Do U remember?

[Ed Valentine]

Here are a few companies who no longer exists that I remember (over the past 48 years) for whatever the reason. This is part of our "History" (and probably long forgotten).

1. Mr. Steam (CO)
2.Bee Clean (FL)
3. Deep Clean (NJ)
4. Harloff (CO)
5. Chemco (TX)
6. Workmaster (CA)
7. Steam Genie (AZ)
8. Deep Steam (MI)
9. Karpet Steem (MI)
10 Badger (MI)
11. Certified Chem & Equip. Co (OH)
12 White Magic (MS)
13. Hild (ILL)
14. Eagle (CA)
15. Diamond Back (CO)
16. Carpet Jenny (CO)
17. Castex (MI)
18. Big Red (CA)
19. Extraction Ind. (CO)
20. Steamatron
21. Steam Valet (Canada)
22. Purex
23. Powerclean Ind.
24. Steam Master
25. Ace TM (NV)
26. Velocity Ind.
27. Thermax
28. Steamway Int. (CO)
29. Savage (OH)
30, Brevik TM (WA)

 

[Jim Pemberton]

I could add a few more to show my age, but I'll instead say this:

Some of those companies actually remain in business, but in a smaller way. A few others were absorbed by larger companies, and their name was eventually erased over time.

But just like so many businesses nation and world wide, most went out of business for all the varying reasons businesses fail.

It reminds me every day not to take my own businesses life, or my own life itself, for granted.

 

[Ed Valentine]

Good reply, Jim!

We must remember that sometime we all will eventually ride off into the sunset. And as you stated, some will go out of business through failure, some will be purchased with eventual name changes, and others will just close their doors and throw the keys up in the air and hopefully with a smile on their faces

But, there are several above that can say they were successful during their time in this industry. I do remember as I am sure you do as well, many of the owners from the trade shows in the 70-80's.

 

[Jim Pemberton]

Good reply, Jim!

We must remember that sometime we all will eventually ride off into the sunset. And as you stated, some will go out of business through failure, some will be purchased with eventual name changes, and others will just close their doors and throw the keys up in the air and hopefully with a smile on their faces

But, there are several above that can say they were successful during their time in this industry. I do remember as I am sure you do as well, many of the owners from the trade shows in the 70-80's.

I knew most of them. By that, I meant that I knew them by name without looking at their name tag and had a bit of an idea of what brought them to their place in the industry.

The biggest difference of "then" versus "now" is that, with a few notable exceptions (yourself included of course Ed), we rarely get to know the "founder-inventors" any longer.

I was a very young man, well really a kid then. I didn't completely understand that visionaries and inventors are rarely tactful, and often somewhat crazy. I found them endlessly entertaining, especially when they had public fights with one another in the exhibit halls, bars, and men's rooms.

I resist looking back in nostalgia at the "good old days", as its an unproductive use of my mind.

But I do confess to have had a great deal of fun back then!

 

[Ed Valentine]

Another terrific post and very true too, Jim. I remember you as a very good looking young Buck whom always dressed very Professionally, as did your wonderful Father.

Looking back at th0se times is sometimes a restful way of rehabilitation. There were a lot of fun times and memories as you had allutted to. Personally I liked Seven Springs, PA, and The Playboy Resort, Wisc. trade shows. (don't know if they still are in business)

Oh well, so much for that

 

[hogjowl]

Good lord