BLACK BOOK
OF FAMILY BUSINESSES IN BERKS
2024 – 2025
Little BLACK BOOK
OF FAMILY BUSINESSES IN BERKS
Berks County is built from a strong foundation of family businesses. We know and love many of them, but there are also likely many we can still discover. This supplement aims to help you do just that!
From home and construction services, real estate professionals, tire dealers, insurance, employment and transportation agencies to shopping for jewelry and sweet treats, the family businesses showcased in this supplement are essential to our everyday lives. They’re also known for giving back to the communities in which they reside.
So, let’s be sure to show them that same support! Learn more about a few in the Greater Reading area here, stop by and tell them you saw them in Berks County Living’s Little Black Book of Family Businesses.
Nikki M. Murry, Editor-in-Chief
Lisa Tiger has had a g-r-r-reat year so far in assisting her clients in 2024. Take the opportunity to get your home SOLD by Lisa Tiger, a proven expert with over 28 years of experience. Lisa has established a wide variety of marketing techniques that produce results every time. She has strong networking and negotiation skills which can make a difference in maximizing the value of your home.
Even if you are not ready to sell, It’s important to know the equity you may have in your home, so that you can make the best decision about your financial future! Call Lisa for a free market analysis.
TEAM UP WITH THE TIGER!
1300 Old Mill Rd., Wyomissing $595,000 3 Chelsea Cir., Exeter $499,000
IRISH CREEK
Irish Creek Enterprises, Inc. is a second-generation, family-owned and -operated construction company bringing ‘Solutions through Construction’ to the commercial, industrial and custom residential construction industries. Since 1993, Irish Creek has built a reputation of creative thinking to find the best solutions for their clients and continues to ensure that customer service is always its first priority.
Irish Creek has two divisions offering customized services: Irish Creek Construction, the Construction Management and General Construction Division, and Irish Creek Excavating, the Earth and Site Work Division, enabling us to offer multiple services and to self-perform multiple trades to best fit the needs of each project.
While most projects are in Berks and the surrounding counties, we have expanded our service areas to include PA, NJ, OH and DE and became a Federally Certified Women-Owned Small Business in 2023. We understand the importance of each project in scope and size and treat each accordingly. As we continue to grow, our customers’ goals remain our main concern.
GAGE TALENT & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
As a woman-owned, family-run business spanning three generations, Gage excels in recruiting and staffing services throughout Southeastern PA and beyond. Established in 1985 to help local companies find quality employees, Gage has flourished with each generation, emerging in the top 30 percent on Forbes’ 2024 list of America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms.
Gage connects businesses with top talent across various industries and skill levels. With a team of long-serving experts, Gage offers Direct-Hire Search Solutions, Contract Staffing and Fractional Recruitment Services for local, national and global businesses. Leveraging data-driven insights and decades of local market knowledge, Gage simplifies recruitment with proven strategies tailored to their clients’ unique needs.
Gage’s success stems from a deep understanding of the evolving workplace, tailored strategies, a passionate and friendly team and a priority to support the local community. Shaped by 40 years of expertise, every partnership with Gage emphasizes trust, collaboration and transparency, showcasing their commitment to exceptional, personalized service and delivering positive results.
GIPPRICH JEWELERS
Looking for a treasured piece of jewelry for that someone special or just to treat yourself? Head to Gipprich Jewelers in Shillington. The family-owned business in its third generation of ownership has been selling and repairing jewelry, including unique estate pieces, for almost 80 years, making them the oldest family-run jeweler native to this area. Ask around to see who the go-to jeweler in Reading and Berks County is. We’ll give you a hint: Gipprich Jewelers.
Founded with a strong customer service focus in 1945 by Walter J. Gipprich, current owners Amy and Richard Gipprich continue that tradition, aiming to provide quality products and service that only come with years of experience. Gipprich Jewelers employs a full staff of four goldsmiths, a Diamond Graduate trained through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and a sales team that understands your needs. Rest assured that should your special piece ever need care, with today’s modern technology we stand ready to bring it back to life, just like it was.
Find product updates daily on their Facebook page @GipprichJewelers.
DUCK DONUTS
Duck Donuts of Wyomissing is locally owned and operated by Wilson High School graduates Mauro and Kristen Ciabattoni. The pair decided to venture into franchising with Duck Donuts because of how much their four children loved the Duck Donuts experience while visiting the Jersey Shore.
Opening their doors on March 2, 2024, the location serves up award-winning donuts that are warm, fresh and made-to-order. Guests can customize their donuts with many coatings, toppings and drizzles, or may select from the fan favorites and seasonal offerings. Other menu items to enjoy include hot/cold coffee, espresso, ice cream sundaes, milkshakes and breakfast sandwiches. Catering opportunities, which serve well at weddings, parties, office functions and just about any event where you want to add some fun and flavor, are available, too. Be sure to come visit and experience the deliciousness. We look forward to seeing your family soon!
KLEIN TRANSPORTATION
The Klein family is no stranger to passenger transportation, their roots dating to 1957. Located in Amity Township, Klein Transportation has always seen a family member at its helm. Currently under the fourth generation of leadership with Alison Klein Sherman, Klein continues to provide quality, safe and reliable transportation services with both luxury motorcoaches and school buses. With more than 65 years of experience, Klein is one of the few charter companies in the area servicing both the local community and the tri-state region.
Klein serves with a personal touch. From a customer’s first call to their final step off the motorcoach after a trip, their experience with Klein is what keeps them returning.
