Pep-Greco Ind Co, 725 N Wisconsin Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181, US

In 1959 Mario Riccini on a part time basis, in the Basement designed and made patterns for the decorative builders hardware industry. Luciano Lucky Mordini joined Mario to help make the decorative door knobs and push plates. Lucky had been employed at the Greco Mfg. Co. ( Pep Industries ). Mario had been employed at Progressive Bronze Works and Greco Mfg. Co In 1960 Empire Bronze Corp was co-founded by Lucky and Mario, and relocated from the Basement to a 1000 square foot loft space located in a former brewery which was in severe disrepair. Although the conditions were less than ideal, the rent was the factor. $80.00 monthly !!! As it is for many start up companies times were very lean. To supplement the few orders from local Church Goods Dealers for Ecclesiastical Bronze Ware, orders were taken for the Polishing of Handles of Motorola Portable Radios and the manufacture of Decorative Builders Hardware which eventually became a substantial part of the business volume. Brochures depicting Ecclesiastical items were developed and sales calls were made on dealers throughout the country. Many lasting customer relationships were developed by Mario attending the Catalog Group Meetings in New York City. Slowly Church Goods Dealers confidence began to grow in the company.