About
In 1911, Max Beren, a young Russian immigrant started a used oilfield equipment business called MOUNTAIN IRON & Supply Company in Parkersburg, WV. Max grew the business with the help of his wife and two brothers, incorporating in 1923. One of Max’ early keys to success was his understanding of the value of delivering more than what the customer knew he wanted.
Max followed the oilfields out of West Virginia to Kansas in 1920 with the El Dorado strike. Following World War II, Bud Beren, Max’ son joined the firm. Bud oversaw the growth of the company over the next 5 decades that encompassed operations from the Gulf Coast to the Canadian Rockies, and from Appalachia to the Rocky Mountains. Over the years other operations were added as opportunities arose in industrial uniform rentals, commercial cleaning products, equipment leasing and finance, radio broadcasting, and natural gas marketing.
In the years following the 1981 oil boom that decimated the oil exploration business that the supply company depended upon. The other companies were sold off as well as the timing was right. During this same period, Bud’s son Peter became involved in the business learning sales, inventory control, customer service, and management. Peter took the helm of the natural gas marketing firm calling on industrial and large commercial users throughout the Midwest. With the market maturing and reduced margins, the Berens felt the timing was right to exit that business as well, selling out to a Kansas City firm.
After a transition period with the new owners, Peter once again looked for something to sink his entrepreneurial teeth into. He looked at several companies in Kansas City that met his criteria, settling on what would become Mid America Coach. Since 2001, Mid America Coach has been provided unparalleled sales and service in the small and mid size shuttle bus markets as well as providing mobility solutions to individuals who need to be able to enter or drive a vehicle from a wheel chair. Additionally, Mid America Coach operates the only dedicated shuttle bus service center in the Kansas City area.
And despite the ever changing businesses and industries, the key to the Beren’s success is that they all have passed down from generation to generation the continued tradition of providing the customer with a better product or service or pricing than they know that they need.
