By The Mining Journal
MARQUETTE – For Pike Distributors Inc., hard work and going local are the keys to positioning the local family owned business for the future and keeping the third generation company in the Upper Peninsula. “The Upper Peninsula is our home and Pike believes in supporting the community. We are very proud of our involvement and sponsorship of organizations and events” said Pike Vice President Jack Ketvirtis.
“As the only locally owned distributor left in the region, we feel it’s absolutely important to make sure we support local businesses at every step because they’re the employers and employees who have supported us for generations” Ketvirtis said. “Pike Distributors is committed to continuing the great level of service to our customers that we have provided since 1937. Ultimately, we want to do our part to help our local economy and local communities thrive and compete in a 21st century economy, and we believe we’re in a position to do that.”
Pike Distributors and its employees are committed to supporting the local economy – and that means getting nearly everything locally, including vehicles, office supplies, warehouse equipment and other goods and services.
Pike is also active in the local community and participates in charitable, humanitarian and community events. Pike commits thousands of dollars every year to promote responsibility. It also spearheads community giving and sponsorships, including popular programs such as Bay Cliff Health Camp, 550 snowmobile club, Dead river derby, Harbor fest, Marquette’s area blues festival. Marquette Old Timers hockey, Marquette Royals hockey, National Wild Turkey Federation, Whitetails, Negaunee hockey league, Ore to shore mountain bike, and West branch sportsman club.
In 2011, Pike opened a new 35,000 plus square foot facility at 353 U.S. 41 East. Altogether, Pike employs more than 40 full-time employees at its three locations: Marquette, Newberry and Gladstone. Pike’s employees enjoy good wages and benefits, including health care, profit sharing, 401 (k) and other benefits.
“Our employees and I are extremely proud to be a local business and do what we do every day,” Ketvirtis said. “We’re really excited to build relationships with our customers and give back because we’re all from the area, we all have deep roots in the Upper Peninsula. We don’t just provide on-time delivery; we also help folks in our community tackle challenges and solve problems to move the U.P. forward together.”
As the third generation to lead Pike, Ketvirtis strongly believes in taking a hands-on approach to the business. He is often out servicing accounts, building displays and even driving a truck to deliver products.