Business & Tech
Shrader's Goods: Serving Those Who Serve
The Mt. Greenwood business offers items for local first responders.
By Christine Schmidt
Shrader’s Goods is a family-run business taking care of a larger family—the Chicago Fire Department.
“Having served firefighters—and knowing my brother as a firefighter—there’s a closeness that they get to enjoy just by working together in life-threatening and lifesaving opportunities, and I think that can form a brotherhood amongst that group,” owner Joe Shrader said.
The store—which specializes in Chicago Fire Department apparel, uniforms and gifts—started out in 2002 as Shrader’s brother selling CFD t-shirts from a van at various firehouses. “He opened up this shop in August 2009,” Shrader said. “He passed away shortly after. The family kind of kept it together, my mother and brother, nephew, my son…there were a lot of people in the family that kept it rolling.”
Shrader and his wife, Dina, officially took over the store two years ago after he ended a 34-year career with Jewel Osco.
“It’s a really great opportunity for us. It’s rewarding; you’re taking care of people that are really great people,” Shrader said. His other brother Mike is a captain of the fire department.
“When we first took over, our goal was to really be everything that we can be to the neighborhood,” Shrader said. They also offer custom silkscreening and embroidery.
What’s the best thing about running a business in Mt. Greenwood?
“Probably running a business in Mt. Greenwood,” Shrader said with a chuckle. “The neighborhood itself is a great neighborhood…It’s a great part of Chicago to do business in, very family-oriented.”
Like Shrader's Goods? Leave them a review on Patch
Shrader’s Goods is a family-run business taking care of a larger family—the Chicago Fire Department.
“Having served firefighters—and knowing my brother as a firefighter—there’s a closeness that they get to enjoy just by working together in life-threatening and lifesaving opportunities, and I think that can form a brotherhood amongst that group,” owner Joe Shrader said.
The store—which specializes in Chicago Fire Department apparel, uniforms and gifts—started out in 2002 as Shrader’s brother selling CFD t-shirts from a van at various firehouses. “He opened up this shop in August 2009,” Shrader said. “He passed away shortly after. The family kind of kept it together, my mother and brother, nephew, my son…there were a lot of people in the family that kept it rolling.”
Shrader and his wife, Dina, officially took over the store two years ago after he ended a 34-year career with Jewel Osco.
“It’s a really great opportunity for us. It’s rewarding; you’re taking care of people that are really great people,” Shrader said. His other brother Mike is a captain of the fire department.
“When we first took over, our goal was to really be everything that we can be to the neighborhood,” Shrader said. They also offer custom silkscreening and embroidery.
What’s the best thing about running a business in Mt. Greenwood?
“Probably running a business in Mt. Greenwood,” Shrader said with a chuckle. “The neighborhood itself is a great neighborhood…It’s a great part of Chicago to do business in, very family-oriented.”
Like Shrader's Goods? Leave them a review on Patch
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