As 2nd generation family co-owners of Sur-Seal, we enjoy sharing our family business story with you. The story takes us back to 1836 when our great, great grandfather, Elias Frey, departed the small town of Weidenthal, Germany in search of new opportunities for his family. He walked a trail many Germans were taking at the time. Over the Rhine river, across Germany and France, and then boarding a ship for New York City.

From New York, he walked onward to Cincinnati. The rising hills off the Ohio River reminded the family of home in Germany and believed great opportunity would be available for generations ahead.

In 1838, Elias opened a blacksmith shop to support local farmers only 5 miles from Sur-Seal today. That small blacksmith shop would be the beginning of five consecutive generations of family businesses in the area. From a blacksmith shop to hotels, grocery stores, construction companies, accounting firms, and our current company, Sur-Seal.

Across those companies several constant endearing values were always present and became the building blocks of Sur-Seal today.

• A steadfast conviction for caring for the customer, associates, and each other
• Treating all with respect, honesty, and authenticity
• Embracing Great Ideas and encouraging creativity
• Doing what is right and having the courage to change direction when following opportunity
• Ensuring that those walking along with us are well prepared for the future.

Today at Sur-Seal, we all walk along together on a trail that began generations ago. The trail ahead is lined with the opportunity for every one of us to grow and improve each day, while also building a global organization together.

An organization that Elias Frey could never have imagined, but would have been honored that it is a part of his family legacy.

Jim Wilz, CEO
Mick Wilz, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Sur-Seal, Family-owned since 1965