History of the Bongard Corporation 35 years of Stellar Service
Founder Ron Bongard started Bongard Sales Company on August 1, 1975 after mentoring with Al Luger of Luger Services, Inc. in Minneapolis - a small successful firm that sold and marketed key product lines to the plumbing, HVAC and industrial segments of the construction industry.
With Al’s direction, guidance, and the transfer of two established companies to the new firm, Ron opened his fledgling business out of the basement of his house.
Bongard Sales grew quickly. With diligence & hard work, soon several new companies signed on and new customers were found for the new and established lines. After substantial growth and widening geographical territory, Bongard Sales hired Bob Wanberg as a second salesperson in late 1976, moved to a new modern office space and hired their first full-time customer service person. Sales continued to grow with the synergy of talented, hardworking people teaming up with quality, aggressive manufacturers.
1980's
• 1980, Bob Wanberg became a partner. The firm changed its name to Bongard and Wanberg, Inc.
• 1981, the firm opened a warehouse to provide "just in time" service using public warehouse space.
•1983, Bongard and Wanberg, Inc. purchased some of the assets of Luger Services upon Al Luger's retirement and hired one of his key employees – a personable and extremely knowledgeable inside salesperson. It also hired an outside salesperson who covered North and South Dakota, operating out of Aberdeen. By now, B & W Inc. covered northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and both Dakotas.
• 1985, Bob Wanberg left on friendly terms to start his own manufacturer's rep firm with a handful of lines previously represented by B & W, Inc. Wanberg's successor was hired shortly thereafter.
• 1986, the firm changed its name to Bongard Corporation and implemented a new computerized quotation system that gave the firm an early competitive edge on its market. Another significant development was the purchase of some assets from Lee Sales. These included the opportunity to represent Elkay Manufacturing Company, the world's leading manufacturer of stainless steel sinks, water coolers and other related products.
• 1987, was a consolidation year for Bongard Corporation – integrating Mr. Lee, Elkay, Aqua Glass and several other significant companies into the firm. Several additional support people were added –including key employee Kathleen Schug, who today is Bongard Corp's lead customer service person.
• 1988, Bongard Corp suffered a significant setback – losing the opportunity to represent two major lines, several smaller ones and three outside / one inside salespeople. After a period of introspection and self-analysis, the corporation re-organized & emerged with the grateful support of key employees, manufacturers and customers who stayed with the firm.
• 1989, Bongard Corp consolidated its territory to only Minnesota, N/S Dakota and focused strictly on the mechanical trades. It added two new piping lines, Freedom Plastics and Colonial Engineering.
1990's
• 1990, Bob DeFoe joined the team as an inside/outside salesman. Bob is a piping specialist with over 25 years of wholesale experience. New lines are added.
• 1991, Valerie Knode joined the firm as an inside sales / customer service person.
• 1992, the firm moved to a larger facility and opened its own warehouse. Bob Bongard was hired to manage the warehouse and "understudy" in customer service. A new computer system with local area networking and customized “InDepthRep” software was installed allowing Bongard Corp to provide superior service to its customers.
• 1993, the firm went on line with two major manufacturers, Elkay Manufacturing and Aqua Glass.
• 1995, Michael Sides joined the firm – assuming outside sales responsibility for several Twin City accounts, the majority of western Minnesota and all of North Dakota.
• 1997, the company purchased its present 17,500 sq. ft. office and warehouse facility. The firm continued on-line development and upgraded software once again.
• 1998, Bongard Corp salesmen began using laptop computers, enabling them to have up-to-date information on each account at all times. The firm purchased an 18-foot towable display for promotion of plumbing products to distributors, contractors, builders and designers in the field.
• 1999, employee e-mail and further growth of on-line services implemented. Peter Mayer added as full-time outside salesman. Mike Sides began 3 year study to attain his CPMR rep certification.
2000
• 2000, Aqua Glass account withdrew and competitor Aquarius took its place with immediate success.