Ever since 1928, the Skalny family has been a leader in the basket business.  Here is a brief history of the Willow Group Ltd., along with the traditions and core values that have been in place for over 80 years.  The story begins with our grandfather, Ludwig.

From humble beginnings in southeastern Poland, basket artisan, willow furniture maker and skilled craftsman Ludwig Skalny immigrated to the United States in 1906. After working in Boston and then Detroit, Ludwig and his wife Aniela settled in Rochester, NY.  Using his basket weaving expertise along with hard work, a strong business ethic, personal integrity, and an American dream, Ludwig started a small home based basket weaving business in his garage workshop.  His handmade and carefully crafted baskets were quickly sold to local florists, produce markets, food stores and local retail outlets.  Quality merchandise and customer service were the strengths of the newly founded cottage industry, as proud and successful entrepreneur Ludwig, was laying a solid foundation for future generations.

With the post World War II economic boom, Ludwig’ children John, Joseph, Anna, Edward, and Bernard joined the established and growing company. At this point, 45 basket weavers were employed and the business was transitioned to a family corporation, the L. Skalny Basket Company.  Despite the new and large warehouse / office space, the Skalny family always referred to the business as the “ Shop”   . By the mid-1960’s, the firm was one of the largest US importers of baskets and wicker products as the Skalny family sourced product and established  trade relationships with 30+ emergent international economies, including Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Spain, Mexico, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.   On the home front, the L.Skalny Basket Company developed a first rate wholesale distribution network with noted excellence in salesmanship, quality merchandise, competitive pricing and stellar customer service.  The L. Skalny Basket Company was a national leader in the basket industry.

With second generation Skalny family retirements in the 1970’s, third generation basketeer Bernard S. Skalny started and then incorporated Willow Specialties in 1983.  Bernie had grown up working at “the Shop” with his grandfather, dad, aunt and uncles and knew the business from the ground up.  Armed with a RIT business degree, 20 years of basket business experience, a supportive family, strong work ethic, and future vision, 27 year old Bernie Skalny took his first steps in carrying on the family tradition as well as toward creating his own vision.

Not surprisingly, traditional small business and family values were at the core of the new Willow Specialties.  Working with family business partner and brother Gregory Skalny, (who retired in 2008), and currently with business partner James Walsh, Bernie and the Willow family have continued the family tradition of excellence and leadership in this market sector - but with a modern twist.