Checker Distributors history

1954 marked the year that Del began to call on stores along with her warehouse responsibilities.

1955 was a turning point in regards to commitment for Checker’s growth.

By 1959 Jerry chose to devote his full-time efforts to his father’s company and sold his share of ownership to friends of the Krieger’s, Marge and Lou Beale of Detroit.

In 1963 through much perseverance, determination and hard work the first addition, the Southwest corner section of 4,400 square feet, was added to the original building.

In 1967 Checker exhibited in its first trade show, the Cleveland Textile Show.

In 1971 Rob Krieger returned from the Army and chose to work for the family business.

In 1972 Checker was incorporated.

1973 marked the introduction of our first automated billing machine, a Burroughs “L4000”. Primitive by today’s standards, it greatly assisted the extension of invoices and ledger cards, which were previously typed or handwritten.

The first complete catalog was published in 1974.

In 1975 the second addition to Checker was built to bring the total capacity to 10,040 square feet.

1982-83 saw our product lines expanded to give greater depth to sewing notions and craft related items.

1986 was the year in which the employee handbook was first published.

1987 saw Checker expand its territory with more salespeople.

In 1989, more salespeople were added to increase geographical coverage.

In 1990, a large southern sales force was hired.

Also, our third generation computer, an IBM RISC 6000 was ordered for installation in 1991.

In 1992, additional sales representatives were hired on the west and east coasts to service and supply customers in those territories.

In 1994 more salespeople and warehouse staff were required to meet our growth.

In January of 1995, Checker Distributors relocated to a new warehouse at 400 West Dussel Drive Ste B in Maumee, OH, with a total capacity of 63,000 sq. ft.

Promotional ideas for our 50th year of business in 1998 were developed.

The concept of Checker 2000 was developed to anticipate the expected changes in the world market.

The year 2001 saw further expansion of our product line to over 72,000 items.

In 2002 the Maumee warehouse increased to 100,000 sq. feet.

Recognition of our employees hard work and attention to customer service were recognized on October 25, 2003 at the International Quilt Market, when Checker was awarded the “Best of Notions Distributor for 2003” by the Fabric Shop Network representing almost 1,000 domestic quilt and fabric shops.

In 2005 Brad Krieger moved back from Colorado to take over the sales territory of Western Ohio, Southern Michigan and Eastern Indiana.

In 2006 our Team worked hard on developing a new comprehensive website that incorporates advanced search capabilities, a fabric color selector, top 20 selling items and newest products by category and “How to Use” product videos.

In 2007 Brad Krieger moved into the corporate office as the new Fabric Buyer, and began to learn all facets of the business by taking on many additional roles.

Also, in 2012 CheckerYou.com, an online educational community for the independent retail shop, was launched.

During 2016, Checker made freight agreements allowing Canadian and European Union customers significant savings on their import and freight costs.

In 2017, Brad Krieger was named President of Checker Distributors.