In this year’s special edition of Frederick Top 50x2, we are recognizing Frederick County’s most resilient businesses that have been serving our community for 20 years or more. Each week we will be highlighting businesses and organizations that were selected for the publication. These are the companies that prove that Frederick County is a great place to do business.
Keeney & Basford PA Funeral Home
106 East Church Street | Frederick
www.keeneybasford.com
Established: 1848
Founder: John Garrison Etchison
The Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, P.A. was established by John Garrison Etchison in 1848. Originally called M.R. Etchison and Son, the establishment had several different locations in downtown Frederick - including East Patrick and North Market Street addresses before moving into its current location at 106 East Church Street in 1939. The building that now houses the funeral home is known as the Trail Mansion. Built in 1852 by Col. Charles E. Trail, it is a beautiful example of classic Italianate architecture.
What is a cool fact about your business?
The Trail Mansion has Italian-designed windows and marble fireplaces, and the elaborate ceilings similar to those found in large 19th c. European estates.
371 W Patrick Street | Frederick
www.kenstrans.com
Established: 1968
Founders: Kenneth & Margaret Mead
We are a total car care facility. We repair and provide maintenance services for all makes and models. We also rebuild and replace transmissions. We can provide services for small and diesel trucks. We also provide alignments, Maryland State Inspections and sell tires. We have a 3 year/36K mile warranty on most general repairs and we have a 3year/50Kmile warranty on most transmission repairs/rebuilds. We offer shuttle service, pick and/or delivery, convenience in making appointments by text, email or phone. Please visit our website for all our services.
Why is Frederick County a great place to do business?
We actually opened our doors on W. Patrick St. the same year as the Great Frederick Flood. Watching this community recover and grow into what Frederick is today has been such an honor. To be a part of a community, in both giving back, volunteering and servicing our neighbors, is what keeps us thriving.
Describe a significant event in your company’s history.
When our founder Ken Mead died in 1991 his son, Mark Mead, took over the family business. Mark has continued the excellence and commitment to customer service that his father promised in his mission statement over 51 years ago. We are now proud to have our son, Tyler Mead join the family business as the 3rd generation and continue Ken and Peggy's legacy! For the past 5 years we have been Automotive Training Institute's Top Shop out of a total of 1,700 shops, nationwide).
What is your advice to a young company?
Have a mission statement and stick to it. Give back to the community. Treat your employees well. Take care of the customer. Be fair, honest and back up your service or product.
Frederick County is very fortunate to have an amazing business community, especially those that have been in business for over 20 years. We understand that there are more than 100 legacy businesses in Frederick County, but unfortunately, we were not able to include all these businesses in the Top 50x2. The businesses included were selected from responses submitted to a business survey. OED staff verified the responses and then selected the businesses on a first come first serve basis. If your business would like to be included in future opportunities, please email info@discoverfrederickmd.com.
Some photographs included in the publication were taken pre-COVID. OED encourages everyone to follow precautionary guidelines set forth by the Frederick County Health Department.