Galloy & Van Etten: A century-long commitment to quality
As a fourth-generation family business that has been operating for more than 100 years, Galloy & Van Etten of Chicago, IL, is a shining example of how hard work and high standards are the key to success
My favorite thing to say about us is: ‘We are not the best stone company in Chicago because we are the oldest. We are the oldest, because we are the best,’” said Tom Van Etten, when speaking about his family owned business Galloy & Van Etten, which was started in 1899. Van Etten shares ownership with his siblings, Susan Van Etten, Bernie Van Etten III and Michael Van Etten. “We are fourth generation owners,” he said. “We have been family owned and operated continually for 120 years. My father, Bernie Van Etten Jr. is 85 years old. He retired in 2002, but still comes into the office once in a while to check on things. He loves to go out into the shops to talk to the guys and see the projects we’re working on.”
The company was founded by 18-year-old Dutch immigrant Abram Van Etten. “When Abram came from Holland to Chicago, many of the extended Van Etten family had already settled in the Roseland neighborhood,” explained Van Etten. “He had many cousins in the masonry business. Chicago was booming with new construction. In part, due to the Great Chicago Fire, much of this new construction was masonry — specifically limestone. So Abram started as a mason. He soon saw the opportunity, and took a chance to start Galloy & Van Etten.”