PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. — From its humble offices in rural southern Illinois, Joy Pet Food is looking as far as East Africa to expand its market share.

With 26 years of domestic success, this manufacturer from Pinckneyville, a town of 5,500 people in Perry County surrounded by corn, soybeans and coal mines, is now expanding its dog foods and other pet foods into export. Wade Graskewicz founded Hi-Standard Suppliers in Pinckneyville as a retail store in 1998. He began manufacturing the Hi-Standard dog food that same year, building the brand and the business from the ground up.

Pet foods use a variety of grains, especially corn. Skyler Graskewicz, Wade’s son and the current president, said the business became so successful it was able to purchase one of its biggest competitors, Joy Pet Food, in 2011. Hi-Standard initially focused on marketing and sales throughout the United States, but eventually the family-owned business decided to begin exporting to international markets that were less flooded by dog food and manufacturing companies. "Getting your food in the door is the hardest part, but once you do, it grows very quickly because of the availability," Skyler Graskewicz said.

After working with a local Small Business Development Center’s International Trade Center, the company is armed with international market research and other opportunities. For example, Graskewicz pointed out in Ghana, the company has seen sales increase as much as 10 percent per month. He said a major reason for the significant growth and the company’s overall success is the products are as good or better quality and at a lower price than those offered by big-name pet food brands.

"The main thing about our products is that we offer the same quality as big name companies, such as Purina, Diamond and Blue Buffalo, offer. But because we are family-owned and do not spend big money toward advertising and marketing, we do not require the large profit margins other companies do. This allows us to sell at a cheaper price and save our customers money," Graskewicz said.

In addition to focusing on international sales, Hi-Standard is releasing a new product line later that is expected to boost domestic sales. Typically, sporting dogs and pet or companion dogs eat the same food, usually high in carbohydrates and grains. The new product line does not include grains, resulting in a food less likely to cause hyperactivity in companion dogs, and improving health for the animal.

He said this is in keeping with a national trend in the pet food industry to have foods that meet the specific nutrition needs of animals based on their lifestyles. Working in the family-owned business is enjoyable for Graskewicz for many reasons, including it allows him to work with two things he loves: family and dogs. "Ever since I was little, all I have known is dog food and pets, so it’s something I enjoy," he said. "Anything related to dogs, we’re involved with, and we enjoy what we do."

He is also proud to be part of something that his family has worked hard to build and to stay in touch with his community’s agricultural roots.

"It’s fulfilling for me to be able to help my dad continue to grow his business. This is what he has put his whole life into creating. I also hope to one day pass on the family business to my son," he said.