▸ Charter Services for groups of all kinds
▸ Special Event, Wedding, Airport Transfer and Shuttle Services
▸ Daily Commuter Service to New York from Berks and Lehigh counties
▸ One-Day and Overnight Tour Offerings
▸ Casino Trips
CJ’S TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE
CJ’s Tire & Automotive has been providing friendly, hassle-free and honest tire and automotive services to the Berks County area since 1971. From oil changes and inspections to a fresh set of tires and routine scheduled maintenance, the staff at CJ’s welcome all drivers through their doors.
As a second- and third-generation-owned and -run family business residing right here in Berks, the Levengoods consider their customers, employees and community a part of their family. It is their mission to provide an exceptional experience for their customers and to develop career opportunities for their employees.
Through their CJ’s CARES Initiative, CJ’s donates a portion of sales back to the local community. In the past three years, the cause has supported local organizations such as the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Helping Harvest, PA Breast Cancer Coalition, Alex’s Lemonade Stand and many others!
The next time your vehicle is in need of care, visit CJ’s for trusted tire and automotive service.
SWEET RIDE ICE CREAM
Eleven years ago, if you told Sweet Ride Ice Cream owner Angie Farrell that she would one day own and operate the sweetest shop in Berks, she wouldn’t have believed you. In 2013, Angie was working as a paralegal and her husband, Chris, as a teacher. They were sitting on the beach when they heard the bells of an ice cream vendor, and he said, “We should get an ice cream bike!” The rest is history.
Sweet Ride serves award-winning delicious ice cream that is made on site on Penn Avenue. More than your typical ice cream parlor, the shop is designed as a 1940s-style soda fountain. In addition to experiencing (or remembering) days gone by, customers can enjoy Sweet Ride’s treats across southeastern Pennsylvania from their traveling ice cream bike, mobile ice cream parlor and ice cream truck. These sweet rides are the perfect surprise to up the fun factor for your next event!
VAN SCOY JEWELERS
When making one of the most important purchases of your life, put your trust in Van Scoy Jewelers, Berks County’s fine jewelry destination for more than 40 years. A female-owned and -operated business, the store boasts a modern design and welcoming atmosphere that sets the stage for an exceptional shopping experience. With a focus on ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones, owner Caroline Hill is committed to social responsibility and sustainability.
The experienced Van Scoy team specializes in diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry. But what makes the store truly unique is its custom design services and full-service repair department. The ability to create a custom piece based on your individual vision is something truly special, and providing high-quality repair services ensures you can continue to enjoy your jewelry for years to come. Stop in today for your next dazzling diamond or custom creation.
PERFETTO INSURANCE
..Introducing Our New Look!
Since 1971, Perfetto Insurance has been servicing the Berks County community for all its insurance needs, and we are excited to unveil our new look! Our new logo represents a fresh chapter for us while staying true to our core values and commitment to you. What hasn’t changed: Our dedication to providing you with the same high-quality service you’ve always known and loved. We offer all forms of insurance plans that encompass Auto, Homeowners, Individual and Group Health Insurance, Retirement, General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, all types of Business coverage and all Medicare plans.
As an independent agency, we have access to multiple insurance companies, allowing us the ability to compare rates and coverages.
Each licensed insurance professional has the expertise to review your individual needs, your family’s needs and your business needs and to make suggestions and recommendations that are as unique as you are!
We are also the only independent Insurance Agency in the country that has our own travel insurance product — TravelSafe Insurance!
TravelSafe plans are designed to protect travel-related costs for cancelations or interruptions, unexpected mishaps and delays as well as provide medical coverage while you are away on a business trip or a vacation. Our goal is education and continual support for your future insurance needs.
EMPIRE HOME CENTER
As homeowners in Berks, we own an incredible asset. The value of our homes have increased substantially and show no signs of stopping. Berks County is a hidden gem with huge growth potential. The best way to add value to your home is by incorporating cutting-edge, high-quality products when remodeling. From kitchens and baths to flooring, windows, doors, hardware, furniture, home décor and staging services, we can help. Our home products are on trend and in stock with multiple options and sizes to choose from. Choose from the aforementioned in-stock product or sit with our talented designers to make your project look exactly as you envision it. When we design and supply product, we start by gathering your measurements. Our skilled team can design your cabinets with our exclusive software and provide you with true 3D renderings for your home.
Since 1955, Empire has been Berks County’s number one destination for all home remodeling needs. We promise to continue implementing staff training, improve our services and continue providing Berks with the best quality products at the best price. Our entire team is grateful for our valued customers! We are beyond thankful for the relationships we have built with homeowners, contractors, investors and realtors in the area. Our team will help you turn your house into a home that you love!
Kring’s Hearth & Home can replace your drafty, inefficient traditional fireplace with a refreshed look and feel. We will help you select what you need for your home upgrade. Stop in our showroom today to talk to a health expert. Shown here, the Harman Accentra52i-TC pellet insert is easier, smarter and quieter than ever before. Enhanced with our exclusive Easy Touch Control and illuminated glass hopper lid, the Accentra52i-TC includes our legendary Pellet Pro Technology, ESP technology, flame-reactive mirrored glass and much more. With up to 50% less required maintenance than any other pellet insert available today, the Accentra52i-TC gives you something no other pellet insert can: time. This model, along with many others, qualifies for the 30% federal biomass tax credit. See showroom or website for details. Stop by Kring’s Hearth & Home today to begin your fireplace transformation!
