West Reading Avenues Fall 2017 - 19

William Diller Jewelers. 601 Penn Ave., West Reading. The oldest
jewelry store in Berks County, William Diller Jewelers has been
in business since 1914. The store, a West Reading institution, has
been owned since 2004 by John P. and Cynthia C. Lis.

Although they have separate responsibilities within the business,
many tasks, such as product selection for the store, are done together with mutual respect for each other's input. They are never
dismissive with one another and - wait for it - claim they have
NEVER had an argument. This philosophy flows easily to their
interactions with clients; they believe in treating all people the
same with no pre-judgments, and feel that the fiancé who buys a
$500 engagement ring is just as important as the fiancé spending
$20,000. Tim once even made a deal with Stacy - if he acquired
a new ring that was a little more unique and "out there" than the
norm for the store, she would have to agree to show it to clients.
She agreed, but he noticed she rarely showed it. What else could
he do but give it to her for Valentine's Day that year? This is a
smart woman, and - what can I say - this place is a real love fest!
These are just a few of the family-owned businesses in the borough, but common themes quickly emerged: respect, boundaries,
gratitude, loving what you do and who you're with, and laughter.
I was waiting for someone to say wine, lots of wine, but I guess
I'll just keep that idea to myself. As they say in the old country....
alla famiglia!

More Businesses to Check Out!
Family-owned enterprises form the backbone of the West Reading
business community. For generations, family members have owned
and operated businesses that serve their communities and beyond.

GNA Ristorante. 421 Penn Ave., West Reading. Alby Grande
and his wife, Lina Amorosa, started GNA in 1976. Their sons,
Masssimo and Ben, daughter Tina Grande-Cirandine; and sonin-law Raffaela Cirandine have joined in the operation, and the
family also owns and operates Nonno Alby's at 701 Penn Ave, the
site of the original GNA.
The Compleat Baldwin Brass Center. 623 Penn Ave., West
Reading. Owner Nancy Campbell and her family purchased the
business in 1991 and have run it since, with an emphasis on product
knowledge and personal customer service.
Mom Chaffe's. 146-148 Tulpehocken Ave., West Reading. Founded in 1936 as a spaghetti house, the business was acquired by the
Lehman family in 1980. Since the passing of Melvin Lehman in
2009, the business has been run by his wife, Polly, and son John.
To family members who work together day after day, year after
year, West Reading Avenues salutes you. And, we encourage you,
our readers, to patronize these and other family-run businesses.

Creative staﬃng solutions
and ideas to meet today's
challenging workforce demands
Call Gage Personnel at 610.376.1771.

While this issue of West Reading Avenues profiles three family-owned businesses: London Blue Jewelers, the West Reading
Tavern and Pollack Fashion Outwear, we salute the many other
establishments in which family members work together to provide
valuable services and help define the culture of our town.Among
those businesses are:
Gage Personnel. 101 N. Seventh Ave., West Reading. Gage is a
third-generation business founded by Donna Gage (Bill's mom,
and now deceased) in 1985. Donna was joined in the business by
her daughter-in-law, Gwen Gage, and later by her son, William.
Currently, the certified woman-owned business is run by Gwen,
CEO; William, president; and their daughter, Kristi Gage-Linderman,
who is expected to take over the business when her parents retire.
Kuhn Funeral Home. 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Founded in
1937 by Edward J. Kuhn, Sr., the funeral home currently is owned
and operated by Edward's son, Ed Kuhn, and Ed's son, Michael
Kuhn. The business recently established a second location in
Muhlenberg Township.
lovewestreading.org

http://www.lovewestreading.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of West Reading Avenues Fall 2017