From wieners to bologna, local sausage maker satisfies taste buds

By: Noelle Rulseh, Herald Times Reporter

Name of business: Cher-Make Sausage Company
Ownership: Tom Chermak
When business started: 1928
Location: 2915 Calumet Ave., Manitowoc
Phone: (920) 683-5980
Web site: www.cher-make .com
Hours and days of operation: The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while during the busy season, the plant runs 24 hours per day.

Services provided-products sold: Tom Chermak's grandfather, Emil Chermak, started the business with his old world award-winning recipes in his meat market and grocery store.

The business grew with the next two generations of Chermaks to more than 300 different products.
Cher-Make Sausage produces sausages under the Cher-Make and Smoky Valley brand names.

Cher-Make Sausage uses the same old world craftsmanship and processes to co-pack and produce under private label a variety of quality natural casing sausages and summer sausages.

Other products include natural casing wieners, bratwurst, smoked sausage, Polish sausage, cocktail links, skinless wieners, ring bologna and shelf- stable summer sausage.

The company offers a wide variety of processing techniques, product sizes, and packaging solutions to meet the needs of its private label customers.

How has the business changed since opening? Emil Chermak started the business in 1928. Art Chermak (Tom's father) and Merlyn Hoefner, (Tom's uncle) invested in the business in the 1950s to expand the product line, build up the brand, and meet the needs of private label and co-pack customers.

Today, the business continues to grow under Tom Chermak's leadership, offering the same time-tested family recipes, natural spices, hardwood smoke, and a dedicated team of employees.

Who are the customers and from where? The Cher-Make brand can be bought in retail stores throughout Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, northern Illinois, and Minnesota. The Cher-Make brand also is also sold at sporting centers, and the private label and co-pack products are sold nationally.

Who or what is the competition? Chermak said Competition comes from other sausage companies in Wisconsin, and other products in the meat departments of grocery stores.

How is marketing done? Chermak said marketing is done through the Web site, Cher-Make store demos and sporting events, and in-store features. The company also sponsors local events. The manufacturers and suppliers recommend the Cher-Make Sausage Company through word of mouth.

What are the keys to future success? Chermak and Larry Franke, vice president of Finance, said the keys to future success include focusing on what they do best, knowing their niche, and giving great customer service. Listening to the employees also is important for good team involvement within the company.

Factors under control or not under control of ownership? The factors under control include keeping product quality high, dedication to excellence, and good customer relations.

Factors not under control include the raw material prices of meats and casings, and the state of the economy.

What is the role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling the products or services? The company offers distinctive displays in grocery stores. The business also develops new flavors and incorporates natural whole foods, such as antibiotic-free meats, honey, and sea salt in the products. The company is up front about its products and prices with customers.

What is challenging? Chermak and Franke said challenges include not being able to control meat prices, and maintaining a high-quality product that is competitively priced.

What is enjoyable? Chermak and Franke said the relationships they have with employees, suppliers, and their customers, as they continue to create products people enjoy.

top of page