About Swanson
A Family Tradition
Joseph Swanson is living a dream. His father, Clifford Swanson, envisioned a family business rooted in Christian principles and family values. This vision came alive in 1935 when Clifford, with steadfast faith, determination, and familial support, began a venture selling Christian printed materials and gifts from a quaint room situated above a Pennsylvania grocery store.
As word spread and the brand’s reputation grew, one success paved the way for another. By 1951, Clifford made the decision to relocate his flourishing enterprise and family to St. Petersburg, Florida. Twelve years later, in 1963, the reins of the business were passed to his youngest son, Joseph. He subsequently relocated the operation to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to be closer to their customer base. Setting up in a repurposed church, Joseph initially believed this location would serve them for half a decade.
However, rapid growth, a testament to divine favor and diligent work, necessitated an expansion sooner than anticipated. Joseph strategically selected a site on Park Ave, constructing a facility double the required size and leasing part of it to another local business. This move marked the inception of Swanson Developments in 1968 which would later become a partnership known as Swanson Developments, LP in 2000.
Today, the enduring legacy of Swanson Christian Products is being successfully carried forward by Clifford’s grandchildren, Carmel and Adam. Having worked many years in leadership positions within the company, they became owners in 2019. Alongside them as owners, Debby and Joe Jr., provide their seasoned insights while steering Swanson Developments, LP. Embracing the digital age, Swanson Christian Products has evolved its business model. It now engages customers through Swanson Direct for online retail sales and Swanson Custom for the customization and promotion of specialty products, as well as maintaining the original operation of manufacturing and distribution to distributors across the world.
What originated as a humble dream in a Pennsylvania store’s attic has blossomed into a suite of diverse companies, serving a global clientele from their Murfreesboro base.
The family tree below illustrates the evolution of newer branches under the stewardship of Clifford and Lucille’s son, Joseph Sr. and his wife Flo, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Each bullet represents a pivotal contribution to the thriving family of companies, showcasing the ongoing commitment and innovation that spans across generations.
- Clifford with wife Lucille – Swanson Christian Products (1935)
- Joseph Sr. with wife Flo – Swanson Developments (1968, 2000 LP), Mid-TN Expo (2011)
- Joe Jr.– Swanson Realty (1993), Swanson Commercial Construction (1994), TBMS (2008); Terry (wife) – Cookie’s Rentals (2008)
- Charlie – Charlie’s Custom Creations (2007)
- Joe III – JMS III Construction (2020)
- Tiffany with husband Brent – Williams Construction (2017)
- Debby’s daughters
- Kara – Known Clay Designs (2019); Taylor (husband) – Exterior Spaces Landscaping (2016)
- Katherine – Cadie Bugg Studios (2015)
- Joe Jr.– Swanson Realty (1993), Swanson Commercial Construction (1994), TBMS (2008); Terry (wife) – Cookie’s Rentals (2008)
- Joseph Sr. with wife Flo – Swanson Developments (1968, 2000 LP), Mid-TN Expo (2011)
Several of Joseph Sr. grandchildren work at Swanson Christian Products and Swanson Developments, LP.