[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING PIERCE BROS. REPAIR OF INDIANOLA, IOWA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the repair 
and welding shop, Pierce Bros. Repair of Indianola, Iowa, on 
celebrating their 50th Anniversary and to express my appreciation for 
their commitment to providing important services to Iowans in the area.
   In 1958, brothers Lee and Gene Pierce opened an old-style blacksmith 
shop, primarily repairing farm equipment. Current owner Kurt Wells now 
has a five-man crew doing various jobs in the area, including repairing 
lawn mowers, grills, trailer hitches, and other projects. Kurt joined 
the company in 1960 at age ten and bought the shop in 1972.
   Pierce Bros. Repair's success has come by sticking to their original 
niche and only upgrading the necessary modern modifications. Although 
the shop has expanded twice since 1958, there are no computer-run 
tools, and the shop is still heated today by a wood burning stove. 
Kurt's managing secret is to work with his employees, not boss them. It 
is a secret that has generated 130 years of experience at the shop 
between the five current employees.
   For 50 years, Pierce Bros. Repair of Indianola has benefited Iowans 
by providing important, reliable, customer-oriented service, and for 
this I offer them my utmost congratulations and thanks. It is an honor 
to represent Kurt Wells and all members of the Pierce Bros. crew in 
Congress, and I wish them continued success in serving the Indianola 
community.