Cohoon's Elevator

 

“We want the customer to be the success story when they leave here.”
-Sheryl Cohoon

 

As I stood at the counter at Cohoon’s Elevator, which is underlain with pictures of history, trophy hunts, farm and wildlife photos of cherished customers, I felt like I melted right into a place back in time. It certainly brought back childhood memories, but beyond that, it is simply a place that each person that enters is treated like family. I felt it immediately myself. Remember that hometown, familiar feeling? Well, you can’t always get it at chain stores. Will our children even know what that’s like? Taking them to Cohoon's certainly will secure that possibility. Aquarium after aquarium will captivate children. The wooden seed bins, the old scale, the walls full of pet treats and birdfeeders are all things captivating to the senses. Sheryl remarked that often time her favorite thing to watch is a child's expression when they enter the store because the sights and SMELLS both offer a sensory overload that they are not always prepared for. Children also love "Prancer", who Tom’s Grandpa used when he sold saddles at the store. People could place their saddles on Prancer before purchasing them, in order to check for a proper fit. Cohoon’s does not sell saddles any longer, but Prancer continues in good fashion, charming every child who notices him. And yes, kids really can sit on him.

 

 

 

 

 

Walking into the store, one is surrounded by an array of unique items. This store has wonderful character that you will not find in comparison at any box store in town. Pet supplies literally up to the ceiling and unique items for the bird lover abound. An impressive knowledge of gardening and farming ooze out of Tom and Sheryl Cohoon, as well as their son Dan Hagen, who’s work ethic seems to be a hopeful glimmer that Cohoon’s will continue into the 4^th generation. As far as the physical aspects of the store, what always has captivated me most, are the wooden bins full of seeds. This part of the store reverts you automatically to a historic general store. A time before things were prepackaged in factories and sent off to stores with looming isles and well meaning, but often underqualified employees.

 

 

The Cohoon family is still successful because they take tremendous care of their customers. They take time to listen to them and give knowledgeable advice, and they also take time to lean on the counter and laugh and share stories with them. It is obvious that customers are the backbone of the business and never hurried out of the store. On a Friday mid-day when one might think a small business would be slow, there was hardly a lull in the customers coming in and out. Tom Cohoon had a kind greeting for each of them and knew many of them, which was evident by such comments as “hey, how are the pigs doing”.

 

 

For those of us captivated by Midland County history, there is quite a story to tell, and no doubt Tom can tell it better than anyone. The elevator started in 1929 by Tom’s grandfather Dave Cohoon and his sons Dean and John. Originally the Elevator was on Ann Street downtown, back then called “Midland Farmer's Elevator”. Dave raised his kids on a farm in West Branch and the elevator was started likely due to a perceived basic need that this farmer saw not too far off in Midland county. In the 1940’s Mr. Cohoon purchased "Laur’s Elevator" which is where Cohoon’s Elevator currently sits. Right snug against the railroad in its early days, Cohoon's faithfully received coal off the train to sell to citizens, who back then primarily heated with it. At an angle across the road, still sits the old depot. Still standing, but now boarded up, most Midland County residents don't even know the depot is still in existence. This is truly a unique part of town that is often overlooked. Standing on the edge of Townsend you can almost hear the stories of long ago bouncing off the buildings. Tom has priceless pictures of people standing  at the depot waiting for the train, photos of the original elevator as well as photos of family members who worked together to keep Cohoon's Elevator going. After Dave Cohoon ran the elevator with his sons, it eventually was placed in their hands and then handed down to Tom, who is currently keeping it running, and his Brother Steve who has since retired.

 

 

The original wooden elevator at the Townsend location burned in the 1940’s and was replace with the current elevator that is still functioning today. It indeed is not just a historical part of Midland… but it still serves its purpose. The front part of the store is still original, the back portion had been reconstructed after a fire in 1958. Such stories of success mixed with loss should inspire fellow business owners. The Cohoon family is a true story of the blood, sweat and tears that go into small business ownership. They are an inspirational story that tells us that successful family businesses do not give up at the first sight of trouble, or competition for that matter.

 

The long running success of the business is mainly due to staff caring intentionally for the customer. They pride themselves in training their 5-8 employees to take time with customers and to do their best to answer their questions, and be honest with them if they don’t have an answer at hand. Tom believes customers know when a business is being honest or dishonest, and it is always better to let a customer know when you have to find an answer instead of pretending to know something you don't. Although I would have to say, the odd's of Tom, Sheryl or Dan not having an answer is pretty slim. Many of the seeds and feeds they sell are mixed and bagged fresh and on site. This is a rare thing to find these days and the guaranteed ingredients and freshness make stopping at Cohoon's a worthy trip. Tom will readily tell you, success of the business is also attributed to years of family dedication and loyal repeat customers and he and Sheryl credit Dow for the success of not only theirs, but many other small businesses in the area saying there would really be no Midland otherwise.

Cohoon’s is not on a main drag in Midland. Unfortunately it is surprising the amount of people who have not heard of this hidden treasure. Even with it’s towering elevator it can be easily missed. But word of mouth of the astounding service through generations has kept it thriving. When asked, Tom and Sheryl said one of the more difficult parts of being a small business owner today is when people call or stop by for product advice, but then go elsewhere, usually larger stores, for the very product they recommended, thinking they are getting a better deal when most often they are not. They mentioned partly due to them packaging and producing many of the products right on sight, prices at Cohoon's are comparable, if not lower, than large competitors. For the most part however, the Cohoons believe a majority of customers are extremely loyal, and even those who are not, they will treat them just as good. Although it’s discouraging when people seek advice and leave to purchase at other locations, they are glad they could help with what they could.
 

 

When asked how he could encourage other small business owners, Tom said three things. First of all “always take care of your customer", be honest with them, and find them the answer and the product they need. Secondly, be aware of your own costs before you get going, too many businesses now days rush into things without taking overhead into account. Lastly, keep your prices fair. Tom laughed as he recalled a loyal customer that once told him “You can take off the top of my pocket time and again, but you will only take off the bottom of my pocket once”. That has stuck with him, knowing customers will return for fair treatment.

 

In a few weeks Cohoon’s will be brimming in activity, often lined up to the door as gardeners and master gardeners grab theirs seed, plants, advice and supplies, including a variety of organic seeds and heirloom plants. As mentioned, all the feeds, seeds and plants are local. There is even a sunflower seed supplied from Midland County itself. Tom and Sheryl try their best to work hard at supporting local businesses to purchase their seeds and grain used for feeds.

You certainly must have the honor of standing at the Cohoon’s counter too. You will not be sorry that you did. But if you want to peek before you come in, you can find them at www.cohoonselevator.com   or call at 989-835-7724.

Also on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/Cohoons-Elevator-116477431723817/

I highly recommend you support this small business.
They are set apart by expert advice and fresh homemade and local products.

Take their advice, then come in, shake a hand, enjoy the sights and smells, and BUY LOCAL.

Written by Hope Krotzer
Photo Credit: Michelle Delzer