Griffitts Brothers History: Family Roots

The Griffitts brothers are the sons of  Edgar (T-Bone) Griffitts and his wife Goldie. Since their mother died from complications during the stillbirth of her 13th child the boys were raised primarily by their father. They grew up within just a few miles of where GRIFFITTS CONSTRUCTION has been since the early 1960's.

T-Bone worked for many years as a hired hand on the "Dudley Farm" just east of Springfield. It was hard to keep the family together, working the long hours of a farm hand and the family had to learn to look out for each other.  There wasn't a lot of time for teaching, so T-Bone just taught the family the important rules, the rules that would assure their future success.

T-Bone taught them the Ten Commandments, and the importance of " Family ".   He also taught them "You Owe a Man a Full Days Work For a Full Days Pay". Most importantly though, he taught them to " Treat Others As You Want To Be Treated". The boys also learned that it is extremely important to be able to look in the mirror and be proud of "Who you Are and Not of  What You Have" . 

He taught them how to treat others. He did this with the help of the older siblings.  T-Bone also instilled a proper work ethic, moral values, strong character, and perseverence in his family members.

Essentially, T-Bone's example and training gave his children everything they would need to be able to succeed in business, and to be able to operate any type of company and stay in business.

Over the years, Griffitts Construction Company Inc. has grown into a well respected home improvement company in and around the Springfield, Illinois area.

The Beginning

The "Company" began when brothers Harold & Harry left their jobs at Pillsbury Mill and took up operations at the old Griffitts warehouse on reservoir street. Their brother  Horace was already running his own siding and remodeling crew.  It was at this time that Harley ( now deceased ) Horace and the rest of the brothers decided that they could work well together.

Soon after opening, they made a pivotal hiring decision and brought in a new bookkeeper, "Marguerite Dixon".  Marg was hired to fill one position but instead, filled many. Marg brought with her a vast array of wisdom, dedication, talent, loyalty and support.  Marg quickly became one of the family.  She was very instrumental in establishing the operational guidelines that are still in use today.  Marguerite retired over ten years ago yet she still comes to the office  at least once a week to lend her hand and make sure everything is running smoothly.     

                   Thanks !! Marg.
                

They filed for incorporation in 1962 and  went to work doing what each did best.  In the early 70's the brothers moved the business to the present location at 1501 N . Dirksen Pky. (then north 31st Street or the Route 36 bypass) .  The building has been remodeled twice.  Once when they moved in and again in 1996 after fire destroyed the building but not the "Griffitts Brothers Dream". There are currently 3 generations of Griffitts working in the company and plans to have more. They have been blessed with many loyal employees.  Some of them such as Marguerite, Bob, Ken, & Rick to name a few, have been with them almost from the very start. Our employee's along with many friends, business associates and customers, have all played a part in Griffitts Construction Company's past success.

   We look forward to everyone's participation in the future growth and success of our company.                        

                                                   Thank You All !