Morgan Popcorn a favorite for 75 years
October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month and for more than three-quarters of a century people in Southwestern Minnesota have been popping Morgan Brand Popcorn.
Morgan Popcorn Company, which is owned and operated by Service Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) of Redwood Falls, was established in 1932. With roots in the Garvin area of Lyon County, Morgan Popcorn Company founder, Fay Morgan, sold his first popcorn at the age of 14. It developed into a life-long business for him as he grew popcorn on his farm and later purchased it in bulk to supply the demand for Morgan Popcorn Company. Morgan sold popcorn throughout Southwest Minnesota, northern Iowa and eastern South Dakota. He passed away in September of 2006 at the age of 102.
Morgan Popcorn was also owned by John H. Martin of Garvin, who purchased the company in 1976 and was in business until 1985. The company had another owner for a few years before it was purchased by George Falconer of Marshall. He operated the business until February of 2005, when he was relocating from the area and sold Morgan Popcorn Company, its inventory and equipment, Service Enterprises, Inc.
“The organization and the board recognized the potential opportunity in this venture to create regular and meaningful work for the individuals served by Service Enterprises, Inc.,” said Executive Director Stephen Kohn. “It is enjoyable work for our clients.”
The popcorn, sold whole kernel in two-pound and five-pound bags of white and yellow, is purchased in bulk from a supplier, then packaged and processed for distribution by individuals with disabilities at Service Enterprises, Inc. Individuals served in SEI’s center-based employment program are involved in the labeling, packaging, weighing, sealing and casing of the whole kernel popcorn. In the fall of 2006, Service Enterprises began marketing Morgan Brand Microwave Popcorn in two varieties. For the microwave varieties, clients assemble the three-pack cartons, insert the prepackaged individual packets, seal and case the cartons.
The number of businesses which purchase the popcorn for resale or to serve to the public has nearly quadrupled since Service Enterprises’ acquisition of Morgan Popcorn Company. At present, Service Enterprises, Inc. provides service to 86 popcorn accounts in 67 different communities.
In the past year, the popcorn business has provided work for 21 Service Enterprises’ clients who have packaged an average of 4,600 pounds of whole kernel popcorn each month. The individuals who work in the production area enjoy their work packaging popcorn.
“I like packaging popcorn. I make sure the popcorn is in the boxes,” said Braxton Eischens.
“I like spreading the word about our popcorn to get people to buy it,” said James Meidl.
Service Enterprises, Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation with locations in Redwood Falls and Marshall. Since 1969, Service Enterprises has been providing vocational training, employment and other service to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other barriers to employment. At the heart of SEI’s mission is the belief that all individuals can work and contribute to society given the proper tools and environment. Service Enterprises serves approximately 200 people, living primarily in Redwood and Lyon counties, each year.