Tom Francis was born and raised in Russia, Ohio just west of Sidney. His father was an established businessman there and Tom grew up helping his father out after school and on the weekends. Once WWII began and the U.S. joined the war, Tom felt called to serve in the U.S. Navy. After his brother, Delbart, was forced to close his furniture and appliance store during WWII, he purchased the old Home Aluminum and Bronze Foundry in Piqua.
Upon returning home from the war, Tom joined Delbert in the foundry business. Each of their brothers (Tom was the youngest of six) gave them a loan of $1,000 to help finance their venture. Even though the brothers worked a tight budget, they were able to repay their family every cent that was borrowed. At one point, their company was unable to support more than one family with the amount of profit that was being made, so Tom and his brother agreed that they would flip a coin and whomever lost would sell their share in the company to the winner.
Tom Francis ended up winning that coin toss and in 1966 he purchased his other brother Leo’s building and moved the Superior Aluminum Company from Youngstown, Ohio to Russia. Leo later went back into business with their father selling garage doors and in 1969 they started Clopay. Ed Borchers joined Tom Francis on his venture with the foundry from Youngstown and together they called it “Superior Aluminum Products.” The business still exists to this day, producing aluminum railings among other products.
Tom Francis is no longer with us but left a lasting legacy through his greatest accomplishment in establishing the Thomas and Corinne Francis Family Foundation as well as through leaving an impression on many non-profits within the area.