Masonry Magazine February 2002 Page. 18
Eshbach Brothers: A Family Tradition
Eshbach Brothers, a masonry contracting firm, has been a fixture in the Reading, Pennsylvania area for over a century. Founded in 1896 by Wilson and Morris Eshbach, the company initially focused on residential construction. Over the years, Eshbach Brothers expanded its services to include commercial and industrial projects, becoming a leading masonry contractor in the region.
The company's early success was built on a foundation of quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Wilson Eshbach, a skilled mason, oversaw the construction operations, while Morris Eshbach managed the business side of the company. Together, they established a reputation for reliability and integrity that continues to this day.
During the early 20th century, Eshbach Brothers played a significant role in the development of Reading's industrial base. The company constructed numerous factories, warehouses, and office buildings, contributing to the city's economic growth. Eshbach Brothers also undertook several large-scale public works projects, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
In the 1930s, Eshbach Brothers diversified its operations to include the production of concrete blocks and other masonry products. This expansion allowed the company to control its supply chain and reduce costs. Eshbach Brothers also invested in new technologies and equipment, improving its efficiency and productivity.
During World War II, Eshbach Brothers contributed to the war effort by constructing military facilities and defense plants. The company also trained hundreds of workers in masonry skills, supporting the war industry. After the war, Eshbach Brothers returned to its core business of masonry contracting, focusing on commercial and industrial projects.
One notable project during this period was the construction of a beryllium plant. With the retirement of Morris in 1945 and the death of Wilson in 1946, the company passed into the hands of the second generation of Eshbachs, Wilson's sons, Kenneth, Elwood, Clifton and Robert. The brothers incorporated the company and ran it together until the deaths of Elwood, Clifton and William. Robert retired twelve years ago, leaving Kenneth as the only second generation Eshbach still actively involved in the company. Today, the company is operating as a limited partnership with Kenneth, his two sons Wilson and Gregory, and his nephew James acting as sole general partners.
At 76, Kenneth works primarily as an estimator for the company. He is a civil engineer licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. Kenneth still comes to work every day though Greg jokingly says that he's cut back to only 50 hours a week. "He comes in every day to make sure that Wilson and I show up," Greg quips. "I have to come in to make sure they know what they're doing," Kenneth jokes. "One of these days, they're going to have to do it without me."
The third generation James, Wilson and Gregory all started working part-time in the company as high school students. They worked on maintenance and repair projects like painting scaffolding until they officially started in the business as bricklayer apprentices.
James, the oldest, has been working for the company since the early 60's. He is a road supervisor responsible for overseeing projects outside Berks County and coordinating operations with field personnel and office management. "I probably put about 50,000 miles a year on my car traveling to sites in Schuylkill, Lehigh and Montgomery counties," James says. The others agree that James is the expert when it comes to answering field questions about construction and blueprints.
Wilson, who started in 1971, is an estimator, project manager and human resources coordinator for the company. "As a teen, I was never certain I would work for the company, but within a year after high school graduation, I knew this was what I wanted to do."
Greg, the youngest of the third generation, started in the early 70's. He is an estimator, project manager, and human resources coordinator for Malsnee Tile, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eshbach Brothers. Malsnee Tile specializes in the sale and installation of ceramic tile, granite and marble.
"It's hard to tell what will happen in the future," Wilson says, "especially with recent events [the terrorist attacks]. Kenneth agrees. "There's no security in this business. But we have our reputation and we're organized to handle any job, so it's much easier for us. We also have a lot of good people working with us-that's our biggest asset. People start with us and they retire with us."
Rick Burkey, of Burkey Construction, believes Eshbach Brothers is one of the most reliable contractors around. They do what needs to be done to get the project completed. I have been working with them as long as I've been in the business and my father worked with them as well."
Greg's son Zachary, along with Jame's son-in-law, James Hartz, represents the fourth generation in the company. Zachary works as a management trainee while pursuing a business degree at Penn-State Berks Campus. "What I like about the company is that even though we like to make a profit just like anyone else, our primary goal is to make sure everyone in the company gets paid. If we take care of people, they'll take care of us and profit will follow."
This article was reprinted from the October 8-14, 2001 issue of the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal.
18 MASONRY FEBRUARY, 2002
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