Manley's Mighty Mart Grows

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Two years ago, Manley's Mighty Mart owner Anthony Manley decided to double the size of its chain -- then 18 stores -- within five to seven years. Today, the chain is on track to achieve its goal, reported the Press & Sun-Bulletin.

In 2007 alone, the company will add four stores to its portfolio -- currently made up of 22 -- and within a few months will operate 24 store in total. But while the company is in growth mode, that wasn't always the case.

In April 1964, Manley took his future into his own hands when he left his job at a Mobil station, and met with a company representative who personally signed a loan for him to open his own station, the report explained.

Now, Manley's Mighty Mart has evolved into a chain of 22 stores, earning $100 million in annual revenue. And earlier this year, Manley was named the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Person of the Year at its annual dinner.

The honor was "a very humbling experience," Manley told the paper.
The company's growth is a "testament to our customers and my employees," he said. "You could have the biggest, prettiest buildings and the best merchandise in the world, but if you don't have the people to take care of it, and the customers coming in, there is no business."
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