BLACK BOOK
OF FAMILY BUSINESSES IN BERKS
2025 – 2026
Little BLACK BOOK OF FAMILY BUSINESSES IN BERKS
We all know and love a few tried-and-true family-owned businesses, but there are surely many more worth discovering. And the guide you’re holding is here to help.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your interior or outdoor space, to construct or renovate a property, to dine on sweet treats or fine Italian cuisine, to shop for jewelry, florals, tires or even for a new job or employee, the family-run businesses featured here are part of what makes our community feel like home. And beyond their everyday services, they’re also big on giving back to our area, too.
So let’s return the support! Take a look through, stop by a few spots and be sure to let them know you found them in Berks County Living ’s Little Black Book of Family Businesses.
Nikki M. Murry Editor, Berks County Living
Gage Talent & Business Solutions
For 40 years, Gage Talent & Business Solutions has proudly powered businesses and careers across the community it calls home. As a women-owned, family-founded firm, Gage blends deep local roots with forward-thinking strategies — built on relationships, driven by purpose and fueled by resilience.
Founded by Donna and Paul Gage, strengthened by Gwen and Bill Gage and now led by third-generation CEO Kristi Gage-Linderman, the company has grown through generations — evolving with the workforce while staying true to its core values.
In 2025, Gage earned national recognition on Forbes’ lists of America’s Best Recruiting and Staffing Firms for the third year in a row — ranking among the top in executive search, professional recruiting and temporary staffing.
Today, Gage delivers personalized service with a modern edge — supporting roles from manufacturing to finance and executive leadership while expanding into consulting and fractional recruiting.
From day one, Gage has believed that the right people can transform a business — and that thriving communities begin with meaningful connections between companies and talent.
Spayd’s Outdoor Environments
Design, Build, Furnish & Maintain
Spayd’s was founded in 1976 by Edwin and Mary Spayd as a primitive, seasonal greenhouse business to support their growing family. Over the years, their children dedicated many long hours and much hard work to the business, contributing to its expansion in diverse services. After graduating from college, they returned to the family business, transforming it into a thriving year-round operation.
Today, Spayd’s stands as a full-service outdoor living design and construction company, proudly owned and operated by siblings Missy, Betsy, Mike and Max Spayd, along with a remarkable team of more than 50 employees. Spayd’s specializes in custom in-ground pools, an extensive array of landscape and hardscape services, property maintenance and outdoor furniture, complete with its own full-service construction division. One call does it all for all projects: simple to elaborate!
Their unwavering commitment to excellence serves as the foundation for everything Spayd’s does, resonating in the passion and dedication of every team member.
Burkey Construction
In 1946, Grant Burkey began his first project, a small commercial store in Berks County. Nearly 80 years and three generations later, Burkey Construction has built a legacy of quality work and on-time delivery on everything from facility maintenance and small projects to new builds ranging up to $50 million. Our team is hands-on, proactive and wholly focused on creating a seamless construction process through open communication and collaboration.
We work with owners as early as the conceptual design phase, giving the client and design team access to accurate, real-world info in terms of costs, equipment lead times and constructability. Many of our Berks County projects have received awards from organizations such as the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and the American Institute of Architects. Learn more about our work at burkeyconstruction.com.
Empire Home Center
Serving Berks County and Beyond Since 1955
As homeowners in Berks, we own an incredible asset. The value of our homes has increased substantially and it shows no signs of stopping. Berks County is a hidden gem with huge growth potential. The best way to add value to your home is by incorporating cutting-edge, high-quality products when remodeling. From kitchens and baths to flooring, windows, doors, hardware, furniture, home décor and staging services, we can help. Our home products are on-trend and in stock with multiple options and sizes. Choose from the aforementioned in-stock product or sit with our talented designers to make your project look exactly as you envision it. When we design and supply product, we start by gathering your measurements. Our skilled team can design your cabinets with our exclusive software and provide you with true 3D renderings for your home.
Since 1955, Empire has been Berks County’s number one destination for all home remodeling needs. We promise to continue implementing staff training, improving our services and continuing to provide Berks with the best quality products at the best price. Our entire team is grateful for our valued customers! We are beyond thankful for the relationships we have built with homeowners, contractors, investors and realtors in the area. Our team will help you turn your house into a home that you love!
Van Scoy Jewelers
The Number One Stop For All of Your Jewelry Needs
When making one of the most important purchases of your life, put your trust in Van Scoy Jewelers, Berks County’s fine jewelry destination for more than 47 years. A female-owned and -operated business, the store boasts a modern design and welcoming atmosphere that sets the stage for an exceptional shopping experience. With a focus on ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones, owner Caroline Hill is committed to social responsibility and sustainability.
The experienced Van Scoy team specializes in diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry. But what makes the store truly unique is its custom design services and full-service repair department. The ability to create a custom piece based on your individual vision is something truly special, and providing high-quality repair services ensures you can continue to enjoy your jewelry for years to come. Stop in today for your next dazzling diamond or custom creation.
Salute Ristorante
Where Tradition Meets Taste
At the heart of everything we do is family — and a deep love for food, tradition and community. Our story begins with Giovanni, who immigrated from Italy to Berks County with a dream and an unwavering work ethic. He brought with him the flavors of home, a passion for hospitality and the desire to build something lasting. Together with his wife, Jessica, they built a beautiful life and a family — raising two daughters who now proudly walk alongside them in business and purpose.
