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History
S. Cohn & Son began in 1917 with Samuel Cohn and his son Louis, who was also known as Luke. Samuel and his family immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1900. After a short stay on the East coast, they relocated to the Midwest, eventually settling in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1903. It was at this point in time that the American love affair with the automobile started to emerge. Seizing upon this newfound phenomenon, Samuel, at age 40, and 14-year-old Luke, started an automobile salvage yard. The business soon evolved into selling used automobiles and aftermarket replacement parts.
S. Cohn & Son carved their niche in this industry for the next three decades. However, the end of World War II created opportunities in US Government surplus material. The construction industry was booming after the war, particularly with the development of housing and road building. Luke, who had learned the importance of minimizing expenses during the Great Depression, purchased enough parts through US Government auctions to assemble over 100 T-9 International Bulldozers. This transition into a new market, heavy equipment, marked a turning point for the next generation of Cohn’s on which to build.
By 1958, Luke’s son, Allan, joined the family business after attending Indiana University and showed an immediate interest in the replacement parts industry. In 1965, he made his initial visit to Italy in order to purchase parts on a direct basis. Consequently, S. Cohn & Son became one of the pioneers in the importation of foreign undercarriage, thus having a profound impact on the future direction of the company. Throughout the years, Allan befriended many Italians, and in particular, Gianni Bertoni, the president of Bertoni and Cotti, the forerunner to Berco. These relationships grew and as the Italians expanded their range, S. Cohn & Son was one of the first companies able to represent and distribute these products in the US market.
S. Cohn & Son actively marketed these imports as they steadily
gained acceptance in the marketplace due to the quality and pricing
of the product. Allan’s vision to continuously seek quality goods
coupled with the ability to warehouse a wide range of parts insured
a steady flow of business from cost conscience owner/operators and
wholesalers. As Allan often states, “Offer quality products and
services at a fair price and the rest will take care of itself.”During the 1960’s, Luke and Allan continued to import from Berco, gaining a stronger foothold in the Midwest. In the 1970’s, the company enjoyed sustained growth as the burgeoning construction industry sought economic advantage with imported replacement parts. Again, the vision of S. Cohn & Son was ahead of the curve by forging stronger ties with their suppliers. Heeding his customer’s wishes, Allan worked very closely with Italian manufacturers to achieve constant improvement in order to match OEM specifications. This strategy allowed S. Cohn & Son to compete nationwide against the predominant manufacturers of heavy equipment.
Allan’s two sons, Stewart and Doug, are the latest generation of family members to join the business. Upon graduation from Tulane University in 1983, Stewart joined the company followed by his brother Doug, a graduate of the University of Arizona in 1987. Both sons gained valuable experience and product knowledge by working at several branch locations in their early years. Stewart and Doug continue to apply their father’s lessons on a day-to-day basis.
Keeping true to their ideals, the company continued to seek quality products from overseas by strengthening its relationship with multiple Italian vendors. In the mid 1990’s, the expansion of a global economy brought new opportunities from the Asian market. It was at this point and time, S. Cohn & Son initiated communications with several South Korean manufacturers, most notably DCF and Sejin.
An integral aspect of the Cohn philosophy is recognizing the importance and retention of quality personnel. Allowing people the freedom to do their job and maintaining an open door policy has resulted in many long tenured employees. Several key managers and staff have been with the company for over 20 years. S. Cohn & Son has one of the industry’s most knowledgeable sales force with over 200 years combined experience in the Indianapolis office alone.
Today, S. Cohn & Son operates in five locations around the country and ships material throughout the Western Hemisphere. At each location you will find a full range of new parts, used and rebuilt components, as well as used equipment. In addition, complete track shop services including custom welding and carbide embedding are available.
In May of 2005, the company relocated its headquarters to a modern, more efficient facility on the northwest side of Indianapolis. This move has resulted in continued growth and has enhanced the company’s image in the eyes of customers and vendors.
From humble beginnings to a global supplier of the construction industry, S. Cohn & Son, Inc. has fulfilled the “American Dream” and has found the formula to survive into their fourth generation by having the flexibility to adapt, expand and succeed in an ever-changing business environment. It is our express wish and desire for the fifth generation of Cohns to carry on the tradition and passion exhibited by their predecessors.