August 17, 2018

There is a lot to be said for a company that has survived and flourished through the decades. Among economic difficulties, evolving technology and changing consumer demands, the manufacturers who have made it have a story of success and growth to back up their offerings.

In our newest online series, KBB is highlighting manufacturers that boast a history of progress and achievement. Each has their own unique past, just as each has their own identity and future goals.

True Residential
Core Identity: This company’s mission is to provide a wide range of American-made commercial refrigeration products that exceed industry quality standards at competitive prices.

Beginnings: In 1945, Bob Trulaske – along with his father, Frank, and later his brother, Art – collaborated to develop a refrigeration company in their Lenox Avenue home. They soon began manufacturing wrapped-rail, roll-top bottle coolers for beer and beverages in a multi-story warehouse on Pine Street in downtown St. Louis.

Jacuzzi Group Worldwide
Core Identity: Jacuzzi is the premier manufacturer of functional products for the home and outdoor space, found in more than 60 countries.

Beginnings: In 1943, Kenneth Jacuzzi developed rheumatic fever, which left him with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Recognizing that monthly hydrotherapy sessions at the hospital eased his son’s symptoms, his father, Candido Jacuzzi, developed a home hydrotherapy pump in 1956. This pump – developed in conjunction with Candido’s six brothers using their hydraulic and engineering skills – gave Kenneth more regular treatment at home. From that application, a niche business developed for hydrotherapeutic tubs.

Walker Zanger
Core Identity: Inspired by architecture, art, fashion and nature, Walker Zanger combines traditional tile-making techniques with modern sophistication.

Beginnings: Founder Leon Zanger immigrated from Belgium to Portugal in 1940, when Germany invaded the country. In Portugal, he discovered that marble, which he associated with palaces and wealth, was inexpensive and easily available. After leaving the army and moving to New York, Zanger decided to start his own business with a coworker, Marvin Walker, importing marble. After first supplying the marble for a small table manufacturer, the Walker Zanger grew to a million-dollar profit within its first year.

 .    Jacuzzi founder Candido Jacuzzi and his son, Kenneth, inspect a hydrotherapy pump.

KBB: What about your company has evolved over time, and what has stayed the same?

“Continuous innovation has driven the original and most recognized name in hydrotherapy – Jacuzzi – to further our mission of improving lives. Improvements in the feeling of our jets, the silence of our pumps and a total spa experience have contributed to our rave reviews online. Jacuzzi brand innovations can now be found in bathtubs, tub fillers, sinks, faucets, hot tubs, saunas and pool equipment.”

– Ed Sofia, senior vice of president marketing for Jacuzzi Group Worldwide 

“True has continuously set higher standards in terms of performance, functionality, design-aesthetics and energy efficiency for both commercial and residential products – we were even an original Energy Star partner. True’s carried-on tradition of designing for the future has kept us at the forefront of the industry since our inception. Case in point: one of True’s first commercial introductions included its wrapped-rail, roll-top bottle coolers, which 7UP approved as its official partner back then. Today, True Residential’s Clear Ice Machine is the highest-performing, most energy-efficient ice machine on the market.”

-Andrew Shead, marketing manager, True Residential

“Walker Zanger remains a family-owned company, as it was when founded in 1952. Combined with the company’s legacy in providing clients with the finest natural stone, this has remained constant over the ensuing 65 years. During that time, Walker Zanger has been an innovator in the stone and tile industry. We were the first to import pre-cut, 3/8-in. stone tiles, we were on the forefront of the handmade tile renaissance in the 1980s and the glass tile revolution of the 1990s, and we were the first to re-introduce install-ready stone mosaics.”

-Jared Becker, vice president of design and marketing at Walker Zanger

In 1948, the 7UP Company approves True Residential’s roll-top bottle coolers, beginning a successful, longstanding relationship with True.

KBB: Why is your company’s history important to its identity today?

“We are in the business of making people feel better! The company was born 62 years ago to improve the quality of life for the late Ken Jacuzzi, and it remains our mission today. We honor our heritage and brand by bringing innovative therapies to market that improve physical and mental well-being. Our goal is to become part of our customers’ daily wellness routines, both inside and outside the home.”

– Bob Rowan, CEO and president of Jacuzzi Group Worldwide

“True is a family-owned company that has always operated with integrity and valued the art of craftsmanship. Every True design sold in the U.S. continues to be manufactured in Missouri, with a large factory still located in St. Louis. True’s groundbreaking start in refrigeration has only spurred the company to remain a leader through comprehensive research, development, expansion and investment in designs that epitomize the best in both the commercial and residential industry.”

– Shead, True Residential

“Walker Zanger’s history represents a rich legacy that draws from the past to propel the company into the future. Generations of expertise and a tradition of working closely with producers of the finest stone and tile position us as experts that can shepherd clients through even the most complicated project. Our history of innovation keeps us primed to discover and apply the latest technical advancements to create even more beautiful products to enliven a residence, restaurant or office space. Our history gives each employee the pride of knowing that they are continuing a rich legacy that began with two partners pursuing the American dream.”

– Becker, Walker Zanger