For four generations the Snellings family has served the Phenix city community with heartfelt service and business ingenuity. The family and its company are deeply intertwined with lessons of hard work, the importance of education, and reunions that celebrate achievements. This year, Snellings Company Inc. has reached its centennial milestone, its archived history shared at the local office in Phenix City. The office wall is an autobiography, a family story told through ledgers, books, and newspaper articles.
J.F. Snellings III, like the men before him, began his career by working in the family’s lumber business. His recollection comes with laughter as he talked about his primary job when he was 14 years old, which was to collect nails for patrons. He “sacked nails,” greeted customers with “Do you have your nails?” and always gave a “Welcome, neighbor” greeting with a smile.
John’s first lesson in the family business came when he complained to his father about the physical labor his job required. His father’s reply “This is family,” taught him that everyone had a part to play and a place to learn in order to understand the family business…