Brothers Country Supply recognized

MINOOKA – Brothers David and John Bankowski started their business selling horse products to farms and stables in the Ottawa area with no store front.

Fast forward 11 years and the brothers own their flagship store, Brothers Country Supply, in Ottawa, with a second location in Morris and a third location in Oswego in the works.

“About two and a half years ago we were looking for a second location and we liked Morris a lot,” David Bankowski said Wednesday afternoon. “It has a strong community, the people are very loyal. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s the people and their support that drew us here.”

The Bankowskis were presented with the Entrepreneurs of the Year award from the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday night at the Grundy County Annual Celebration, hosted by the chamber and the Grundy Economic Development Council (GEDC).

Over 240 investors, business and municipal leaders along with guests were in attendance at the annual dinner at Chapin’s East Banquets in Minooka.

Grundy County Board Chairman David Welter welcomed those in attendance, saying the county couldn’t ask for better partners in retraining and attracting business to Grundy County than the GEDC and the chamber.

“I think everyone here would agree with me when I say we must leave a better Grundy County for future generations,” Welter said. “With the leadership and support of both the GEDC and the Chamber of Commerce we’re working toward just that.”

The brothers started their business with the philosophy that they are here to serve everyone.

In addition to the horse supplies they started out with, they now sell food for any kind of animal you may need to feed.

They have even ordered tiger food for a tiger rescue that called ahead as it was transporting a tiger.

“No matter where you are on budget or beliefs, we have something for you,” David Bankowski said. “The position of our stores is we sell to anyone, not just the boutique customer.”

The brothers also give back. They provide free food to police dogs for their entire life, even after retirement.

They provide this service to K-9 units in Grundy, LaSalle and Kendall counties.

“Those guys with the K-9 unites do a great job, any police force is lucky to have a K-9 officer,” David Bankowski said.

“We just want to help out,” David said.

Caroline Portlock, executive director of the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce said the brothers are great examples of entrepreneurs who help make a community better.

She said in addition to them feeding K-9 officers for life they also help raise funds and support local animal shelters.