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Tumbling to the Top

Kathy Krassner -- Gifts and Dec, 4/1/2011 4:21:30 AM

Tervis tumblers come in thousands of customizable designs and combinations. Boxed sets of four 16-oz. retail from $44–$64, depending on their design.BACK IN 1946, TWO ENGINEERS in Detroit named Frank Cotter and G. Howlett Davis created a permanently sealed, doublewalled tumbler that harnessed the insulating powers of air to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Today, the company that bears the last three letters of their names - Tervis - is a leader in the drinkware industry and marking its 65th anniversary in 2011.
Barry Wolfson, president and CEO     The Donelly family purchased the Tervis product rights in the 1950s and incorporated the Tervis Tumbler Company in 1967. Today, this family-owned-and-operated business, headed by Norbert Donelly, chairman, manufactures all Tervis products in North Venice, FL, and employs more than 400 people.Laura Spencer, CFO
     The company's original tall, cylindrical tumbler has evolved into seven tumbler styles, an ice bucket and more. In 1995, Tervis began licensing collegiate designs and now has more than 30 licenses, including all professional sports teams. Among its bestselling designs are: Florida, Ohio State and Auburn; the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers; Mickey Mouse and Margaritaville's 5 0'Clock Somewhere.
     "Our goal is to appeal to our customers' passions and connections, whether it is sports, entertaining, hobbies or family and friends," says chief sales and marketing officer Rich Kaplan. At the company's AmericasMart Atlanta showroom in January, Tervis celebrated its anniversary with a party. An appearance by Louis Van Amstel of TV's Dancing With The Stars was a highlight. "He is positive, popular and fun - just like Tervis," explains marketing manager Kim Livengood. Celebration continued with a showroom opening at the Dallas Market Center.Rich Kaplan, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer

On the Cusp of Growth
Tervis products are sold in more than 6,000 stores nationwide, and the company owns four stores in Florida and one in Myrtle Beach, SC. "We are selective about whom we allow to feature Tervis in their stores," states Kaplan, who confirms that sales topped $75 million in 2010 and that the company is looking for 40 percent growth this year.Wayne Varnadore, COO
Reflecting this anticipated growth, a 35,000-sq.-ft. expansion of the North Venice facility is expected to be completed this summer. Other future plans, says Kaplan, include expanding into serveware and continuing to gain national market share. Tervis will also be expanding its geographic reach, with plans to penetrate the Canadian marketplace. "We want to be the leading insulated drink and serveware brand that is made for a lifetime," he states, adding, "Tervis is evolving to become a national brand."

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