Colony Brands
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mail-order and online retail |
| Founded | 1926 in Monroe, Wisconsin, United States |
| Founder | Ray Kubly |
| Headquarters | Monroe , United States |
Area served | United States, primarily upper Midwest |
Key people | Pat Kubly (Chairman), Bob Erb (President), Ryan Kubly (Director of Strategic Planning) |
| Products | Food items (cheeses, sausages, chocolates, fruitcakes), furniture, home accessories, clothing, entertainment products, electronics |
Number of employees | 4500+ |
| Website | www |
Colony Brands, Inc.—previously known as The Swiss Colony, Inc.—operates as a prominent mail-order and online retailer, renowned for its assortment of cheeses, sausages, chocolates, fruitcakes, and a variety of other food items. Beyond edible goods, the company offers a broad selection of furniture, home accessories, clothing, entertainment products, and electronics. It ranks among the leading direct marketing firms within the United States.
History
Established in 1926 in Monroe, Wisconsin, a community with deep Swiss immigrant heritage and a notable tradition in cheese-making, the company originated from an academic project. Ray Kubly, then a senior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, developed a business plan focused on marketing Green County cheese through mail order. After completing his studies, Kubly launched the enterprise from his family’s basement. During its inaugural year, the business fulfilled just 50 cheese orders. Over time, the company experienced consistent growth and expanded its reputation regionally and nationally. Its product line later broadened to include sausage, baked goods, and confections. The first diversification into non-food merchandise occurred in 1982.
Currently, Colony Brands, Inc., along with its subsidiaries, employs more than 4,500 individuals. Roughly half of this workforce is seasonal, hired temporarily to support increased demand during autumn and holiday periods.
Emphasizing its connection to southern Wisconsin roots, the company sponsors the Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade held biennially in September in Green County.
On June 1, 2010, the organization rebranded from The Swiss Colony, Inc. to Colony Brands, Inc. to more accurately represent its role as the parent company overseeing an extensive collection of food and non-food catalogs, websites, and subsidiary businesses.
Most recently, on June 16, 2023, Colony Brands expanded its portfolio by acquiring select assets from AmeriMark, incorporating twelve additional brands into its operations.
Brands
Beyond its flagship Swiss Colony label, Colony Brands, Inc. manages a variety of catalog enterprises under multiple brand identities.
In August 2008, a subsidiary of Swiss Colony acquired the assets of the bankrupt Direct Marketing Services Inc., thereby gaining ownership of DMSI’s direct-mail brands, which include:
- Montgomery Ward (general merchandise)
- AmeriMark Direct (general merchandise)
- Charles Keath (home décor)
- Home Visions (bedding, furniture, home décor)
The portfolio of catalog companies owned by Colony Brands encompasses Ashro, Montgomery Ward, AmeriMark, The Swiss Colony, Wisconsin Cheeseman, Midnight Velvet, Ginny's, Monroe and Main, Country Door, Tender Filet, and Seventh Avenue—the latter recognized as their premier catalog.
Additionally, Colony Brands, Inc. holds a controlling stake in SC Aviation, Inc., based in Janesville, Wisconsin, which specializes in aircraft charter and management services.
Facilities
Since its founding, Colony Brands, Inc. has maintained its corporate headquarters in Monroe, Wisconsin, focusing its operations primarily across the upper Midwest region of the United States. Key facilities are situated in:
- Monroe, Wisconsin – Corporate headquarters; SC Data Center, Inc.; Integrated Marketing Solutions, Inc.; DM Services, Inc.; Green County Foods, Inc.; SC Global Sourcing, Inc.
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
- Janesville, Wisconsin – SC Aviation, Inc.
- Westmont, Illinois
- Clinton, Iowa
- Davenport, Iowa
- Peosta, Iowa – Colony Brands order fulfillment center
- Hannibal, Missouri – SC Data Center customer service and order-taking facility (closed as of 5/31/23)
During the 1960s and 1970s, The Swiss Colony expanded into a widespread network of over 225 retail outlets located in shopping malls across the United States. However, in the early 1980s the company strategically ceased these retail operations to concentrate on catalog sales. This shift was prompted by an economic recession and escalating rental costs for prime mall locations. Today, outlet stores remain operational in Monroe, Wisconsin and Davenport, Iowa.
Leadership
Pat Kubly took over leadership from his father and company founder Ray Kubly in 1969 and currently holds the position of chairman of the board. Bob Erb serves as president and oversees daily company operations. Ryan Kubly, Ray Kubly’s grandson, fulfills the role of director of strategic planning.
References
External links
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