History of Marvin

Define Marvin

What seals the deal for you in a purchase decision? Is it variety? Quality? Customer Care? Price?

I think for most of us it’s a combination of all of the above.

But what about History? How much does a product’s history have to do with your purchase decision? Granted, when you’re trying to determine what brand of fast food to shovel into your mouth after Jr.’s soccer game or Little Sis’ basketball practice, I wouldn’t expect the product history of McDonald’s Big Mac to suddenly appear in the back of your brain. But with much larger purchase instances, does history come into play?

When the Marvin Window & Door product was first presented to us as a company, we knew very little about the brand or its product specs. Upon initial pitch of the product we learned that our acceptance to carry the brand would provide somewhat lessened profit margins for us as a company in comparison to some of our other options. Essentially, the brand would be more expensive for us to carry as an option to our customers.

But before we made our quick decision based solely on the price-point, we were asked to consider the following:

George G. Marvin arrived in Warroad, Minnesota in 1904. It is here that he lay the groundwork for the premier manufacturer of made-to-order windows in the world.
George’s entrepreneurial spirit and visionary qualities launched his business venture. But his remarkable sense of integrity, energy, heart and spirit are what kept him in the game. From very early on, George took advantage of every potentially sucessful opportunity to diversify his business. He launched a hardware retail store, sawmills, logging camps and he oversaw a farm in Roseau County.

George also recognized the need for and the importance of establishing long-lasting partnerships with fellow industry associates. It is because of this innovative and dedicated way of doing things, that the Marvin foundation was so sturdily created.

Here are some additional “Fun Facts” pertaining to the Marvin family:

• George Marvin business philosophy: “Work like hell and don’t spend more than you earn.”
• All six of George’s sons worked for the Marvin company (and attended college with their summer-earned income)
• George Marvin was actively involved in the community and a volunteer with the fire department
• The Marvin Company worked every employee without a single layoff during the Great Depression
• The Marvin Sash & Door Factory burnt to the ground in 1948
• Marvin manufactured its first double hung window in 1955
• In 1961 the Marvin Factory burnt to the ground. Despite multiple offers to relocate and rebuild, Bill Marvin was committed to the community of Warroad. They reopened their doors in June 1962–Exactly one year later.
• The Marvin Casemaster was previewed in 1968
• College scholarship program for students of Marvin employees was established in 1981
• Marvin Windows won the award “99 Things Americans Make Best” by Money Magazine
• Employee benefits ramped up yet again–Wellness Centers provide employees opportunity to check B.P., pulse and weight in 2003
• Marvin switches to best treatment preservative int the world, 2004