Shelving ponders acquisition, more hiring

Long-term is an important word at Shelving. The Auburn Hills-based company is a family owned business that aims for strong single-digit revenue growth and steady employee growth. It recently hired an e-commerce/Internet sales professional, expanding its staff to 24 employees.   "We have a lot of long-term employees here," says Mike Schodowski, co-owner of Shelving. Jack Schodowski started Shelving in 1960. The company offers storage products, along with design-build and after-the-sale support services. Among its 15,000 products are wire shelving, rivet shelving, pallet racks, lockers, mezzanines, in-plant offices and security fences. Shelving grew its revenue by 8 percent over the last year, in line with the family's aim.  Much of that came from extra work from existing clients. "Slow and steady is our motto," Schodowski says. "You don't want to grow too fast." With that said, the slow part might not be as slow in the next year or two as Shelving looks to keep expanding. "We are looking at acquiring another company down the road or hiring some additional sales people," Schodowski says. Source: Mike Schodowski, co-owner of Shelving Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.