After World War II, Jim Bouchles believed that opening a business was the best way to achieve the American dream.

“I was fresh out of the Army and it was the good ol’ USA,” he said. “And I felt I should do something on my own — my own tale of success.”

In September of 1947, Bouchles opened Gee & Bee Sporting Goods and now, years later, it is owned by his son Sandy Heldman.

“Sandy has worked since college,” said Bouchles. “He was a great asset back then and he’s done an excellent job carrying the torch.”

Heldman has continued his dad’s family and business beliefs at Gee & Bee with his wife, Kris who does the book keeping, and son, Bump who is head of electronic communications.

“Running a business is similar to running a family,” explained Heldman. “Treating people with respect never changes. We have specific jobs, totally separate from each other and that helps; I do my job and they do theirs.

“Our motto has always been ‘the way sports should be,”’ he said. “And it’s no different with family.”

Do they leave business at the door when they lock up for the night?

“No, not at all,” said the Heldman. “This business is our life. We don’t let it run our lives, but it is certainly part of who we are. It’s great to have family to bounce ideas off from, or get opinions from and know that we all have each other’s backs.”

The Agren family

Tina Agren has two sons who still remain in the family’s business: Agren Appliance.

Jason has worked full time for eight years at the business and is currently the president and owner of the state’s largest appliance retailer.

“As a kid, I was here all the time,” explained Agren. “I started from the ground up, working in all departments including deliveries and sales.

“My goal as owner is to continue running the business as dad would have wanted,” he said. “My brother Eric is here and does the marketing, my uncle Don is in the service department and even mom still works in the Norway store in the kitchen specialties department.”

Do they have special rules for keeping business separate from family?

“It’s hard to not talk about work outside the office” said Agren. “This business is important in all of our lives.

“But it’s an unspoken rule,” he added. “By bringing our family values to the business, we all respect each other, and in return those values keep us close as co-workers and as a family.”

Is there a legacy in the future?

“My daughter Sarah is only eight years old,” Agren said. “But she really has shown a lot of interest in the business. It would be great to see the family name carried on here at the store as well as the sign over the door.”

The Cote family

For Armand Cote, family has been and still is the integral part of making The Cote Corporation what it is today.

“I started with one piece of equipment and worked out of the house,” said Cote. “My three sons had the responsibility of changing out the attachments, depending on what job I had to do the next day. And in 1966, I opened Cote Crane and Rigging.”

And now the business is into its third generation. Two of Armand’s sons, Paul and Ronald, have retired, but Daniel Sr. is still with the company along with his son, Daniel Jr. There is also another grandson and nephew with the company.

“One thing really makes this a family business,” said Daniel Sr. “And that is treating everyone here like family. Getting personal is important, knowing their kids, following their sports, having Christmas parties and summer outings; it helps to keep us all close.

“As a family we discuss all options and usually majority rules,” he said when talking about business decisions. “We are committed to doing what’s best for the company.”

But there is one family rule.

“In order to work for the company,” explained Daniel Jr., “we have to get an education, and explore all other employment options for a period of five years. I worked out of state and when my time was up, I wanted to work here, and now I appreciate working with my father and grandfather.”

Would Armand love to see his name carried on?

“Cote Crane has supported this family since 1966, and I hope it continues to support generations to come. But I only have one great-grandson,” he chuckled. “They keep telling me, ‘don’t worry Pepere, the girls will take care of it!”

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