A Legacy of Giving

The Clarence Green family of Newark went from being nearly destitute and homeless to becoming prosperous small business owners. Their journey revolved around God, family, hard work, and community. Touched by God’s grace and love, they now had a long sought-after opportunity to share their blessings with others.


The Green family - Legacy Day 2009

The journey began in the mid-80's when the Green family was about to lose their home. A sheriff’s auction had been scheduled to liquidate the family’s home to pay the IRS for back taxes. Their young daughter, Mandy Green, had suffered from a rare blood disease called "Histiocytosis X". The fight to save Mandy’s life was costly. The health insurance company defaulted on their policy. Clarence, the father of six, was forced to decide whether to pay back taxes or Mandy’s medical expenses. With his daughter’s life at stake, he chose the latter. As a result, Mr. Green was forced to file for bankruptcy and faced the threat of losing the family home as well.

Thanks to the outpouring of financial support from family, friends, and the Central Ohio community, their home was saved. One man in particular saw the story on Channel 10 WBNS-TV. That individual, Newark businessman William C. Kraner, was touched by the story and vowed to help the family save their home. He eventually bought their house, paid off a second mortgage, and gave the family a new minivan. Perhaps most exciting for the kids, was a trip to Disney World in Kraner’s private jet.

Since that time, the family has changed quite a bit, but one thing hasn’t: the Greens still pull together to get things done. Business is no exception. Clarence, along with sons, Walter and Wayne, founded 64 Metals in 2001. Starting with a single roll-form machine, the corporation began converting metal coils into barn siding. They decided to package this metal with lumber and accessories to offer a build-it-yourself post-frame building kit. They began retailing and delivering the building kits in 2002 to customers living in a five-state radius including Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The business has grown substantially in the years since. Now operating out of a 32,000 square foot facility on 8 acres in St. Louisville, they recently sold their 1,992nd building kit. Their latest improvements include a state-of-the-art showroom and new patent-pending Legacy Series Steel truss.

The Greens have never forgotten the benevolence of God and their community. As 64 Metals prospered, the dream to give back to the community became a reality. Their Legacy Day celebration has become one way for them to extend appreciation and goodwill to friends, customers, and even passers-by.

In addition to this charitable contribution, the corporation is attempting to help families who find themselves in circumstances similar to the Green’s earlier struggles. Recently, 64 Metals has formed the non-profit Mandy Green Foundation to assist families who have a terminally ill child by aiding them financially and mentoring them to a path of renewal. This is just part of their goal to leave behind a legacy of giving.