Celebrating 70 Years of Family & Community at Kishman’s IGA

In 1954, Thomas Mairs, Virginia Rhen Mairs, and their son-in-law George Kishman decided to venture into business together, purchasing an existing IGA in the small town of Minerva, Ohio, about an hour and a half southeast of Cleveland. With an IGA license dating back to 1926, the same year that IGA was founded, it wasn’t only a good investment, but an opportunity to purchase a store with a rich history.

In a very unfortunate twist of fate, Thomas Mairs never saw this dream realized, as he passed away shortly before the store opened. George, however, along with his wife Patti, continued on and, today, the family is thrilled to be celebrating 70 amazing years in business at Kishman’s IGA.

A Family Legacy Begins

George and Patti went on to own and operate the store for more than 30 years. During that time, George won IGA Retailer of the Year in 1971. Today, George’s desk is still in the break room, reminding everybody that works there of their origins.

The Second Generation Takes Over

In 1989, George and Patti’s son Tom and his wife Jan took over, embarking on a renovation project in 1994. That same year, Tom followed in his father’s illustrious footsteps, earning his own IGA Retailer of the Year award.

In 2013, the store was renovated once again, including a full remodel. Despite the construction noises and hanging tarps, they managed to keep the store open the entire time. In a town like Minerva, the local store is too important to lose, even for a couple days.

The Third Generation Joins

Tom and Jan’s three children, Thomas and Matt Kishman and Kristin Meadows, were raised spending quality time in the store.

Group photos show the kids growing up surrounded by IGA bags and branded products. One even showcases flyers celebrating the store’s 40^th anniversary.

Tom and Jan Kishman's three children, Kristin, Thomas, and Matt, pose with Kishman's and IGA products.

Meadows remembers her childhood at the store fondly. There was a lot of pride in being part of her community, both in Minerva and in the greater IGA family. She recalls going on vacation and getting excited when she saw other IGA stores.

Meadows also loved decorating smiley face cookies in the bakery, standing on a five-gallon bucket so that she could reach her supplies.

Kristin Meadows as a child in the Kishman's IGA bakery.

Today, Thomas and Matt Kishman are co-managers of the store, with Thomas handling the ordering and merchandising for grocery, and Matt specializing in bakery and deli. Meadows, who worked in the store in high school but left for college, returned about 10 years ago. Now, she heads up the produce department, as well as handling HR and most of the social media.

The family is heavily involved in all parts of the business.

“We are our own marketing team, our own advertising," Meadows said. "We keep up with the latest trends and always try to be ahead of the game.”

To do this, the family still gathers around the same conference table that has been there since 1989.

“It’s where the ideas happen!" Meadows said.

The family gathers at the conference table from 1989.

Tradition and Innovation

With one eye always focused on the store’s tradition, it’s very important for Kishman’s to give back to the community. Among other initiatives, they sponsor several local sports teams. They even helped build a high school stadium.

It is also important, however, that Kishman’s continues to innovate. Approximately every five years, they make major investments in new technology. They have updated the registers, installed self-checkout, added an app so that they can do shopping for customers, and bought automatic sign taggers so that you can make the tags right on the floor.

At their gas station, they have invested in updates to enable gas and go. They also offer fuel rewards and bonus fuel savings. Customers can use the Kishman's card in the store and then use the rewards to save on gas at the pump.

A Chance to Expand

In 2021, the family had an exciting opportunity to purchase a second store in nearby Malvern, Ohio. With the whole family working at the store, expansion seemed like the perfect next step.

Plus, with liquor licenses difficult to obtain in Ohio, it was a huge bonus that the Malvern store already had one.

The Kishman family immediately went to work making updates to the store, which quickly won over the local community. Although there are some challenges — even smaller than Minerva with just over 1,000 people, it has sometimes been difficult to find employees — it has overall been a good experience.

“When things do get a little rough, a customer will compliment something or an employee will say thank you, and I will remember why we do what we do,” Meadows said.

Time to Celebrate

Kishman's IGA store today

So, now, with two stores doing well and a 70-year anniversary, it is time to have a celebration!

Like any good party, Kishman’s celebration includes decorations, lots of great food, and even some party favors.

The store is looking extra festive with flags and signage. Employees even have special t-shirts with a custom 70-year anniversary design.

The family worked with their vendors to get a bunch of great deals for shoppers. They even have giveaways each week.

Next month, they will invite another local vendor to the party. Minerva Dairy will be celebrating 130 years, so Kishman's is joining forces for a cumulative “200 year” celebration.

Hosting this celebration is just another way to give back to the community.

"It lets everyone know how proud we are to have been a part of the community for 70 years," Meadows said. "We are proud to have kept it in the family.”

Between the parties, the community involvement, and the new store, there is a lot to keep everybody in the Kishman family busy. And, although the fourth generation is still too young to start working, the future of Kishman’s IGA Is looking bright.