25 Years of Material Handling Success: Where Cromer Started and Where We Are Now
On October 17, 2014, Cromer Material Handling will reach 25 years of operation.
It’s a time to look back, reflect on where we started and how far we’ve come. It’s also a time to thank you, our customers, for sticking with Cromer over the years.
THEN: East Bay Clarklift
NOW: Cromer Material Handling
The day I bought East Bay Clarklift in Oakland was an ominous day. It was the day of the Loma Prieta Earthquake. I jumped on one of my forklifts and drove it to the site of the Nimitz Freeway collapse, hoping I could help. I won’t forget that day.
My business started as a one man, one forklift brand shop. Then came “Cromer Equipment,” with additional forklift brands. And now “Cromer Material Handling.” Each name change came about because we expanded our offerings--adding more forklift brands, getting into material handling equipment and services, and opening new locations across Northern California.
THEN: 1 Oakland facility.
NOW: 3 main facilities and 2 satellite service centers.
Sometimes I tell people we have a service facility in Santa Rosa and they’re surprised. Or I mention our Chico service center. All the way up in Chico? Well, I can’t provide full service throughout Northern California without a facility up north, can I?
I want Cromer Material Handling to be the #1 material handling supplier in Northern California (maybe all of California one day). With these new facilities and even more expansion coming, we’re well within reach of that goal.
THEN: 10 years’ industrial equipment experience
NOW: The Forklift Boss
When I started the business, I’d been in the forklift industry for 10 years. It was high-energy, had powerful machines, and important customers—right where I wanted to be.
Now, 25 years later, people come to me for advice on everything from which forklifts to buy, to how to succeed on the Web. I’m invited to speak across North America on running my business and satisfying major customers like California vineyards. (Love doing this; it’s a great time.)
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One thing that hasn’t changed in 25 years are our values.
- Do the right and ethical thing in all situations.
- Find the right forklift for the customer’s job.
- Maintenance service is done promptly and thoroughly.
- Make 100% sure every piece of equipment sold meets the Cromer quality standard. If it doesn’t, it’s not sold.
It’s very humbling to reach 25 years of success. I owe a great deal to the Cromer team for working hard through thick and thin, and to our customers for choosing our products & services.
Thank you everyone. I hope you’ll stay with us for the next 25 years.
Until next month!
Marshall Cromer, The Forklift Boss
Cromer Material Handling
Cromer Deal of the Month
25TH ANNIVERSARY SALE ON JUNGHEINRICH PALLET JACKS!
In October we’ll celebrate 25 years of material handling success. For our 25th anniversary Deal of the Month, we’re having a one-time-only sale on our most popular pallet truck – the Jungheinrich EJE120.
We have only 20 of these EJE120s in stock. You can take one (or more) for only $3,950. (That’s slashed down from their usual $4,650 – a savings of $700!)
Call Cromer at 800-974-5438 and ask for the 25th Anniversary Pallet Truck. Hurry, because our stock will not last the month at this price!