Kirby Risk Summer 2022_Digital

MAKE IT HAPPEN

MAKE IT HAPPEN

But more importantly, Founder’s Day celebrates the success of our company today, while looking forward to tomorrow, without forgetting the rich history of our past.

As the company grew, they added their first branch location outside of the Lafayette area in 1972, the same year that Kirby’s son, Jim Risk, became President of Kirby Risk Supply Company. Under Jim’s thoughtful leadership, this trend of adding and successfully acquiring branches continued through the years¬. Kirby Risk now has branch locations throughout Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Kirby Risk Supply moved into its corporate headquarters on Sagamore Parkway in Lafayette in 1981. The Kirby Risk Corporation still operates from this location, providing structure to its operating companies: Kirby Risk Electrical Supply, Kirby Risk Mechanical Solutions and Service, Kirby Risk Service Center, Kirby Risk Precision Machining and ARCO Electric Products. While Kirby developed his business, he believed in quietly giving back to his community and this service to others became the cornerstone of his personal and business philosophy. He helped to launch Junior Achievement (JA) in Lafayette, and actively participated in professional associations such as the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED). Today, Jim Risk continues this legacy of service, making giving back a part of his life’s work and part of the company culture. Kirby Risk Corporation remains committed to JA, and employees are encouraged to participate in organizations such as United Way or volunteer to support organizations that are important to the local communities they serve. Please join us in September as we celebrate our history and remember our founder, Kirby Risk, who continues to inspire us as we remember his credo, “Let us help others and treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves!” COMPANY CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

CELEBRATING OUR LEGACY THROUGH FOUNDER’S DAY

A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1926, a small startup company, the Keiffer-Risk Battery Company, seized an opportunity to provide a needed service— selling, renting and recharging automobile batteries. On the cusp of new trends, Kirby understood the need to support new technologies during a time when electricity was expanding into homes and businesses. In 1934, the company became known as the Kirby Risk Electric Company and focused on wholesale distribution of electrical supplies, motor sales and service. As the prefab home movement gained popularity in the 40s and 50s, Kirby Risk Electric was ready and worked directly with National Homes to supply the electrical needs for thousands of houses and assembling approximately 200 electrical packages a week.

The Kirby Risk Corporation is built upon a legacy of family culture and customer service excellence that was established by our founder, Kirby Risk, almost one hundred years ago. Treating each other with dignity and respect, providing exceptional customer service and giving back to the community are values that remain rooted in our culture today.

WHAT IS FOUNDER’S DAY?

Both employees and customers are invited to celebrate this special event and show their Kirby Risk Spirit by sharing memories, participating in spirit week and enjoying local branch events.

In 2016, during our company’s 90th anniversary, Founder’s Day was born. Now an annual event, we recognize and celebrate our company’s history during September, the month of Kirby’s birthday.

An old milling company building offered room to grow, and the company moved in 1941 to Third and Ferry St. in Lafayette, Indiana. In 1946, the electrical supply and electric motor sales and repair segments of the business were incorporated as two separate companies, Kirby Risk Supply Company, Inc. and Kirby Risk Electric Motors, Inc.

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8 CONNECTED | SUMMER 2022

CONNECTED | SUMMER 2022 9