Tag: Wabash Trucking Indiana

Building Legacies: Gebhart Holdings in Wabash, Indiana

Posted on by Downtown Wabash

In the scenic town of Wabash, Indiana, a remarkable story unfolds, one that showcases the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Gebhart family. At its heart is Gebhart Holdings, with a portfolio of companies that have not only transformed the town’s economic landscape but have also contributed significantly to its growth.

The tale begins in 2000 when Thomas Gebhart, a seasoned professional in the scrap metal industry, founded the flagship company of Gebhart Holdings—Metal Source. With a focus on zinc dross milling, the company started its journey under Thomas’s able leadership. However, fate took an unexpected turn when Thomas passed away in 2002. In the face of adversity, the reins of Metal Source were taken up by Thomas’s son, Benjamin Gebhart. Under his leadership, Metal Source underwent a transformative shift in 2003, pivoting towards the aluminum recycling industry—a move that would lay the foundation for the company’s future success.

By 2006, Metal Source had outgrown its initial location, prompting a strategic relocation to its present site on Wabash Street in Wabash, Indiana. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence led to substantial expansion in 2011, tripling the size of its facility and enabling it to diversify its product lines. Aside from its flagship location in Wabash, today Metal Source is also located in Peru, Marion, Huntington, Decatur, Bedford and Mitchell, Indiana.

In 2014, Gebhart Holdings emerged as the parent company to Metal Source. This transformation was born out of the realization that diversification was crucial, especially in the volatile scrap recycling industry. Under the leadership of CEO Ben Gebhart, the Gebhart family set out to build a robust portfolio of businesses.

The year 2016 was a pivotal one for Gebhart Holdings, with Ben Gebhart spearheading a series of initiatives. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive logistics solution, Wabash Trucking was established, quickly growing to boast a fleet of over 50 trucks. Ben’s frustration with the immediate availability of steel products led to the birth of Wabash Steel Supply, a steel and industrial supply company that addresses industry needs with efficiency and reliability.

Today, Gebhart Holdings proudly stands as the parent company to a diverse family of enterprises, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Wabash’s business community. From Metal Source to Wabash Trucking, Wabash Steel Supply, Wabash Motor Company, Splash and Dash Car Wash, and Market Street Grill, the Gebhart family’s legacy continues to thrive.

Introducing The Ivy Room, Gebhart Holdings’ Newest Addition

Located above Market Street Grill in Downtown Wabash, Indiana, The Ivy Room is an upscale private event venue. Freshly renovated by Gebhart Holdings, this space made its public debut in the fall of 2023. The Ivy Room can accommodate up to 190 guests and is perfect to book for events such as Christmas parties, wedding receptions, birthday parties, retirement parties, reunions, board meetings and more.

Parties will have access to A/V equipment including 3, 85-inch Samsung HDTV’s, 110-inch projector screen, and a state-of-the-art Klipsch surround sound speaker system, three balconies that include a table for 4 each, a fully customizable layout and a customizable menu to fit your parties’ needs. 

The Ivy Room does not charge a room rental fee, but instead offers three different tiers of food options (bronze, silver, and gold) for both lunch and dinner, as well as an appetizer and dessert menu. (Please note that there is a guest minimum to book The Ivy Room. The minimum for lunch is 15 guests and the minimum for dinner is 25 guests.) Room menus are available on msgrill.com under ‘private events’. The menus can be used as a guide, but if your party would like something not on these menus, Market Street Grill will do their best to accommodate.

Event inquiries can be submitted online or by calling the restaurant at (260) 563-7779.

Book a Private Event at The Ivy Room

With over 350 employees, Gebhart Holdings remains committed to its growth trajectory. As Gebhart Holdings continues to evolve and expand, it stands as a shining example of the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Wabash, Indiana—a spirit that refuses to be bound by limitations and instead thrives on the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

A special thank you to Gebhart Holdings for their longstanding support in helping fulfill the mission of Downtown Wabash, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a vibrant downtown district every day and night.

The Greatest Spectacle in Candy Returns to Downtown Wabash

Posted on by Downtown Wabash

The Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is Happening on October 28 from 5-7 p.m.

Have you ever embarked on a Halloween quest where candy rained down from the sky, courtesy of a colossal dump truck? Probably not, unless you’ve experienced the spellbinding Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza. This bewitching event turns Downtown Wabash into a candy wonderland. It’s a tradition that leaves a sweet impression on its hometown, year after year.

Downtown Wabash Inc. collaborates closely with Wabash Trucking to create an unparalleled family experience in our beloved community. An avalanche of candy, literally A TON of it, will be cascading to the street as trick-or-treaters dressed up in their costumes, eagerly await to collect their sugary treasures. Will you snag one of the FIVE Gebhart Golden Tickets? That’s right, there are five chances at winning some “spooktacular” prizes.

Now, let’s get acquainted with the driving force behind this enchanting event: Wabash Trucking. They are a licensed and bonded full truckload logistics company based right here in Wabash, Indiana. Their mission is simple: to provide safe and reliable logistics services while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism to protect customers, vendors and employees.

But how does a logistics company fit into the fabric of Downtown Wabash, let alone this candy-filled extravaganza? The answer is as straightforward as their “Go big or go home” motto. Wabash Trucking sought to give back to the community in a monumental way—think a whopping 2,000 pounds of candy cascading from the heavens, all while showcasing their innovative “Feed Me” roll-off dumpster design. Unbeknownst to them, no neighboring community had ever conjured such an elaborate spectacle, delivering a fresh, exhilarating experience to the masses. Now, in their fifth year, they’re poised to carry on the tradition of the 2,000-pound candy dump, much to the delight of Wabash residents.

How does this fit into the grand mission of Downtown Wabash Inc.? It’s a perfect match. Our vision for Downtown Wabash is a thriving hub of activity, day and night, and our mission is to be the driving force behind community and economic revitalization at the heart of Downtown Wabash. When an event like this brings nearly 4,000 people bustling into our vibrant downtown, we’re casting a radiant spotlight on local businesses and attractions, all conveniently within a strollable 2.5-mile radius. The majority of these event-goers are children, making it the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the enchanting wonders of their hometown through the grandest candy spectacle imaginable. 

A colossal effort by an army of devoted community leaders makes this sweet spectacle possible. It’s Downtown Wabash, Inc. partnering with Wabash Trucking for the extravagant candy dump, Bachelor Creek hosting an epic costume contest across all age groups, Downtown Wabash businesses generously distributing candy outside their storefronts, local food trucks, talented photographers capturing the magic, dedicated community vendors, and our local first responders—all these incredible individuals come together to make this event free for the public. Their contributions, in the form of candy, volunteer hours, and resources, are priceless, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of them.

The Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is a beloved annual tradition taking place on October 28, from 5-7 p.m. (Rain Date: Sunday, October 29, from 2-4 p.m.) Gather your candy from the Wabash Trucking candy dump until supplies run out, then explore more businesses for additional sweet treats. Free parking and shuttle rides on Trolley No. 85 are available at Wabash County YMCA. Find more details on the Facebook event page.

The Downtown Wabash Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza is presented by Downtown Wabash, Inc. and Wabash Trucking. Downtown Wabash, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night. Additional sponsorship comes from Top Level Sponsor Bachelor Creek.