SOSS

Soss managed the growing company for more than 25 years and was succeeded by his two sons, Sam and C. J. In 1940, they moved the operation to Warren, Mich., a Detroit suburb, to be closer to automotive customers. By 1960, the company had gone public, and Sam's son-in-law Hal Marko became president. During the next three decades dozens of industrial and electronic firms were added to the company roster, increasing annual sales to over $250 million. In 1972, the hinge business relocated to Pioneer, Ohio, where it remains today and is called Universal Industrial Products (UIP). A manufacturing and sales operation was added in Singapore three years later. In 1997, Neil Marko, great grandson of Joe Soss, purchased UIP in a management buyout from its new owner, United Dominion, a Canadian conglomerate. Marko, who had been serving as president of UIP during United Dominion's ownership, used his personal assets as collateral to secure a bank loan to make the purchase. Since its return to private ownership, UIP has thrived. The 48-year-old Marko shares his family's entrepreneurial spirit and will soon introduce a new concept in door handles called SOSS® UltralatchTM to complement the hinge line. Several years ago, Marko launched Ramps.com, a successful venture that markets skateboards and related paraphernalia over the Internet. His great grandfather would be proud. Note To Editors: A selection of high quality photographs is available by accessing www.soss.com/newsroom.