TEXTILES.ORG
Traube Awning, an awnings and shade provider based in Hartford, Ill., announced its return to family ownership after a 10-year hiatus with Steve Traube, a third-generation descendant of the founding family acquiring the company.
“I’m thrilled to bring Traube Awning back to the family,” says Traube, owner of Traube Tents & Structures and now Traube Awning. “For generations, the Traube name has been synonymous with quality products and exceptional customer service. I’m committed to upholding that legacy and taking Traube Awning to even greater heights.”
Traube announced the partnership with Scott Clifford who will bring his experience in finance and operations as a former CFO of a Fortune 500 Company to Traube Awning. Together, they plan to expand the business into a local and national leader offering a wide range of products and services to a diverse clientele.
“There is tremendous growth opportunity for sales as well as for the current and new employees,” Traube says. “Traube Awning currently does less than $1 million in annual sales, but we expect that to grow to several million over the course of the next few years. The opportunity to partner with a long time friend with such tremendous business experience is exciting too.”
Traube Awning and Traube Tent operated as separate divisions under The Traube Canvas umbrella until 1996 when the company was officially split into two entities. John and Steve Traube took control of the tent rental business as Traube Tent and their cousin formed Traube Awning. Traube Awning was sold to an ownership group outside the family in 2013.
“I have kept an eye on Traube Awning for years simply because it bears our family name,” Traube says. “I noticed the previous owner was in bankruptcy proceedings and thought this could be an opportunity to get the name back, if nothing else.
“After looking into the operations we could see there were several long term, key employees that have been keeping this business afloat. They continued to do quality work with virtually no sales or marketing. With their commitment, Traube Awning was already poised to make money and was ripe for growth.”
The company plans to expand its product offerings and invest in new technologies. “Our combined expertise in small business growth and C-suite corporate experience positions us well to manage the tremendous opportunity we see in the commercial and residential markets for Traube Awning,” says Clifford. “The local and national markets are in need of quality manufacturers based in the U.S. and we intend to become the go-to source for these custom products.”
Founded in 1938, Traube Awning Company has a long history of serving the community. The company is known for its products, craftsmanship and customer service. Traube Awning offers a wide variety of awnings and shade solutions for both residential and commercial properties from retractable awnings and patio covers to architectural elements and commercial canopies.