Salute Ristorante was born from that vision — a place where homemade Italian dishes, heartfelt service and family values come together. Over the years, it has grown into more than just a restaurant. Our staff and loyal customers have become an extension of our family, sharing in life’s milestones and making memories around our tables.
Our newest venture, Ciao, Charcuterie!, brings that same spirit to beautifully curated charcuterie boards and grazing tables. It’s a mobile, made-to-order business offering a “tasteful hello” for every celebration, big or small.
Giving back to our community is a cornerstone of who we are. Our annual Salute to Life fundraiser supports local charities while our Salute Angel Tree provides hot, family-style meals to neighbors going through tough times — offering comfort, dignity and one less worry for the night.
Whether you’re dining in, ordering a board or joining us for a community event, we’re honored to welcome you into our family’s story. Because around here, everyone has a seat at the table.
One meal, one board, one warm welcome at a time.
Stein’s Flowers
Your Local Florist For Every Occasion
Stein’s Flowers has been a beloved part of the Shillington community for more than 34 years, offering more than just beautiful blooms. From thoughtful snack baskets to elegant funeral arrangements and everything in between, Stein’s Flowers caters to all your floral needs with a personal touch. Owner Amy Waltz leads a dedicated team known for their creativity, compassion and heartfelt service.
“We treat our customers like family,” says Amy. “It’s about creating moments of joy and comfort, whether it’s for weddings, get-wells or just because.” Stein’s Flowers is not just a floral boutique; it’s a trusted local business where relationships blossom through generations.
There’s a reason Stein’s is a six-time Best of Berks winner and a six-time People’s Choice leader. Customers keep coming back for the friendly faces, dependable quality and a wide range of affordable gifts perfect for any occasion.
For flowers that speak volumes, trust Stein’s Flowers to make every moment more meaningful.
Sweet Ride Ice Cream
Twelve years ago, if you told Sweet Ride Ice Cream owner Angie Farrell that she would one day own and operate the sweetest shop in Berks, she wouldn’t have believed you. In 2013, Angie was working as a paralegal and her husband, Chris, as a teacher. They were sitting on the beach when they heard the bells of an ice cream vendor, and he said, “We should get an ice cream bike!” The rest is history.
Sweet Ride serves delicious, award-winning ice cream that is made on site on Penn Avenue. More than your typical ice cream parlor, the shop is designed as a 1940s-style soda fountain. In addition to experiencing (or remembering) days gone by, customers can enjoy Sweet Ride’s treats across southeastern Pennsylvania from their traveling ice cream bike, mobile ice cream parlor and ice cream truck. These sweet rides are the perfect surprise to up the fun factor for your next event!
Kantner’s Tire Service
Celebrating Over 48 Years in Business
Kantner’s Tire Service Inc., located at 230 Franklin Street in Shoemakersville, has been owned by the Roberts family since 1977. With three generations active in the business, one might say tires are in their blood! Kantner’s sells and services tires from small lawn and garden tires up to large farm tires and everything in between. They have a fleet of four service trucks that perform road service on site for agricultural and commercial locations within a 50-mile radius. In addition, Kantner’s provides fast and efficient service for all car, light truck, RV/trailer, commercial truck and ag tires at their shop. There is a large selection of tires in the on-site warehouse and they can order just about anything! Kantner’s team of highly experienced and knowledgeable technicians are ready to assist with all of your tire needs. For more information, please contact us at 610.562.2567 or visit online at kantnerstire.com.
Forino Co., L.P.
Celebrating 50 Years of Family, Integrity & Craftsmanship
Founded in 1975 by Anthony “Tony” Forino, Forino Co., L.P. began in a small two-car garage with a simple vision: to build quality homes and lasting communities. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Forino has grown into a diversified construction leader across Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Georgia with more than 7,700 homes built and over 100 communities developed.
Today, Tony remains hands-on, leading a family-driven team spanning multiple generations. His daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren are proudly involved in all aspects of the company — from land development and design to field operations and leadership. Many of Forino’s employees have been with the company 20, 30 and even nearly 40 years — making them family, too. At Forino, relationships, trust and integrity are at the core of every project. Our greatest reward is sharing a passion for building homes and continuing a legacy rooted in hard work, dedication and community.
Irish Creek Enterprises
Creating Client Solutions Through Construction
Irish Creek Enterprises, Inc. is a second-generation, family-owned and -operated construction company bringing ‘Solutions through Construction’ to the commercial, industrial and custom residential construction industries. Since 1993, Irish Creek has built a reputation of creative thinking to find the best solutions for their clients and continues to ensure that customer service is always its first priority.
Irish Creek has two divisions offering customized services: Irish Creek Construction, the Construction Management and General Construction Division, and Irish Creek Excavating, the Earth and Site Work Division, enabling us to offer multiple services and to self-perform multiple trades to best fit the needs of each project.
While most projects are in Berks and the surrounding counties, we have expanded our service areas to include PA, NJ, OH and DE and became a Federally Certified Women-Owned Small Business in 2023. We understand the importance of each project in scope and size and treat each accordingly. As we continue to grow, our customers’ goals remain our main concern.
