Isaac Wagemaker (1870-1923) was the inaugural president of the company, serving from 1912 until his demise in 1923 at 53. An expert in business systematization, he authored a book on filing devices and card record systems, establishing himself as an authority in the field. The company, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was subsequently managed by his wife, Elizabeth (1868-1936), until 1930, when their son Ray (1904-1967) took over as president. Ray presided over three companies: Cadillac Marine and Boat Company, Wagemaker Company, and U.S Molded Shapes, Inc., leading the firm until 1960. That year, the Wagemaker Boat Company was acquired by Ash Craft Boat Company. Ray's brothers, Lester (1907-1956) and Oliver Wagemaker (1902-1968), served as vice presidents. This information is provided for educational, commentary, and research purposes only. For additional information or pictures regarding the presidents and other co-workers, please reach out to mbbfogarty@aol.com. Thank you, Brian Fogarty.
John Horace Bushnell (1892-1964) married Margaret Frances Wagemaker on June 26, 1920, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to the 1925 census, he served as the Secretary in the Wagemaker Company.
Gaylord C Gill Jr - 1918-1979 was an employee for a while.
Jane Van Domelen, born in 1881, is listed in the 1925 census as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Wagemaker Company. Her significant roles within the company suggest that she likely played a key role in its operations and success.
Kenneth Urick, renowned in the boating industry, has been appointed as the sales manager of the company. The 1955 census indicates that he served as a sales manager for the Wagemaker Company, a position he held according to the 1959 census as well. His expertise in the boating trade has been instrumental in promoting the company's growth and sales initiatives.
Robert Moore
The census records from 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, and 1922 indicate that Clarence E. Mosher held the position of Secretary and Treasurer at the Wagemaker Company.
Issac Van Domelen- (1871-1900)
Harrison O. Ash
Lester Arnold served as a plant manager at the Cadillac factory approximately from 1959 to 1964, focusing primarily on the early fiberglass boats. Wayne Arnold notes that the molded plywood concept bridged the market gap between lapstrake design and fiberglass, catering to owners who desired lower maintenance. However, these early fiberglass boats were overly robust and heavy. Their bottoms were reinforced with plywood and a light resin coating, which would eventually lead to rot, as would the wood core transom.by Wayne Arnold
Charles Schott acquired the company from the Wagemaker family. Known for his ability to revitalize struggling businesses, Schott successfully transformed them into profitable enterprises. His proficiency in this regard was well-recognized. by Wayne Arnold
David Rowley shares that his grandfather was a boat builder. The details of his daily tasks at Wagemaker remain vague, but his passion for woodworking was a lifelong pursuit, even at home. He remembers the jigs that were used to mold the wood into boats from his visits as a young child, around the ages of 8 to 10. His grandfather had a durable steel Delta table saw bought in the '40s. After his grandfather's death in the late '70s, his father inherited the saw, despite earlier objections from his grandmother about its cost back in the '70s. The saw was later passed down to his brother and now resides with him, remaining as reliable as ever. by David Rowley by Ivan Rowley
Jake Westra served as an inspector and scaler for the Wagemaker Boat Company.
Frank Granger served as a sawmill foreman for the Wagemaker Boat Company.
Len DeVos served as a Foundry Foreman at the Wagemaker Boat Company.
John Balcer played a crucial role at the Wagemaker Boat Company, where he specialized in making plating metal parts. His expertise contributed to the company’s success. Additionally, Andrew Kolarik was involved in developing the process for making plywood in molded shapes, including boat hulls. Interestingly, the molded plywood process and patents were later acquired by the Wagemaker Company in 1949
Andrew Kolarik - Andy helped develop the process for making plywood in molded shapes including boat hulls. Andy was loaned to Wagemaker to help in the start-up of a new company, U.S. Molded Shapes. Eventually he was hired by Wagemaker as Plant Manager of the new company. In addition to his supervisory duties he also designed boats, having studied naval architecture through University of Wisconsin extension classes. Andy’s office at U.S. Molded Shapes was located on a mezzanine. The office area was surrounded by windows looking out on the factory floor, and was nearly filled with an oversize drafting table. The table was large enough that Andy could crawl around on it lofting boat designs. Lofting is the transfer of a design into a full size plan which was then used to make patterns for the construction of the boat. Andy also developed new tools and devices to expedite the manufacturing process. As a manager, supervisor, designer, and engineer Andy wore many hats. In February 1960 Ray Wagemaker sold U.S. Molded Shapes and two other Wagemaker subsidiaries, Cadillac Marine & Boat Company of Cadillac, Michigan and Empire Boat Company of Frankfort, New York, to Schott Enterprises of Cincinnati, Ohio. In April 1960 a fire destroyed the 42,000 square-foot U.S. Molded Shapes plant. This was the