(Marion) — If you ask Karen Scheffel, the owner of Helping Hand Hardware in Marion, about opening the business next door to Penshorn’s Meat Market during the same year 50 years ago, she will tell you that it was just a coincidence. That coincidence, however, has since evolved into a long lasting business relationship — a relationship now described as the heart of the city.
A 50 year celebration is in store this weekend for the neighboring businesses located on San Antonio St. in Marion. As part of the celebration, the businesses on Saturday will be serving free sausage wraps while supplies last. Both will also be hosting special drawings.
Scheffel says for her, the celebration is a look back over the decades and the customers who have stood by them along the way.
“It’s been a great success because of our customers. We enjoy providing the supplies that customers need to do their job and we feel very fortunate when we can help them and we have great employees and we have a great community and we get business from all over.
They just say it’s more convenient and some of our prices may be higher but we have good service but they don’t want to drive that far and I had a man call me the other day and he wanted to drive all the way from Runge to come buy a chainsaw and I thought that was really nice,” said Scheffel.
Keeping a business “in business” is always challenging. Yet, Scheffel, who shares in the celebration with her late husband Roger, says it’s the pride in her community that has always helped to fuel the passion to stay in operation.
“At times, it’s challenging because I work long hours and I did before and just keeping the store open and competing with other big box stores but it’s been really an honor to serve the community and to be able to help them. That’s my thing — my husband and I and our children and grandchildren are all ‘Marionites’ so that makes it that much special,” said Scheffel.
Tradition and pride is also what has helped to keep Penshorn’s Meat Market in operation since 1973.
Owner Kim Penshorn says she and husband Robert just officially took sole possession of the company earlier this year after her brother-in-law Elroy chose to retire. She says the two brothers had been operating the business together ever since it was gifted to them by their parents Leroy and Leona Penshorn in 2010.
Kim says family is everything and believes that Penshorn’s has not only been the key component for keeping her own family together but also becoming a foundation for the Marion family.
“I think it’s amazing. My husband said he started working here like when he was 8 and he wanted to stay until it turned 50 and continue the family business and tradition means a lot to him so it was very important,” said Kim.
As for the success of the business, Kim says the answer is easy.
“It’s our loyal customers. We have some of the best customers around and community. Marion has a wonderful community. We are tight knit and always willing to help each other out and that means a lot,” said Kim.
The celebration will begin at both businesses at 10 a.m. Saturday. Festivities will continue until 1 p.m. or until food runs out.
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- Leroy and Leona Penshorn
