Personal touch is key to success for Mostek company

By David Piestrzynski
Special to The Review

After eight decades in business, Mostek Paint and Glass Co. is still going strong.

Later this year, the store will celebrate its 80th anniversary.

According to Ray Klos, President of Mostek, which is located on Jos. Campau, the secret to the store’s success has been a personal touch.

“It’s employee owned,” he said. “Everybody here has a vested interest.”

All eight Mostek employees share ownership. In the 1980s, the original owners of the business, Joe and Carolyn Mostek, decided to step down from the paint and glass business. But rather that closing or selling the store, they turned ownership over to their employees.

“That’s really kept us going,” said Klos. “People usually remember us after coming here. A lot of business comes from referrals.”

Many of Mostek’s employees have experience, to go along with their share of ownership in the store. For example, Klos has been with Mostek for 37 years. Also, Jim Henri, the store’s manager, has been there for 27 years, and employee Jim Siwicki has 25 years of experience.

Some of the store’s recent retirees had even longer careers. Richard Musialowski was at Mostek for 48 years, and Joe Ketchie spent 47 years there.

When employees retire or leave the store, it’s handled with a buyout from the other owners.
Employees with this much experience, and personal investment are features that very few of the large chain stores can claim.

Klos said these attributes have been crucial in getting the store through the past few years, which have been challenging in this economy.