Not many companies have bragging rights for being in business for more than 100 years. But CTM client Raymond Schumacher, owner of Kennedy Webster, can proudly make this claim.
Since 1912, this family owned business has evolved into one of the largest suppliers of light bulbs and lighting products with more than 10,000 different types of lamps in its inventory. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, Kennedy Webster distributes this vast array of lighting products to its customers in the following industries: Aircraft, Audio and Visual, Entertainment and Effects, Graphic Arts, Horticulture, LED lamps and Retrofits, Marine, Medical-Bio Med, Photography, Projection, Stage and Studio, etc.
Kennedy Webster was originally founded by two men who met Thomas Edison at a function hosted by General Electric. He encouraged them to get into the light bulb business. After World War II, the company changed its product line, and Raymond’s great aunt bought them out. In 1980, Raymond’s father took over the business. His dad, a successful business man prior to buying Kennedy Webster, was the original designer of Coca Cola’s caffeine free Coke can. In 1985, Raymond’s father brought Raymond aboard and taught him the value of hard work.
Although Raymond’s father traveled a lot when he was growing up, his determination and perseverance played strongly into Raymond’s work ethic, motivating him to take care of business matters both large and small. Whether that meant cleaning bathrooms or building shelves, Raymond was always willing to roll up his sleeves to get the job done. Raymond’s mother is also very involved in the business and works there to this day.
While the company’s success has ebbed and flowed with the changes in our economy, it has done quite well since Raymond took over eleven years ago. In 2015, Raymond was interested in switching accounting firms. Through a referral, he was introduced to CTM Partner Steven Edelheit, and soon became a CTM client. Raymond appreciates the sound business advice he receives from Steven, noting, “It’s more like having a partner in the business than having an accountant.”
Raymond has plans for growing his company, but he tries not to take the job too seriously. He likes to have fun with his 15 employees, working in an open office atmosphere with no cubicles. And when he’s not focusing on work, Raymond and his wife of 20 years, Dina, spend time with their two boys – Cole, 16 and Tyler, 12. Cole is a varsity wrestler in high school and Tyler enjoys playing basketball for his school team and is also on a full-time travel baseball team.
