STACYVILLE, Iowa — After 41 years Gordy and Sharon Cimmiyoti decided it was time to turn Gordy’s Repair and Implement over to the next generation and take things a little easier.
In January the couple sold the Stacyville business to their daughter Corky and her husband, Steve Follmuth. Steve has worked at Gordy’s for 28 years and is currently the welder and machine shop foreman.
"Steve has been in charge of manufacturing and the welding part of it, and he knows what’s going on," Gordy said.
Corky, who also owns and operates Scissor Magic in Stacyville, will serve as secretary and bookkeeper at Gordy’s, but will split her time between the two businesses.
Gordy will continue in sales, and Sharon will help with bookkeeping as they transition into retirement.
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Gordy has had health problems in recent years including cancer and a stroke, both from which he recovered. Sharon was diagnosed with lung cancer in July and is undergoing treatment.
"You just have to take it one day at a time," Gordy said. "With us being gone so much, we decided it was time for someone else to take charge."
The Cimmiyotis were concerned about the customers who depended on them, and they wanted to make sure their employees’ jobs continued. There are 15 full and part-time workers.
"We looked at other alternatives such as selling the business to others, and we had some good opportunities, but they would have changed things and fewer employees would be needed," Gordy said.
By selling to Corky and Steve, the business remains in the family, and things continue much the way they have.
Steve said they do have some ideas that they want to try but "it will pretty much be business as usual."
While Corky did help her mother with the bookkeeping on occasion, "I’ve got a lot to learn now," she said, adding that she’s very grateful to Deb Krings who has taken over many of Sharon’s duties since she has been sick.
"Deb has been a huge help," Corky said. "She’s my lifesaver."
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Steve, Corky and Gordy said they can’t say enough good things about their employees and how they stepped forward to help with the transition.
Pat Merten, Chris Adams and Nick Sweeney work in the welding, manufacturing and machine shop.
Ryan Georgan and Mark Gaffey work in parts. When Glenn Cimmiyoti returns from deployment in Afghanistan, he will be parts manager and Gaffey will become service manager. Mark Mueller and Justin Cimmiyoti work with machinery set-up and are mechanics. Les Hardy does sales and Deb Krings is bookkeeper.
"We appreciate all the help staying during the transition," Steve said. "They understand that there have been difficulties, and they helped to make it easier."
The Follmuths are inviting customers to meet with them and have refreshments during Customer Appreciation Day Feb. 25. That week there will also be parts and equipment discounts.
