From a modest $1,500 investment, Reist Popcorn has grown into a multigenerational, international business that marks its 100th anniversary this year. It joins the rare air of just 0.5% of companies to reach the 100-year mark.

The Mount Joy company celebrated its success, honored customers and growers and highlighted milestones throughout the past century at a gala event held at Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown in September.

Community members; supporters from across the country; and customers from as far away as Japan, Argentina and the Middle East came together to celebrate "100 Y'ears of Popcorn," honoring a company that began with smalltown roots.

"Let's raise our glass together to celebrate 100 years of popcorn magic and the people who make it possible - you," said president Mike Higgins, addressing the crowd of hundreds at the event. "To new memories and a future as bright as tonight."

The Reist Popcorn Company was established as the Reist Seed Company in 1925 by Alvin J. Reist on the family's 118-acre farm in Mount Joy.

Alvin's grandson, Dave Reist, worked for the company for 45 years, becoming president in 1994 before retiring in 2019. Today, Dave's son-in-law Mike operates two locations of the business in Mount Joy.

Over the past century, the company has weathered changing markets and economic setbacks but has persevered and thrived thanks to the dedication of its employees and the ability of its workforce to think outside the box, said Dave's daughter and Mike's wife, Erin Higgins, who served as the discussion moderator at the gala.

When the company began, it focused on delivering premium farm seed to the Pennsylvania Railroad. The business moved into its current headquarters on Manheim Street in 1928.

During the Great Depression, Reist expanded from seeds to popcorn, capitalizing on a thriving new industry as movie theaters and amusement parks became more and more popular. Alvin led as president until 1977. In 1960, his son Henry joined the business. Under his leadership, the business modernized with new equipment and expansion of its Mount Joy headquarters. Henry led the company until 1994, when Dave took over, having joined the business in 1975. Under his guidance, in the 1980s, he shifted the company to focus entirely on popcorn, renaming it Reist Popcorn Co. He passed the company along to his son-in-law, who expanded the product line to include organic popcorn and grew the business's global reach.

At the gala, members of the Reist family shared memories, answered questions from attendees and celebrated the company's achievements. State Rep. Tom Jones and a representative from Congressman Lloyd Smucker's office presented the company with citations on reaching the 100-year mark.

"I can't think of anything more American than our small businesses and our families," Jones said at the gala. "To preserve, protect and defend our small businesses is so important."

Addressing the crowd, Dave discussed the secrets to the company's success, including intentionally growing relationships with growers, employees, vendors and customers.

"So many times in the ag world, things do not go properly. There's too much rain or an early frost. ... The business is such a give-and-take," he said, noting that perseverance has been key in the company's longevity. "I have always appreciated that spirit in the people we work with."

In 2024, Dave wrote a book outlining the history and heritage of the company. " 'And they left me off at $1500' - A Century of Progress at Reist Popcorn Company" includes stories about the business as well as tales of his grandfather's life.

Reflecting on the company's past and looking to its future, Dave emphasized that embracing change is an important goal.

"We know that change will continue. It has to," he said. "In order to survive, we have to adapt and recognize the need to change. ... For Reist Popcorn Company from day one, that process of accepting change has continued."