In 1915, Herman Mirowitz started our company with nothing more than an idea, a humble work ethic and passion to make great products combined with great service. His expectation of quality and customer-first philosophy established the guiding principles that have fueled our growth for over one hundred years.
The History of Marathon Ventures
1915: Herman’s Nut House is born.
European immigrant, Herman Mirowitz, personifies the American dream and starts roasting and selling peanuts out of his home.1940’s - Joe Fishel assumes leadership
Herman’s nephew, Joe Fishel – a World War II concentration camp survivor, partners with his uncle and ultimately becomes the leader of the company. Joe expands product line of roasted nuts and obtains product placements in area grocery stores.
1980: Joe’s son, Norman, assumes leadership of company.
Norman is successful in growing company’s retail distribution and expanding into foodservice and private labeling.
1991 – Pear’s Coffee introduced to the market
Developed by Alan Baer & Associates.
1999: Alan Baer & Associates purchases Herman’s Nut House
Operations consolidated to central location in Omaha, Nebraska.
2003: Expansion of Private Label Business
Also pursues certification from American Institute of Baking (AIB).
2004: Marathon Ventures is Formed
Current owners (and long distance runners!) take possession of the company.
2005: Pear's Gourmet becomes Key B2C Brand
Pear’s Gourmet e-com site and Corporate Gifts program were developed.
Marathon experienced continued growth of Herman’s and Pear’s retail brands through expansion of our distributor network.
2006: Growth of B2B business
The private label division experienced significant growth with two of the top national retailers.
Marathon’s customer base expands into the club store market with Pear’s Gourmet coffee and snack trays.
2007: River City Roasters coffee launched
Distribution throughout 49 states.2008: Added Glazing Capabilities
Introduced a line of delicious and decadent glazed nuts including Praline Pecans, Coconut Praline Pecans, Butter Toffee Almonds, Cinnamon Almonds, Butter Toffee Peanuts and Butter Toffee Sunflower Kernels.
2009: Acquisition of Maggie's Gourmet Popcorn
An Omaha-based manufacturer of natural and specialty flavored popcorn snacks.2010: Introduction of La Casa de Botanas (House of Snacks)
A new line of nuts, candy and snacks designed for the hispanic market but enjoyed by all consumer segments.2014: Sun Kernels Launched
All types of sunflower seed kernels- roasted, salted, & flavored, in a variety of packaging sizes.2014: Pop Kernels Launched
Gourmet popping corn grown in the heartland and packaged in convenient, resealable pouches – Pop Kernels make the perfect healthy snack.2015: Relaunch of Better Together brand
Our new line of nut and confectionary toppers and mix-ins is designed to fill a dry toppings void existing across multiple store categories.2017: Redevelopment plan for corporate headquarters expansion approved by the City of Bellevue, Nebraska
2017: Launched Seasonal collection of Pears's Gourmet Better-for-You, Clean Label snacks
2018: Marathon’s President elected to board of Peanut Nut Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA)
2018: Pear's Gourmet kicked off its everyday snack line extension roll-out with the innovative and original Everything Bagel® Cashew
2018 & 2019: Pear’s selected in back to back years for Progressive Grocer Editors’ Picks Best New Product
2019: Pear’s Everything Bagel® Cashews is nominee for Sweets & Snacks Innovative New Product Award
2019: Marathon releases package updates for its Pear’s Gourmet Naturals baking nut line
2020: Marathon gains additional entrepreneurial investor team with deep experience in brand evolution, sales and distribution
2020: Big, bold, flavorful Pear’s Snacks brand and e-com site is launched
