Everything Bicycles - : Beacon Cycle, a Wholesale Distributor (Jobber) in Milwaukee, WI: Who's Who-Wholesale Distributors (Jobbers), Employees & Sales Reps

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Beacon Cycle, a Wholesale Distributor (Jobber) in Milwaukee, WI

Item# Beacon Cycle [Beacon Cycle]
Categories: Who's Who-Wholesale Distributors (Jobbers), Employees & Sales Reps,

Since Howie Cohen's passing, no items are for sale.

Beacon Cycle was founded in about 1950 by Harry Fluhr (Bob`s and Ed`s father) as Fluhr Manufacturing Company. The company manufactured folding bikes, cranks, chainrings, baskets and other bicycle products. In about 1959 Robert (Bob) and Ed Fluhr took over management of the company and changed the name to Beacon Cycle. Bob spent most of his efforts in the purchasing and product development area, while Ed was the inside guy who had great relationships with the Dealer customers. Ed`s son, Sam Fluhr was a sales rep for the company; he is currently (2011) in the bicycle distribution business in WI. They distributed bicycles from Jeunet & Mercier from France, Sekini from Japan, Junker from Holland and Schauff from Germany. Bob traveled worldwide purchasing bicycles, parts and accessories. While in Japan, Beacon had a working relationship with Maruka Machinery. Katasumata-san was the Maruka person in charge of Beacon`s business. Bob sold Silver Star (Mitsuboshi Belting) tires to WCC for several years and also to Mattel Toys for their bicycle program (Varoom produced by MTD).
Bob was the first USA buyer of bicycles produced by GIANT, the now world famous bicycle producer. At the time the Giant factory was quite small and still had dirt floors. Giant produced BEACON brand lightweight 10-speed bikes. Tony Lo and King Liu worked closely with Bob on the project.
In 1967 Bob and Ed had a new facility built for Beacon Cycle and moved the company into the modern facility.
Beacon Cycle (Bob) developed a full line of packaged parts & accessories for distribution to the mass merchant market; the brand was BIKPAK and Beacon was successful in introducing the line into the K-Mart Stores where Beacon reps were allowed to go into the K-Mart Stores, take inventory of their stock and refill the merchandise as needed. At the time Beacon was the only vendor allowed such privilege by K-Mart.
Bob`s son, Steve Fluhr, opened a retail bicycle store and he continues to manage the store; M&M Cyclery in IL. Carolyn Meyer was one of the Beacon sales reps. She was the first female sales rep in the bicycle industry. Carolyn is a member of the old timers bike people. We meet for a 2~4 hour lunch every month or so in the Denver area. Our next luncheon will be in February 2010. Beacon Cycle was acquired by a large conglomerate, United States Industries (USI), in about 1974. USI moved the company from WI to IL in 1976 and liquidated the company a few years later (1977 or 1978). Bob and a partner, Earnest Slotter, acquired Standard Cycle Co of Chicago from Art Lipski in about 1978.
Thanks to Bob & Jackie for the input and assistance with this posting. Additional pictures & text pending.

