The April Business of the Month celebrates Raber Patio Enclosures and Furniture, a locally owned and operated business. This blog is the third installment of the series. To read the first blog, click here. To read about Raber’s Open House, click here.
In 1985, with a vision for quality and an entrepreneurial spirit, Amish businessman Ervin Raber opened the doors to Raber Patio. He started the business simply because he couldn’t find any other company in the area that could build a sunroom with the quality and standards he wanted.
Fast-forward 27 years, and Raber Patio is still going strong. It is still family owned and operated, now by son-in-law Chris Schlabach, and it continues to offer the same quality and standards Ervin originally envisioned.
The list of testimonials from customers is extensive; people who buy from Raber Patio quickly become loyal customers because of the relationships they form with the staff. Customers speak highly of the quality of the construction, the kindness extended by the employees, and the “extra mile” Chris and his staff go to create a positive experience for the patrons.
If anything has changed throughout the business’ history, it would include an increase in the products offered and the fact that Raber Patio now has a second location, on the lower level in the Davis Mercantile, downtown Shipshewana.
Today, a variety of products are offered at both stores, with everything still focused on creating a memory-making outdoor environment.
“Our hot items right now are the pergolas and the patio furniture made out of recycled milk jugs–the poly furniture,” said Chris. The business sells three types of pergolas in several sizes: wooden; aluminum; and vinyl.
Chris adds one bonus of being a locally-owned business is getting to sell a variety of products. “We sell pergolas right alongside flip flops, spices and barbeque sauce along with campfire rings and playground sets.”
Raber Patio Contact Information:
Website: www.RaberPatios.com
Phone: 800.768.2740
Location: 655 S Van Buren Street (State Road 5), Shipshewana, 46565
or in the Davis Mercantile, Downtown Shipshewana