RED OAK, Iowa – A Charles City company is the latest Small Business of the Week honored by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, Ernst has been presenting the award to small businesses across Iowa.  This week, it is L&J Industries of Floyd County.

“L&J Industries is known in Charles City and beyond for providing full-service metal manufacturing that supports our ag industry,” says Ernst.  “While creating an incredible partnership with their customers and vendors, the business has grown to include multiple generations of the Garden family, exemplifying the American Dream. As they continue their work into the third generation, I’m excited to see how they continue to uphold the values of their family business and take it to new heights.”

Ernst says James B. Garden founded L&J Welding in Charles City in 1965, which later became L&J Industries.  James’ son Chris became co-owner alongside his wife Lisa in 2003, and the third generation, including Brady and Jacie, have been involved since 2022.  This year, L&J Industries will celebrate its 59th business anniversary.