Page 126 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2024

LIVING HISTORY
story by
Lynn Lofton
1924 was an outstanding year. It
was the year of the first Olympic
Winter games, development of electrocardiograms, founding of MGM Studios and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. In Biloxi, Frank P. Corso opened his wholesale business on Cailliavet Street selling cigars, candies and specialties. It grew and endured to become one of the oldest businesses of its kind in the country. Before he opened the wholesale establishment, Corso started in business riding a bike and selling Hershey candy bars.
photos courtesy of Corso Inc.
It's been 100 years and this family business is still going strong with Corso's daughter, Liz Joachim, at the helm and several family members involved. But it's not a static business. “We're in our fourth generation now and all working together,” Joachim says. “My grandson, Jack Joachim IV, is changing some things and there's a lot of excitement. My father would be thrilled.”
One change is that Corso's sold the vending business, which began in 1952, to be able to serve their wholesale customers better, Joachim said.
“We hope the fifth generation will come in so we can keep it going another
100 years,” she added. “I think our longevity is due to the service we provide and that we cater to our customers; they come first. Also, the attitude of our employees servicing them helps to make customers want to do business with us.” The guiding principles set forth by Frank Corso of excellence in products, pricing and service still are the benchmark of the business. Community support continues to be important to the business with 65 charities listed on the company website.
1924 was also the year the U.S. State Supreme Court upheld a New York law forbidding late night work for women. There might have been some late nights for Joachim but she says it's been interesting running a business as a female. “I
have been accepted on all the wholesale boards and received many honors from the manufacturers.”
Jack Joachim, who retired from Bell South Telephone Company, worked with his wife for many years. Today family members involved include their sons, John and Todd, daughter Elisa,
and grandson Jack IV. “I can't leave out mentioning our grandchildren, Jack IV, Anna Elisabeth, Sadie Rose, and
221 Cailliavet St., Biloxi 228.436.4697 www.fpcorso.com
Cooper Corso Joachim,” Liz Joachim adds.
126 | October 2024 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living