Tennessee Valley Pecan Company celebrates 75+ years of operation in 2019 and we could not be more excited. This is an accomplishment that we are very proud of as we look forward to a whole year of events and specials to commemorate this achievement.
Humble Beginnings
It is also a time that we reflect on the rich history and hard work from those who came before us. The company was founded in 1942 here in Decatur, Alabama. It was a seasonal business that sold pecans from October through December of each year. The Hawthorne family operated from a small building located at the end of a driveway in what is now a residential section of town.
Marketing and bookkeeping were simple. Direct mail, newspaper ads, telephone and word of mouth built the customer base. Payment was always cash, check or an invoice in the mail after the fact. Business was simple and very profitable, but their key ingredient for building the company was much more.
Customers Are More Than Customers
Customers were like family, just as they are today. Building relationships is a key component at Tennessee Valley Pecan Company. It is a practice that started in 1942 and it continues today. It is not uncommon to receive phone calls from individuals that have been buying from us for more than forty years.
And while those customers remain dear to our heart, we are always excited to build new relationships with young people that are just now discovering our great products.
Looking Ahead
2019 marks the eighth year since my brother, Steve Armistead, myself and a small group of investors bought the company from the Hawthorne family and relocated to historical downtown Decatur. We scaled the business to a 12-month operation, added our TVPC web site and social media to help our customers connect with our product offerings. I guess you could say we have embarked on a business adventure to grow the business and share the wealth of great tasting pecans and other products. We invite you to join us on this journey.
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