EBCO Battery celebrates 80 years in business

If you’ve ever needed a battery for your car, boat, or golf cart you’ve probably stopped into EBCO, located at 4017 Warm Springs Road in Columbus. Perhaps even your children or grandchildren have come in for laptop or cell phone batteries. EBCO Battery has been an institution in the area and will celebrate its milestone anniversary on Thursday, April 16, worthy of recognition for 80 years in business.

There are several small businesses in Columbus which have operated for generations, including Chancellors (1863), Blue J Barbershop (1928), Ruth Ann’s Restaurant (1959), and Sconiers Funeral Home (1964). In between the founding of those family-owned iconic businesses lies the beginning of EBCO.

The start of something

After WWII, a shortage of supplies led L.C. Hicks to start Hicks Battery Manufacturing Company in 1946 on Andrews Road between Buena Vista and North Lumpkin Roads.

At the time, batteries were used to power automobiles, flashlights, portable radios, walkie-talkies and signal lights for the military. From the very beginning, the Columbus location was a hit with customers and their Excello batteries, made in the US, flew off the shelves.

In 1947, Hicks opened a second location in Biloxi, Mississippi. Fate wasn’t kind. A hurricane hit in September of that year causing major damage. Two years later, a fire burned the building down.

The original Columbus company continued to flourish. Andy Waddell’s father worked for Hicks as a plant manager and in 1984, Andy bought the company. His staff and those who shop there are like family.

“The name EBCO stands for Excello Battery Company.  Little Ebby is our mascot, and our motto became ‘Always Starting Something’, because of the popularity and durability of our Excello batteries,” explained Waddell.

Building business longevity

Today, EBCO operates as a wholesale and retail specialist, selling more than a thousand types of batteries. Besides meeting the demand, he attributes their longevity to a couple of key principles.

“I have served with the Pastoral Institute and twice as President of the Better Business Bureau of Columbus. I’ve learned that it isn’t just about the quality of batteries, it’s about the quality of our standards. It’s not just about selling, it’s about people and hiring good people and training them to be nice and fair to others,” said Waddell.

Tomorrow’s 80th anniversary celebration, April 16 from 11:00 am until Noon will feature a crowd of dignitaries including Mayor Skip Henderson, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce leadership and members, and likely generations of customers.

As a tribute to the history of EBCO Battery, founder L.C. Hick’s grandchildren, Carole and Len, will also be present to celebrate the company’s anniversary. Why not 80 more years for EBCO, the company that is “Always Starting Something?”