second major fire at the company in a little over three years. In February 1957 a fire caused $750,000 damage, but most of that loss was to completed hulls stored in the boatyard. Following the 1960 fire, salvaged equipment was moved to Cadillac and the company consolidated with the Cadillac Boat Company. Andy moved with the company. In Cadillac Andy was also responsible for the design and build of fiberglass boats. The company struggled financially, hobbled by the fact that Wagemaker had retained the patents on the molded plywood process. After passing through several hands, the company finally closed its doors in 1962. Andy opened his own small company, Boat craft, repairing small boats and building sailboats. When Andy’s wife Mary passed away in 1966, he moved back to Grand Rapids to be closer to his remaining family and left the boating industry. Andy passed away in 1980. by Mike Kolarik
Al Michaelis, the Michigan District Sales Manager at Wagemaker Boat Company, played a significant role in the company’s operations. His responsibilities included overseeing sales in the Michigan district. Additionally, Lee was actively involved in boat racing and testing. As the Foreman of the veneer department, he contributed to the production and quality of boat components. It’s fascinating to learn about the diverse roles and expertise within the company! by Mike Kolarik
Lee Mei, the Michigan District Sales Manager at Wagemaker Boat Company, made significant contributions to the company. In addition to overseeing sales in the Michigan district, Lee actively participated in boat racing and testing. It’s impressive to see how diverse roles and expertise intersected within the company! by Mike Kolarik
Hubert Ries held the position of Foreman in the finishing department at Wagemaker Boat Company. His role was crucial in ensuring the quality and final touches of the boats produced by the company. It’s fascinating to learn about the various skilled individuals who contributed to the success of Wagemaker! by Mike Kolarik
Oliver Wagemaker I ( 1902-1968 ) (married to Yetta ) - The 1928 census shows that his occupation was a Foreman Card rm. in the Wagemaker Company. 1936 census shows that his occupation was a Foreman in the Wagemaker Company. 1937 census shows that his occupation was a Foreman in the Wagemaker Company. 1939 census that his occupation was a Foreman in the Wagemaker Company. 1940 census shows that his occupation was with Wagemaker Company.
1941 census shows that his occupation was a Foreman in the Wagemaker Company. 1942 census shows that his occupation was a Vice President of Wagemaker Company. 1948 census shows that his occupation was the Vice President of Wagemaker Company. 1951 census shows that his occupation was the Asst V-Pres of Wagemaker Company. 1955 census shows that his occupation was the Vice President of United States Molded Shapes Inc.
Ray McCarroll held the position of Executive Vice President and Operating Head of the boat division at Ash-Craft Company. His role was instrumental in overseeing the company’s boat-related operations. Additionally, A.R. McHenry served as the Director of Marketing for Ash-Craft Boat Company.
A.R. McHenry held the position of Director of Marketing at Ash-Craft Boat Company. His role was instrumental in shaping the company’s marketing strategies and promoting their boat-related products.
John Wagemaker held the position of Foreman and Trimmer at the Wagemaker Co., Ltd. ,
Lester A. Wagemaker (1907-1956) ( married to Pauline M ) - 1937 Census shows that his occupation was the 2d V-Pres. of Wagemaker Company. In 1940 and 1941,1946, and 1948 Census shows that he was a City Commissioner of the 2d ward and was V-Pres. of the Wagemaker Co., 1951 Census shows that he was the Exec. V-Pres. of the Wagemaker Comany. 1955 Census shows that he was a V-Pres of the Wagemaker Co.
Elizabeth (Van Domelen) Wagemaker, wife of Isaac Wagemaker, held the position of President at the Wagemaker Company during multiple years. The 1924, 1925, 1927, and 1929 censuses all indicate her occupation as the President of the company. Her leadership likely played a significant role in the company’s success during that period.
Oliver Wagemaker I Jr. ( married to Gladys W ) - 1949 census shows that his occupation was a Helper in the Wagemaker Company. 1951 census shows that his occupation was a Manager of the United States Molded Shapes Inc. and Employer by Wagemaker Company. 1955 census that his occupation was a Manager of the United States Molded Shapes Inc. 1959 census shows that his occupation was a Vice-President-Manager of the United States Molded Shapes Inc.
RAY O. Wagemaker ( (1904-1967 ) ( married to Inez ) 1937 census shows that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company. 1939 census shows that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company. 1940 census that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company. 1942 census shows that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company. 1946 census shows that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company. 1951 census shows that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company. 1955 census shows that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company. 1949 census shows that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company. 1948 census shows that his occupation was the President of the Wagemaker Company.
Henry Idema
Rolf Beerhorst- 1949 Census shows that he was the Assistant Bookkeeper of the Wagemaker Company.