If Charles Dyas had been able to get financing, he might have been dispensing glasses of beer instead of taking a factory job and becoming a master glass engraver. “My dad tried to buy a saloon in Covington, Kentucky back in the 1930s and couldn’t raise the money,” says his son Barry. “The place he was trying to buy was his hangout, yet ironically, he drank very little. He just liked to play cards, watch or listen to the Cincinnati Reds and socialize.

Barry Dyas (seated, left) started J.Charles in 1994. The family business today includes wife Mary and sons Chuck (top left, president) and Jeff (top right, director of marketing).

“I’m glad the deal fell through,” Barry adds. “I like bars, but I prefer to be on the other side of the bar having fun. And I’d much rather etch and sell the glass you drink out of instead of pouring drinks into them.”

Charles taught Barry the art of glass engraving “back when it was done on stone wheels,” says Barry. And so it is that J.Charles (asi/62985), which was founded by Barry in 1994, carries the legacy of the family patriarch in name, product and spirit. (Charles passed away in 2006 at the age of 92.)

The supplier, which sells glass awards, drinkware and other products and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is truly a family affair. Barry’s sons Chuck and Jeff literally grew up in the business. “I brought them to work when they were little roughnecks, rollerblading around the warehouse, crashing into worktables and breaking expensive awards,” says Barry, adding “there goes the allowance, boys!”

Three generations of the Dyas family.

Fast forward and Chuck is now president of the company and Jeff is director of marketing. (The name of the company combines those of Barry’s father and his two sons.) Barry’s wife Mary has pitched in where needed since the company’s inception, and has been company photographer for the past decade.

The company tagline – “Beautifully Simple” – embodies the philosophy of the family patriarch Charles (affectionally known as “The Bossman”) and how J.Charles company approaches its designs.

“My dad was a simple guy – it’s just who he was. He didn’t need much to make him happy; he was not into keeping up with the Joneses,” says Barry. “I think it had something to do with being born in a small farmhouse, surviving the Great Depression and serving in World War II. I think it’s safe to say, if he were still kicking, he would not be one to own a cell phone or be into social media. He used to tell me, ‘Just because a plane is faster than a horse, it doesn’t make the world a damn bit better.’ ”

“My grandpa wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves, and our company is inspired by his design influences and the idea that customer service is key.”Chuck Dyas, J.Charles

Charles passed on a rock-solid work ethic to the Dyas family. Most of what he taught was by example, according to Barry: “Work hard, respect your fellow man and be polite.” Adds Chuck: “My grandpa wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves, and our company is inspired by his design influences and the idea that customer service is key.”

Rod Brown, founder and former owner of Made to Order (asi/259540) is one of J.Charles’ original customers. “J.Charles has consistently delivered a caring interest in making it happen,” he says. “It’s a testament to the unparalleled personal and professional relationships you can cultivate with this remarkable company.”

Beverly Walter, chief sales officer at BreakAway Promo (asi/327071), has worked with J.Charles for over 25 years. “Relationships are key in our industry and Barry, Chuck and Jeff have created an environment that helps nurture relationships with their clients,” says Walter. “That’s invaluable to me and many other distributors.”

A Dyas family wedding.

The family and their business have deep roots in northern Kentucky – Charles was born in the state, subsequent generations attended the University of Kentucky, and the company’s 50,000-square-foot facility is located in Erlanger, across the river from Cincinnati. The entire Dyas family is involved with the Ludlow Derby – a fundraiser that Barry and Mary initiated 47 years ago when they were newlyweds living in the river town of the same name. The Derby draws about 1,500 attendees annually, and has raised over $600,000 for a local nonprofit that supports basketball programs for inner city children.

While Barry currently works part-time for the company, he continues to do the majority of product design. (The whole family shares a passion for art and design.) Barry’s father Charles worked up until age 91, and Barry’s son Chuck says, “I can definitely see my dad following suit.”

Barry’s top tips for successfully running a family business? “Have fun. Talk often and openly; it’s very important everyone is on the same page.” He continues, “A family business is a challenging marriage and necessitates a lot of compromising. Jobs and responsibilities of owners need to be well defined.”

One of the best parts about being a family business? “Often as families age, they spend less time together as kids grow up, develop careers and relocate,” says Chuck. “For me, I get the pleasure of working with my dad, mom and brother every day.”

Family traditions persist. A Dyas favorite, attributed to the Bossman, is to go to restaurants and critique the glasses their drinks are served in and guess where they’re manufactured. “Our wives beg us not to do this when we’re with friends,” remarks Barry.

Another? Both Chuck and Jeff have young boys, and let them run around the office and warehouse. Chuck’s 7-year-old son is already starting to sketch trophies. Says Chuck: “We would love to take it to the fourth generation.”