A fully restored 1916 Model T displayed in the lobby of the Triangle Business Center demonstrates how technological innovation has changed over the past century. It’s also testament to the fact that Enid offers its homegrown businesses plenty of room to grow.
The eye-catching antique car honors the 100th anniversary of Triangle Cooperative Service Company, which was founded by 20 local farm cooperatives to provide programs and services for its members. Still cooperatively owned, that same company now comprises five separate entities that sell agribusiness-related insurance products in 20 states to co-ops and non-cooperatives alike.
Enid native John Berg, who moved back home to take over as president and CEO of the business almost 20 years ago, oversaw much of that explosive growth.
“When I moved back in 1997, we had 23 employees and $7 million in combined assets,” he recalls. “As of last month, we had 125 employees in 20 states and combined assets over $120 million. So we’ve had tremendous growth. We’ve been blessed with great opportunities, but we’ve also capitalized on those opportunities.”
Despite outgrowing its space and moving into larger quarters at least three times — most recently into a 70,000-square-foot, 11-story office building downtown — the company chose to remain in the city where it all began.
“We’re pretty partial to Enid,” Berg notes. “It gives you that smaller hometown atmosphere but still offers you all the amenities you need to operate a business.”
Local legal, banking and professional services are first rate, and Triangle relies on a local car dealership for a fleet of 70 company vehicles that are on the road everyday in 11 different states. “They give us a fair price and exceptional service when we need it, and that’s something you don’t find in larger towns,” Berg says.
Born at St. Mary’s Hospital, one of two local hospitals that remain in operation today, Berg praised the numerous medical services Enid offers to Triangle executives, employees and their families. Other highlights include an extensive system of local parks and walking trails, and unique one-of-a-kind features like Leonardo’s, a hands-on arts and sciences playground and museum.
Over the years Triangle has made its own investments in the city’s appeal, buying and leasing several business properties around town and sponsoring community events like the Great Land Run, an annual family fun run that raises funds for local schools.
“Our employees have the chance to be active in many local organizations, and they enjoy being involved and giving back,” Berg says. “This is a great town for raising families and for growing a company.”