First Newsletter |
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Welcome to our first Matzke News Letter!
Let me give you a brief history of our company. Bill Matzke SR. was an independent Manufacturer’s representative for the hose, belting and industrial equipment in the Seattle metro area. He established his business in the early 1940's. His son Bill Matzke JR. graduated from engineering school and went directly into the Air Force becoming a pilot. One of his duties in the Air Force was flying new bombers from Boeing field to our boys overseas during the war (WWII). Upon the end of the war, Bill Matzke JR returned home and decided to become an Independent Manufacturers Representative like his father. Bill Matzke JR. incorporated Wm. A. Matzke Company, Inc. in August of 1954. From the first Bill Matzke JR built his company on special distribution houses in the Industrial and Marine industries. He soon learned of an industry where he could excel in the Wastewater Industry. Bill and his wife started the business on a shoestring; Bill was out making cold calls while his wife manned the office. There were many times that Bill had to dig deep into his reserves just to make ends meet. In the mist of doing all of this they started a family. Over time the kids grew and flew the nest and started their own families, only one decided to stick around. After going to University of San Diego and finishing up his degree at the University of Washington. Stuart then spent a short stint at Boeing before deciding to come to work for his father Bill Matzke JR. In 1995 Bill Matzke JR decided it was time to retire (slow down) and to allow the next generation to expand their wings. During the next several years the transition of ownership was complete. Stuart Matzke took the company to new limits, expanding in the Water System and Storm Water Industries. The company grew to 10 employees covering 5 states. The company was laying groundwork for the 21st century. Our darkest day happened in November 1997 when Stuart Matzke who at the time was only 38 years of age, while playing basketball with a few friends had a massive heart attack and died leaving a wife and a 1 year-old son Colton. Our company was devastated by the loss; Bill was suddenly thrown back into running the company knowing that he himself had health problems. He was scheduled for a tumor removal in December of that same year. Mike Ingels was hired in November of 1995 as the Water System Sales Manager of the Wm. A. Matzke Company, Inc. [to] step-up to the plate and made [make] sure Bill Matzke JR. took care of his health problems and that during his time of recovery the business would continue to operate. Mike Ingels [was in a good position to accomplish this as he] brought years of experience in management and industry knowledge. Upon Bill Matzke JR return he had found that the company had almost doubled in size during Stuarts Matzke’s leadership. Mike Ingels and the rest of the employees helped Bill try to keep the company and their vendors together. Being an Independent Manufactures Representative all of our vendors have at least a 30-day contract and the Board of Directors were very concerned. The Board of Directors appointed Mike Ingels as acting President and Bill Matzke JR as Vice President until the October of 1998 when Mike Ingels purchased the Wm. A. Matzke Company, Inc. from Bill Matzke JR and the estate of Stuart Matzke. Bill Matzke JR continued with the company until he lost his battle with cancer in late 2001. Mike Ingels philosophy was very similar to Bill and Stuart’s “customers comes first”. The company has thrived to become only one of the largest in the industry. We cover 9 western states including Alaska and Hawaii. In the business plan of 1999 Mike Ingels decision to concentrate on three (3) market segments making the company more efficient.
In 2002, the Matzke Company purchased the assets of Lukens Sales of Vancouver Washington allowing us to expand and adding the forth (4) market segment of Plumbing and Heating. Today our company thrives and I can honestly say we have the best employee’s and the very best in manufacturers; we are extremely lucky. Bill and Stuart and their families are always in our thoughts. Stay tuned in until next time when we will introduce all of our staff. Best Regards! Mike Ingels, President |
