John Mentzer, Jr. of Lancaster Foundry Supply Company demonstrates with the help of his daughter.
AbOminOg Intl. Arts Collective Founding Director M.C. Reiley, recently spoke with long time partner and supporter John Mentzer, Jr. of Lancaster Foundry Supply Company (LFSC) to learn more about his family business.
Since our inception, AbOminOg Intl. has procured materials and equipment from LFSC and has benefitted from their generosity and expertise on foundry matters. LFSC is lead by Jack Mentzer, Sr. and his son John who represents the fourth generation to do so.
On Nov. 3rd, John will be joining us during our scratch mold workshop and cast-iron pour demonstration at the Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) in Mercerville, NJ. He will display his company’s products and services while conducting a not-to-be missed demonstration.
Q&A with John Mentzer, Jr.
MCR: How was LFSC started?
JM: My great grandfather was an iron foundry laborer in the Lancaster PA area. The story has it that one night over beers; a group of fellow foundry men approached him to start a foundry supply company to provide products to their shops. Prior to the formation of LFSC, supplies had to come all the way from Philadelphia and/or Baltimore.
MCR: Can you describe your father’s and your own decision to continue in the family business?
JM: My father grew up in the business and feels that the business is in his blood. He has a background in metallurgy and loves the hard working people on the floor of the shops we service, their integrity and values. My background in environmental studies and geology have steadily grown into a passionate interest in sand technology as it relates to our industry. Our strengths and differences complement each other well and form the basis of a successful business practice.
MCR: Last year at our GFS event we met your daughter who took park in our scratch mold workshop. Do you sense that a fifth generation of Mentzers might become involved in the family business?
JM: Well, there’s no pressure but you can always hope.
John casts tin heated in a microwave.
MCR: What market makes up LFSC’s customer base?
JM: Mostly medium size foundries or job shops in Pennsylvania servicing the medical, agricultural, automobile, mining and commercial industries. Recently, our business expanded into the agricultural field when my sister, who is a horse trainer, helped to identify an opportunity for us to diversify and grow by warehousing and distributing horse feed and bedding.
MCR: What percentage of your business is art related and how do you see your experience and the benefits of working with artists such as those of AbOmInOg Intl. Arts Collective?
JM: About 15% of our business is art related such as sculpturing, decorative and memorials. From the market viewpoint, I see growth and new opportunities. I think its significant to note that artists differ from our other customers in that they are willing to defy the rules and try things that no one else does. The results can be astounding.