CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- For more than 103 years, Chicago-based Radio Flyer has manufactured the iconic red wagons, tricycles, and scooters.
"It's the original maker of the little red wagon. It was originally started by our current chief wagon officer's grandfather," said Mindy Schanzle, Marketing Communications Lead, Radio Flyer.
"We are still located on the West Side of Chicago. We're still a family run company and we've expanded our product line."
The company is continually named one of the nation's best places to work. It has also earned Great Place to Work certification this year and a profile in People Magazine.
Radio Flyer employs 100 people, but the pandemic changed the way they had to do business inside and outside it's manufacturing plant.
"Like many businesses, we transferred many of our employees to work virtually. We also had to shift our community work," Schanzel said.
Radio Flyer also granted 100 wishes with One Simple Wish through the Wishes for Wheels program and donated $10,000 to My Block, My Hood, My City to help support the Black community in Chicago.Radio Flyer
Employees, known as Flyers, can serve on different committees within the company.
"We knew we had to continue to give back to the community. We were realizing families were staying home so we started off by donating over a 1,000 products to Cradles to Crayons across the nation. We also did a give away of a 100 wagons to front line workers in the beginning of the pandemic as well," she said.
Something called the "Smile Squad" engages employees and encourages them to pick a charity. Schanzle said Radio Flyer has long standing relationships with various organizations throughout Chicagoland.
"Everyone is committed to serving our mission and helping to serve our community. We have internal committees where our Flyers can choose how they want to give back. It also keeps our Flyers connected during the pandemic. Employees also have two paid days off to volunteer," Schanzel said.
Employees, known as Flyers, can serve on different committees within the company.Radio Flyer
Radio Flyer also granted 100 wishes with One Simple Wish through the Wishes for Wheels program and donated $10,000 to My Block, My Hood, My City to help support the Black community in Chicago.
"Radio has always have a commitment to the community. Having these opportunities for Flyers to connect outside the workplace is always important. It's always strengthened our company culture over the years," Schanzel said.
The company's Chicago headquarters is home to a toy testing room, a mini museum, and a prototype shop.
