Bennett Management Corp. celebrated 50 years in business Jan. 24.
The family-owned, Maumee-based business was founded by Bob Bennett, who recognized the potential of Burger King when it was 11 years old and opened a franchise in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At the time of his death in May 2013, Bennett had grown the business into 26 Burger King locations across Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.
His widow, Emily Bennett, who now owns the business, credited great management, an excellent team and a great brand for the company reaching the milestone.
“He was an attorney and a CPA and he had a brilliant business mind,” Emily said of her late husband. “I’m sure a lot of planning and experience went into creating such a great business model.”
During his life, Bennett spoke highly of the Toledo area and sought ways to improve the quality of the city through its business economy, she said.
Bennett Management remains involved in Toledo as well as the other communities it serves, supporting organizations such as The Boy Scouts of America, Easter Seals, Lucas County Children Services, and Historic Church of St. Patrick’s Food Pantry, she said.
While its founder may not get to witness the business’s continued growth, Emily said she is looking ahead to Bennett’s next 50 years.
“I think it’s absolutely incredible we’ve made it this far, and it’s all thanks to the wonderful people we’ve had involved,” she said. “We’re looking forward to many more years serving the communities in which these store are located.”
