"Since Osage acquired our firm in 1995, we have tripled the company's operating profit and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Osage provides strategic business insight, financial support for improvements and inspiration - all which have been key ingredients for our growth. In short, our company has flourished with the help of Osage Industries."

Tom Bannos President, Red-Ray Manufacturing, Inc. Cliffside Park, NJ

"Osage is not my first experience of ownership transfer of companies, having been an M & A intermediary for ten years and having sold four of my own businesses. They are a group which is professional, caring and motivated toward an orderly transition coupled with a long term view. Our company is poised to realize its potential going forward, thanks in large part to the forward thinking and problem solving attitude of Osage."

Jim O'Keeffe President, Lakota, Inc. Grandview, MO

"Ballymore was a family-owned company for over 50 years, with employees that have as much as 40 years seniority. When the company was sold to Osage in 1998 it operated in essentially the same way as when it was founded. My predecessor had recognized that the market was changing and for the company to succeed in the future it would need to change dramatically, and sold the company to Osage.

I have now been president of the company for two years. When I joined the company our goal was clear - position the company for substantial growth. We knew this would require a substantial investment. Over the past two years we have added a powder coat paint system, opened a West Coast satellite operation, introduced several new products, and developed a partner in China to provide component parts. All of these actions require not only a substantial investment but a long-term outlook and commitment to stay the course; during a difficult economic environment. I have always believed actions speak louder than words; Osage's actions have been consistent with their words. The support we have received has been excellent. Its a great organization and I am very proud to be part of it!"

Bill Frame President, Ballymore Company, Inc. West Chester, PA

"Our family-owned company was started in 1990, supplying steel pins for hydraulic excavators. As we expanded our product offering and our customer base, we grew so rapidly that we were not able to respond to customer demand in a timely manner. Fortunately, three years ago we teamed with Osage. They gave us not only the financial support for needed purchases of capital equipment, but also the business and manufacturing expertise of a company interested in long term relationships between Lanier, its employees and its customers. This growth, during which sales have more than doubled, would not have been possible without Osage. We have been very satisfied with Osage's acquisition of Lanier, and have a deep respect and admiration of Bob Adelson.

Gary York President, Lanier Industries, Inc. Alpharetta, GA

"Fifty years ago my grandfather and father founded a company that manufactures casters and furniture hardware. I am the third generation to own and manage this company, and therefore I have taken great pride in the success of this business. Thoughts of ever selling the company were a long way off. When Bob Adelson, of Osage Industries, first approached me, I was immediately impressed with his honesty and completely above board attitude. Future meetings seemed to confirm even further that Bob demonstrated great integrity. These qualities validated my initial gut feelings that this was a man with whom I could entrust my 50 year-old business. Bob's offer was fair, and the meetings leading up to a relatively quick settlement were organized and amiable. Now that I have been working for Osage for nearly five months, I must say that it has been an easy and smooth transition. Actually, it hasn't even felt like a transition, because the Osage people have given me complete autonomy. We have a common goal - the growth of the company. All employee positions have been maintained and respected, and so it's been business as usual. Selling my family business was not an easy decision, but it is one about which I have had no regrets, thanks to the experience that I continue to have with Bob and Osage Industries. Bob once said to me, "Don't think of me as your boss, we're partners." I think that says it all."

David Rentz President, Jacob Holtz Company, Inc. Philadelphia, PA