The company had humble beginnings as it operated out of the two-car garage behind founder George and Helen Thein's six flat on Chicago's Northwest side. At first, the couple and their two sons would call on local country clubs, selling hair tonics, shoe laces, polishes, combs, and a few other items from the back of their car. Today the business serves a national clientele from a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse located in Addison, Illinois.