03/27/2008
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JoAnn and Bill LaGuardia of LM Engineering in Youngstown show off some of the "road cases" they've been producing for over 20 years. |
Originally established as the Company in 1982, LM Engineering started out by manufacturing protective instrument and equipment cases for local musicians. Founder Joe Maluso wanted to create low-cost, high-quality "road cases" for himself and his fellow musicians in the area around Youngstown, Ohio. It was this idea coupled with unmatched customer service, a policy aptly labeled the "Zero-Risk Guarantee," that caught the attention of retail music stores throughout the region. As a result, Maluso moved his rapidly expanding business to a commercial location in 1985.
Shortly after the move, current CEO Bill LaGuardia joined the team, and the Company joined the NFIB. "The level of political activism was what really attracted me," said Bill when asked about why he joined NFIB. "From workers' compensation issues and ratings to unemployment issues, the NFIB has really been of great service to the small business community."
In 1987, the company changed its name to LM (LaGuardia/Maluso) Engineering, and despite Mr. Maluso's departure in 1992, still retains the same moniker. Also at this time, Bill's wife, Jo Ann LaGuardia, became the president and CFO of LM Engineering. Under Jo Ann's management, the market emphasis transferred from the music industry to the much more advantageous audio-visual industry. With these additional opportunities, sales and productivity grew rapidly resulting in the need for another expansion. In 2000, LM Engineering finally settled in to their current, modern, 40,000-sq. ft. facility.
"It's very rewarding to be able to provide jobs for so many families in the area," Jo Ann stated, noting that LM Engineering maintains a workforce of over 40 employees. "Employee and human resource issues are definitely one of the principal concerns facing business today," she added.
To that end, both Bill and Jo Ann have been motivated to become advocates through the NFIB. Since 1993, they both have served as members of the NFIB/Ohio Leadership Council. "We first got involved after NFIB's 50th anniversary in Washington, D.C., and have been active ever since," Bill recalled. Through commitment to advocacy for small business, as well as unequaled customer service, LM Engineering has continued to grow and prosper, with the promise to serve their valued customers for many years to come.
For more information about LM Engineering, visit www.LMcases.com.
