It began, simply enough, as a retail smoke shop on West Forest Home Avenue. Victor Jazwiecki came to Milwaukee from Wloclawek, Poland at the age of 17. For roughly 11 years Victor worked as a coremaker in Milwaukee's thriving foundry environment. Then, in 1928 he took a divergent path. Opening a small business of his own, a smoke shop, across the street from our current location at 1911 W. Forest Home Avenue. (Pictured below, is the salesmen's car. In the background, to the right is the original building used for Victor's smoke shop on Forest Home Avenue. It still stands today.)
As it proved to be a successful endeavour, even through the Great Depression, Victor expanded his small space by moving to a somewhat larger building in 1941. A former auto repair shop across the street. At that time the business became‚ "The Only Polish Wholesale House", according to the Polish National Alliance of Milwaukee. Adding the wholesale business meant expanding its line of merchandise as well as the customer base. From cigars, cigarettes, matches, candy, gum and ice cream cones to paper supplies, tavern and bakers supplies, health & beauty aids and novelties, Victor aimed to satisfy all inquires.
During this time Victor was also raising a family. With the help of his wife, Irene, they gave their three chlidren, Delores, Sylvia and Raymond the childhood that every child deserves. Raymond, the youngest, took an active role in the growing business. His two sisters to a much lesser degree. As a teenager, Raymond performed hard duties such as unloading trucks, stocking shelves and making deliveries. Under the tutaledge of his father, Raymond developed a keen sense for the business.
It was in 1962 that Vic's Wholesale would take on its next and greatest expansion. (Pictured at left, is the construction in progress.) Prior to this point, only minor changes took place. This time however, it involved the purchase of a neighboring property. The east wall was pushed out to add more square footage on ground level. This allowed for a lower level and a second level for apartments and offices. Stock had been piling up in the main store leaving little room for the customer. Victor had wanted to retain the retail side of the business and present a more pleasant shopping environment. Having the combination of wholesale along side the retail business presented a challenging but unique method for commerce, which made shopping at Vic's Wholesale all the more special.
Raymond graduated from Marquette University in June of 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While attending the University, Raymond was in the reserves and later in April of 1956 received an honorable discharge for his service. Then, in November of that year, he married his girlfriend, Mary Ann. The two, naturally, began their own family together. Bringing to life four children, all boys in Michael, Joel, Thomas and Patrick.
Returning to the store after his military service, Raymond provided a much needed and trusted counter-balance in running the day to day operations of the now seasoned family business. Together, along with a small staff and sales force the business prospered moderately. All the while Victor continued to foster big ideas for his growing business.
Those ideas culminated in Vic's Wholesale's biggest expansion to date. After gathering all the necessary funding and permissions, Victor initiated the demolition of the lot next door for expansion of the store's current building. In 1962 construction began. The business remained open during construction and continued to do well. However, the expenses of constructing the new portion of the building would take their toll. Victor would put the family business in deep debt to ensure the construction was completed.
True to his word, and by the generosity and kindness of vendors and suppliers, Victor saw completion of his vision in April, 1963. The building now more than double its former size, would provide ample room for both retail and wholesale activities. It was his vision realized. However, the financial and mental burden of this massive project may have cost Victor more than just monetary expense. In September of that same year, just five months after completion, Victor unexpectedly died from a heart attack at the age of 68. Leaving the business as well as its enormous debt to his wife and three children.
Raymond assumed control of the main business functions while Delores provided bookkeeping maintenance. Raymond's mother, Irene offered moral guidance while Sylvia remained indifferent. Understanding that Raymond was well qualified now to run the business on his own. Victor's wholesale business continues on without him, yet in his memory our family persists. Entering its fourth generation, Vic's Wholesale Inc. has ridden many ups and downs, but prides itself on remaining true to its founder's original objective which is; providing quality service and product at the lowest possible price.
Today, Raymond's second son, Joel minds the store with his first son, Adam, while Raymond enjoys a slightly-less-than-full retirement. If you happen to stop in on the right day, usually in summer, Raymond will be there, behind the counter, serving his customers as he has done for decades past. Not too much at Vic's has changed over the years, that's the way we like it.
The tradition continues.
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