Rolling Meadows vending machine business celebrates 75 years
Family-owned A.H. Management Group Inc. in Rolling Meadows is celebrating its 75th year in business, with members of the fourth generation assuming roles in the business.
The business was founded in 1939 by Anthony Hesch and Al Haemker in Arlington Heights, the source of the "A.H." in the business, which then was called A.H. Entertainers Inc.
In the early years, Anthony and Isabel Hesch placed jukeboxes in businesses and repaired them from their home. Anthony serviced the machines and Isabel stayed at home raising the boys while operating a record store in the first floor of their two-story flat. They moved the business out of their home when they expanded into industrial and cigarette vending.
A.H. is operated by three generations of the Hesch Family. President Don Hesch is a second-generation family member. He and his brother, Wayne Hesch, took A.H. through the video/Pac-Man years and the early industrial vending era, when A.H. established its commissary and managed dining services and competitive league play for pool and darts.
The brothers have held a number of key positions with industry groups, and The Hesch Scholarship was founded in Wayne Hesch's memory. In 2014, Don Hesch received Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.
The third generation includes Craig Hesch, Chris McSwain (married to Diane Hesch McSwain), Mark Hesch and Chris Hesch. They have embraced technology. A.H. operates traditional vending, coffee and water services, managed dining services and amusement/entertainment services. They also operate Internet jukeboxes and league games. This generation also is very involved in leadership roles with industry groups.
The fourth generation includes Linda Hesch Furlano (Craig Hesch's daughter), who started with the company in 2012, and Emily Hesch Grant (Mark Hesch's daughter), who started with the company in 2013.
"Through the generations, we have seen many changes in the industry, yet there is always a common thread: This industry provides important services to our customers," said Mark Hesch. "We have a dynamic management team that approaches the workplace by focusing on our customers' needs."