Haverford Township Celebrates 100+ year old Businesses

At their annual meeting on October 6th, Discover Haverford, a non-profit economic development organization in Haverford Township, will celebrate three businesses who have been in operation for over 100 years! The businesses who will be honored that night include Charles B. Gans Plumbing, Heating and AC, O’Donnell Roofing, and The Camera Shop.

Founded in 1926 by Charlie Sr. and his wife Ethel, Charles B. Gans Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning originally operated the family business right out of their residential garage. Growing up in that environment meant that the business was woven directly into daily family life. “I remember walking home from school and my mother yelling down the street to come to help my father,” remembers Charlie Gans, Jr.

The business has grown through three generations from their oldest son Charlie Jr., his wife Maryann and youngest son Donald to today’s third-generation leadership—granddaughters Dara Gans, Tami Dale, and longtime employee Mike Murphy’s son Brian Murphy.

O’Donnell Roofing was founded in 1924 by Clement Aloysius O’Donnell Sr., as a small roofing and sheet metal business in West Philadelphia. Today, fourth-generation owner Kevin O’Donnell leads the company, with his father and third-generation owner, Larry O’Donnell, still actively involved in the business.

The Camera Shop was founded by the Bogosian family in 1920, and the family continues to run the business. They have been in their current location on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr since the 1970s.

According to the latest federal data, the average business survival rate is 51.6 percent, meaning nearly half of new businesses across the country fail within their first five years. According to data from the Small Business Administration (SBA) the ten-year survival rate drops to 33.8%, and by fifteen years, just 25.6% remain in business.

Interestingly, businesses that make it past the initial hurdles tend to have better long-term prospects. Among establishments that survive their first five years, 69.5% continue operating for at least ten years.

“I think Haverford Township is unique for the number of businesses who have been successful for decades,” notes Jeanne Angell, Executive Director of Discover Haverford. “In addition to the three businesses who are over 100 years old, we have ten businesses that are 75-99 years old and 15 more businesses who have been open between 50-75 years! I think our community is particularly close-knit, and most business owners live right here in our community. That contributes to the support our residents give to our small businesses.”

“Every year, 100 million businesses are launched globally, but most fail within the first decade. With startlingly low survival rates, what are the odds of a company lasting 90 years? Only 0.005%,” reports Magnus Ahlqvist, president & CEO of Securitas in Three Secrets to Business Longevity. “So, what determines a business's staying power? The longevity of a business hinges on three critical areas where leaders can make the most significant impact: embracing and leading change, fostering a client-centric culture and nurturing the growth and well-being of your people. Underpinning each of these areas is a company's core values, which provide the ethical compass that guides leaders’ decisions and actions,” explains Ahlqvist.

The businesses being honored have excelled in the areas outlined by Ahlqvist.

Embracing and Leading Change

The camera business has changed dramatically in the past 106 years, with most cameras sold now being digital. “Our business continues to evolve with the constant changes in technology,” explains Michelle Bogosian from the Camera Shop. “Photography is our passion, but our services include scanning & archiving, fine art printing, cards and invitations, custom photo books, video transfer, and more.”

O’Donnell Roofing has also expanded to other ventures, including installing residential and commercial solar panels and EV charging stations. “Our longevity comes from a combination of traditional knowledge passed down through generations, a commitment to continuing education and adapting to new technology,” explains Kevin O’Donnell.

Fostering a Client-Centric Culture

While the old adage “the customer is always right” may be overused, the best way to create loyal customers is to focus on their needs, the quality of the work, and keeping communication lines open.

“For decades, our family has provided our services with a commitment to honesty, quality craftsmanship, and dependability,” explains third generation owner Dara Gans. “Whether you’re a first-time client or a long-standing customer, we value the trust you place in us and work hard every day to earn your confidence. We are honored to be welcomed into so many homes and businesses over the years, frequently providing our services to the fourth and fifth generations of families.”

O’Donnell Roofing also takes their commitment to customer service to heart. “We take the time to understand each property and recommend the right solution rather than treating every roof the same. From our first conversation through completion, our customers can expect clear communication, attention to detail, and a team that takes ownership of the entire process,” explains O’Donnell.

Both Gans Plumbing and O’Donnell Roofing have shown a strong commitment to community service, as well. O’Donnell Roofing regularly supports and sponsors many organizations each year, from the YMCA to sports teams, Arts programs to Habitat for Humanity. Charlie Gans, Jr. helped found the Haverford Township Rotary Club nearly 50 years ago, setting a standard of civic involvement that his daughter, Dara, carried forward, serving as the club's president for more than six years and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local betterment. They have also been involved with the Haverford YMCA, The Oakmont Farmer's Market, and the BLAST after prom party. They have recently created a non-profit foundation, Gans Gives, to better support the Havertown and Main Line communities.

Nurturing the Growth and Well-Being of your People
Employees are the most valuable assets any company can have. The success or failure of a business is directly tied to the people who drive the mission, and every employee plays a role in shaping the organization’s future.

“At the heart of our success is our professional team,” explains Gans. “They represent the backbone of our company. We take pride in fostering a supportive environment where our employees can thrive. As a family-owned business, we view our team as an extension of that family.”

O’Donnell echoes that sentiment. “We care about making every person we work with whether it’s our clients, employees, partners, etc., better for having worked with us.”

We are proud to honor these exceptional businesses at Discover Haverford’s annual meeting on Tuesday, October 6th, from 6:30-8:30 pm at 9000 Parkview Rd, Haverford, 19041. Additionally, there will be a presentation from Discover Haverford about their work, a presentation from Township Director of Community Development Jaime Jilozian about the zoning re-write process, and a chance to network with other business leaders, Discover Haverford staff and board, as well as Township staff and commissioners. The meeting is open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided.