Small businesses are the embodiment of the American Dream. The economic freedom that allows anyone in this country to have a dream, work hard and actually see it come to fruition is one of the many things that sets us apart from the rest of the world. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Cosmos Corporation, a Missouri company that began as a small business and has since exploded to become one of our state's biggest successes with a major global presence.
The Cosmos Corporation is a family-owned pet care manufacturing company that has been based in Wentzville since 1989. What started as a small family business has grown to become an industry leader not just in the U.S. but across the world. Cosmos distributes pet care products to more than 65 countries and more than 22,000 retailers worldwide. The founder of Cosmos, Don Kassebaum Sr. began as a barber who purchased a beauty supply distributorship. He saw a need for pet care supplies, especially made with natural ingredients, and the business took off from there with the help of his four sons.
While the company continues to grow, Cosmos has never forgotten to invest in their employees and maintain the culture of a small business wherever possible. When a manufacturing process or product could use improvement, employees are encouraged to offer their feedback. Leaders understand the best way to improve as a team is to give everyone involved an opportunity to affect change and make meaningful contributions. This family-style approach has created a well-oiled machine - figuratively and literally - and has allowed the company to adapt over the years and remain extremely competitive. Cosmos has seen so much success that they have outgrown their Wentzville facility and are expanding to a larger facility in O'Fallon. This new facility will also allow them to create 60 new jobs - more great news for the 3rd District.
Just as important as their success in the pet care manufacturing business is their commitment to a culture founded on faith and charity. The company places heavy importance on giving back to the less fortunate and has established a nonprofit, "Gifts of Love International," which will be headquartered at their new O'Fallon facility. Already, they have built an orphanage in Guatemala through this organization, and portions of their pet care product profits go directly toward supporting the poor, widowed and orphaned.
America truly is the in the land of opportunity and Cosmos is a perfect example of that. Through determination, hard work, and the belief in treating everyone with respect and dignity, Cosmos - just like so many businesses in Missouri - is changing our state, country and the world.
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., shares his perspective each week on national issues, including ones that affect Missouri. He represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 635-7232.