THE LEXCO® CABLE STORY
More than 60 years ago, Lexco started as a small-scale hardware
and bicycle shop on Chicago’s west side. Now a nationwide
industry leader, our products provide safety, security, and
reliability in the daily lives of people around the world.
THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS
When Lexco® Cable began in 1952, our two founders had a simple goal: to build a better life for themselves and their families. That same year, Harold Karbin returned from the Korean War to discover his brother, Ray, had taken Harold’s hardware and automotive supplies out of storage to open a stand at Chicago’s famous Maxwell Street Market. Harold joined his brother, and the two began selling hardware goods and automotive services at what was then the largest open-air market in the country.
The budding entrepreneurs found increasing success with their business, and the next year rented a storefront space inside Chicago’s Lexington Theatre. The brothers hung a sign in the window reading, Karbin Hardware & Automotive, and continued serving their appreciative former Maxwell Street patrons and welcoming new customers.
In 1956, the bicycle maker, Schwinn, approached Harold and Ray with an offer to open up a franchise and sell bicycles alongside their other products. The brothers, recognizing the offer held low risk and the potential for sizable reward, accepted and promptly renamed their storefront; Karbin Hardware, Automotive, & Bicycle.
A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE
The Karbins’ new foray into bicycles could not have come at a more opportune moment. Mere months after accepting Schwinn’s offer, America found itself in the sudden grips of a bicycle craze with Chicago firmly at the center. The pair decided to drop their hardware and automotive offering and focus their efforts on bicycles.
In 1962, the brothers moved from the west side of Chicago to the city’s north side, setting up shop in a new location on Bryn Mawr Avenue. Eventually, the pair decided to drop their hardware and automotive offering and redouble their efforts in the booming bicycle business. Never ones to rest on their success, Harold and Ray began to tinker with new ideas for the cycling industry, including the creation of custom-made bicycles for disabled children to use inside the local area hospitals At this time Lexco was doing business as Lex Supply.
But it was the idea of using plastic coated wire rope for manufacturing bike locks that would change the course of the company. While it may seem commonplace now, the thought was nothing short of revolutionary at the time. Before coated cable locks, heavy chain links were used to secure bikes and would often cause loud, rattling noises while riding in addition to causing chipped paint, scratches, and dents. The use of coated cable was safer and helped maintain the quality and overall durability of customer bicycles. The brothers would even coat the cables in different colors to match the aesthetics of a given bike to the delight of their customers.
LEXCO® CABLE, ESTABLISHED
When Lexco® Cable began in 1952, our two founders had a simple goal: to build a better life for themselves and their families. That same year, Harold Karbin returned from the Korean War to discover his brother, Ray, had taken Harold’s hardware and automotive supplies out of storage to open a stand at Chicago’s famous Maxwell Street Market. Harold joined his brother, and the two began selling hardware goods and automotive services at what was then the largest open-air market in the country.
The budding entrepreneurs found increasing success with their business, and the next year rented a storefront space inside Chicago’s Lexington Theatre. The brothers hung a sign in the window reading, Karbin Hardware and Automotive, and continued serving their appreciative former Maxwell Street patrons and welcoming new customers.
In 1956, the bicycle maker, Schwinn, approached Harold and Ray with an offer to open up a franchise and sell bicycles alongside their other products. The brothers, recognizing the offer held low risk and the potential for sizable reward, accepted and promptly renamed their storefront; Karbin Hardware, Automotive, and Bicycle.
LEXCO® CABLE’S LEADERSHIP
DAVID KARBIN
VICE PRESIDENT
The third generation of family leadership, David skillfully manages
Lexco® Cable.
NEAL KARBIN
PRESIDENT
The second generation of family leaders, Neal proudly manages
Lexco® Cable.
1952
MAXWELL STREET MARKET
Harold and Ray Karbin began their business in Chicago’s open-air market.
1953
LEXINGTON THEATRE
The business moved to a more permanent location in the Lexington Theatre.
1956
SCHWINN BICYCLES
The Karbin’s are approached with a fortuitous offer by bicycle maker, Schwinn.
1962
BUSINESS INNOVATORS
Harold and Ray hit upon the idea of using coated wire rope for bicycle locks.
1974
INCORPORATION
On May 7th, 1974, the company was renamed and incorporated as Lexco® Cable.
1979
EARLY EXCELLENCE
As sales surge, Lexco® Cable makes its first expansion to a larger facility on Belmont Ave.
2003
MODERN EXPANSION
Lexco® Cable’s rapid growth necessitates a second move to its facility in Norridge, IL.
2009
ISO CERTIFIED
Lexco® Cable demonstrates its dedication to superior quality and operational excellence by achieving ISO 9001 certification.
TODAY
TRUSTED LEGACY
Lexco® Cable celebrates 50 years of top-quality wire rope and cable solutions.
