March 5, 2006 - White Castle still truly a family business

by Barnet D . Wolf, COLUMBUS DISPATCH

White Castle always has been an Ingram family business, but never more so than today.

The company was founded by entrepreneur Edgar Waldo "Billy" Ingram in 1921 in Wichita, Kan., when he teamed with cook Walter Anderson, who had developed a quick and efficient way of cooking hamburgers.

Ingram bought out Anderson in 1933, and the following year moved the company headquarters to Columbus, which was more central to its sales region. The founder was succeeded by his only child, Edgar Waldo Ingram Jr., who eventually turned the reins over to his son, Edgar Waldo "Bill" Ingram III, who runs the company today.

The current CEO has three sisters, Maryann Kelley, Alice Ingram and Nancy Sanford, each with limited roles in the company. But a number of fourthgeneration members — many of the sons and daughters of Bill Ingram and two of his sisters — have taken active roles:

  • Dave Rife, 43, plant manager, PSB Co., which makes steel products and other goods..
  • Brad Rife, 40, assistant general manager, WCD, the company’s distribution and frozen-foods business.
  • John Kelley, 38, assistant vice president for training and development.
  • Lisa Ingram, 35, vice president of restaurant operations.
  • Meg Kelley, 32, corporate events coordinator.
  • Erin Shannon, 30, marketing supervisor, WCD.
  • Brian Ingram, 28, supervisor of information technology communications.

    In addition, Jamie Richardson, 40, the brother-in-law of John and Meg Kelley and Erin Shannon, is director of marketing for White Castle.

    The company is "definitely in my blood," said Lisa Ingram.

    She joined the company after receiving an MBA from Ohio State University and working at computer companies in Texas and Idaho.

    "The great thing about a family business is we bring a passion to the business," she said. And like some of her relatives, she brings experience of working outside the company that should help as it tries to grow.

    Printed from the Columbus Dispatch Sunday, March 5, 2006

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