LYME, Conn., Nov. 12, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In this volatile economy, few businesses today survive much less thrive for six generations like Reynolds Garage & Marine of Hamburg Cove in Lyme, Conn., which will celebrate its 150th anniversary (1859-2009) next year. The Reynolds family is preparing a series of 150th anniversary events to commemorate the year when Ephraim Otis Reynolds first created transportation service for the carriage-riding public.
"Our customer promise has remained 'small enough to know you, big enough to serve you,'" said Kathryn Reynolds Wayland, who, along with her father, Gary Reynolds, and brothers Hayden and Tom Reynolds, operate the Subaru dealership and marina that have endured and thrived on the same site since the original carriage manufacturing company started.
"From our original general store, which is still going strong, and for six generations, our family has taken great pride in the service, transportation and recreation business we have created. Even more importantly, the Reynolds family has been on the cusp of change. Someone in the family has always started the next growth curve or new business direction, while building on our original foundation. My family's hope is that we'll continue making our business contribution for another six generations."
Focusing on the marine part of the business, which began in the 1930's, Wayland pointed out that what began as a necessary service to the Lyme community -- ferrying supplies to the Reynolds General Store -- has evolved into one of the largest marine sales and service facilities in the Northeast. "Our customer base spans an area reaching from Canada to Pennsylvania," she said.
Wayland said that plans for the anniversary include a pictorial history book about the business, an exhibit of Reynolds memorabilia at the Connecticut River Museum, an art contest, a bass fishing contest and an old-fashioned 4th of July picnic. Details will roll out over the next few months, she added.
"We want to thank our customers, our employees and the Lyme community, who have supported our business and our growth for six generations. We plan to make next year an unforgettable, 150th bonanza year for Reynolds."
About Reynolds
Reynolds Garage & Marine, Inc. (www.reynolds1859.com), recently named number one in customer satisfaction by Subaru in sales and service, sells and services Subarus, and other makes of vehicles. Reynolds now sells and services bass fishing, aluminum and saltwater boats. Currently the Reynolds boat lines include, Skeeter, Ranger, G3 boats, and Cobia and are also a Yamaha outboard dealer.
The dealership, owned by Gary Reynolds, a fifth generation family member, employs all three of his children -- Leland Thomas (Tom); G. Hayden Jr. and Kathryn. Hard work, determination and customer satisfaction are why Reynolds has been around since 1859.