Picture Gallery for this Item (click images to enlarge)
more details A photo of the exterior of Beacon's new 1967 facility. This is actually a postcard that Beacon mailed to IBD's (Independent Bicycle Dealers) inviting them to the Beacon Private Showing to be held in Minneapolis, MN on January 11~14 at the Holiday Inn of Minneapolis.	more details The opposite side of the Invitation Postcard inviting IBD's to the Beacon Private Showing in Minneapolis.	more details Ed & Mary Fluhr in about 1980 after retirement to AZ. Sam Fluhr, one of their five children is currently (2011) in the bicycle industry (distribution). Sam is the third generation Fluhr in the bike business.
more details Bob Fluhr and Mrs. Jean Pierre Jeunet (Dominique) taken in Arbois, France October 1, 1972	more details Mr. and Mrs. Mark Tsai of Li Shin Rubber (tire & tube manufacturer in Taiwan) with Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fluhr at the Fluhr's home in about 1973.	more details Bob and Jackie Fluhr surrounded by their immediate family of children and grandchildren. Included in this photo are: Robert (Bob) & Jackie Fluhr. Their son & daughter-in-law Steve & Wendy Fluhr with their four children; Michael, Matthew, Laura, & Katie. Another son & daughter-in-law Brian & Kendra Fluhr with their two sons; Brandon & Eric. Their daughter Debbie-Fluhr Riley & son-in-law husband Mike Riley with their two children, Logan & Lindi. How is this for a beautiful family picture! Bob & Jackie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2010.
more details Bob's parents (Celia & Harry) dancing at a formal affair. Bob's father, Harry Fluhr as the founder of the original company.	more details The hang-tag for bicycles sold by Beacon Cycle & Supply (a USI Co. located in Milwaukee), outside covers.	more details The hang-tag for bicycles sold by Beacon Cycle & Supply (a USI Co. located in Milwaukee), inside two pages.
more details 1975 Beacon Cycle & Supply (a USI Co.) published this price list as a part of their Service Program (page 1 of 2).	more details 1975 Beacon Cycle & Supply (a USI Co.) published this price list as a part of their Service Program (page 2 of 2).	more details c.1975 large poster (mailer when folded into quarters) illustrating 20 different Beacon brand bicycles and giving the detailed specifications of each. The bottom of the poster contains the detailed specifications, the top of the poster contains the colors or each model. There is a lot of information printed on this 18 1/2 x 24 3/4 inch poster.
more details A close-up view of the detailed specifications for the 20 models of bikes listed on this poster.	more details Page-1 of the 4-page Newsletter titled THE INFORMANT which Beacon mailed to all customers. This issue has predictions for the 1977 year so it was most likely mailed in early 1977 or late 1976. Subjects include information about; Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, America, Europe, Takagi Cranks & Chainwheels, Shimano, duty rates on imported items, shrinkage, Beacon Associates, Inc. and more.	more details Page-2 of Beacon's four page Newsletter titled THE INFORMANT.
more details Page-3 of Beacon's four page Newsletter titled THE INFORMANT.	more details Page-4 of Beacon's four page Newsletter titled THE INFORMANT.	more details Beacon produced three different broadcast-quality radio commercials. The dealers could order any or all three of the tapes and purchase radio time in their own market. Beacon supplied the tapes for FREE. This is the first of four (4) documents relating to this radio commercial program.
more details Beacon produced three different broadcast-quality radio commercials. The dealers could order any or all three of the tapes and purchase radio time in their own market. Beacon supplied the tapes for FREE. This is the reverse side of the first of four (4) documents relating to this radio commercial program.	more details Beacon produced three different broadcast-quality radio commercials. The dealers could order any or all three of the tapes and purchase radio time in their own market. Beacon supplied the tapes for FREE. This is the second of four (4) documents relating to this radio commercial program; it is the Paul Revere commercial. Each of the three commercials have a slot for the dealer tag line at the end.	more details Beacon produced three different broadcast-quality radio commercials. The dealers could order any or all three of the tapes and purchase radio time in their own market. Beacon supplied the tapes for FREE. This is the third of four (4) documents relating to this radio commercial program; it is the GEORGE WASHINGTON AT THE DELAWARE commercial. Each of the three commercials have a slot for the dealer tag line at the end.
more details Beacon produced three different broadcast-quality radio commercials. The dealers could order any or all three of the tapes and purchase radio time in their own market. Beacon supplied the tapes for FREE. This is the fourth of four (4) documents relating to this radio commercial program; it is the LORD HOWE AND GEORGE III commercial. Each of the three commercials have a slot for the dealer tag line at the end.	more details Beacon's ad to the trade relating to their plans for print advertising in many famous well circulated magazines including some very popular titles; Newsweek, National Geographic, Time U.S. News, Sports Illustrated, Sport, Psychology Today, Bike World, and Bicycling!	more details Beacon Cycle had three different patches produced. The patches were distributed to dealers. This is one of the three.
more details Beacon Cycle had three different patches produced. The patches were distributed to dealers. This is the second of the three.	more details Beacon Cycle had three different patches produced. The patches were distributed to dealers. This MERCIER is the third of the three. MERCIER in France was one of Beacon's suppliers of 10-speed bicycles.	more details Beacon's 10,000 mile Warranty Program for bicycles
more details Beacon's 10,000 mile Warranty Program for bicycles	more details Beacon's 10,000 mile Warranty Program for bicycles	more details A large POP poster advertising the Beacon 10,000 mile Warranty. The dimensions are 25 1/2 x 40 1/2 inches.
more details June 16, 1976, a full page ad in the Boston, MA area newspaper titled THE REAL PAPER offering one million dollars worth of Mercier & Jeunet French bicycles at the discounted price of $99.95 fully assembled by the dealer and with a lifetime guarantee. There are 17 dealers listed with their address & phone number. The ad claims an overstocked position as the reason for the sale.

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