paul Jr. made great strides in growing the business as he took on commercial work while maintaining the residential repair service.
In 1992, my husband, Steve Dennis, joined the company and concentrated mainly on the service department. We became Schlosser & Associates, recognizing that none of this would be possible without a skilled group of associates. Paul Jr. unfortunately became ill and passed away in 2013. This brought on yet another transition for Schlosser & Associates. Steve became president of the company, and along with many trusted associates–including Cory Marshall, Chip Gruber, Darryl Remedio, Mary Clark, and several others–we began doing work at industrial sites while still maintaining our presence with commercial and residential customers.
Steve and I have four children, and once they got a bit older, I became more involved in the company. As our three sons, Zach, Chris, and Justin are currently working within the company, this marks the third generation involved with the business. With the arrival of my grandson, Adrian, perhaps the fourth generation will join us in the future!
As a business who was a legacy winner of the Family-Owned Business Awards from the Delaware Business Times in 2019, we understand the significance of supporting fellow businesses like ours. What sets family-owned businesses apart is the dedication to quality, personalized service, and a deep-rooted commitment to our community. When you choose to support a family-owned business, you’re not just investing in a product or service – you’re investing in the livelihoods of local families, fostering economic resilience, and preserving the unique character of our community. Together, let’s strengthen the fabric of our business community by choosing to support one another.
As we celebrate our 70th Anniversary, we continue to honor the legacy of our founder, and my father, Paul Sr. Working with family members is a blessing, especially when combined with our associates, whom we also consider to be a part of the family. We strive to encourage and support each other however we can, both at work and beyond. We are excited to continue working with the Delaware community and for the third (and fourth) generations to carry the business well into the future!
