Unique Beginnings
Fox Valley Pheasant Farm becomes Fox Valley Wood Products
The son of Martin Van Zeeland, Norbert Van Zeeland succeeded his immigrant father in taking over the family farm and homestead in rural Kaukauna. Through their love for the outdoors, Norbert and his brothers founded "Fox Valley Pheasant Farm". They raised game birds to sell to sporting clubs and state conservation departments. They also distributed wild game to New York night clubs and restaurants in the 1950's and 60's.
The pheasants were housed in wooden pens. As a result, Norbert and his 6 sons became accustomed to assembling crate style pheasant pens.
A New Business is Born: "Fox Valley Crate Company"
Through his connection with local implement manufacturer, Badger Northland, Norbert was able to launch a new business in 1963. Badger Northland required crates for its products, and knew that the Van Zeeland boys were just the people to help out the Kaukauna implement manufacturer. They began building crates in a pole shed behind their dairy farm.
All of Norbert's sons were involved in the business in one capacity or another. They worked nights and weekends building crates the old fashioned way, utilizing only hammers and nails. The company began to expand to other wooden products as they supplied pallets to Neenah Foundry, located in Neenah, Wisconsin.
In 1968 Norbert unrepentantly passed away at the age of 55. Shortly after that the young business had a fire which destroyed the pole shed they were using as their manufacturing facility. At this time the boys, being in their teens and twenties had tough decisions to make.
New Building, New Name. "Fox Valley Wood Products"
In 1970 Tom, Don and Dale took the business to the next level through building a 6,000 square foot building on neighboring property and re-named the business Fox Valley Wood Products.
The youngest son Roger began working full time for the company following high school. Throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's, these four brothers built the company into a multimillion dollar operation. This included several building expansions and manufacturing upgrades. In 1995 the company hired Char Lemke as their accountant. She also assists with customer service and has proven to be a huge asset in both areas.
The Next Generation...
As the third generation became old enough to work, they too got involved in the business. Following the completion of their college degrees, and the retirement of their uncle Tom, Travis and Jeff began to work full time for the company in 1996. It was an opportunity and a test to see if the next generation could take the reigns. In 1998 Don and Dale agreed to gradually sell shares of the business to Jeff and Travis.
In 2004 Fox Valley Wood Products hired Tyler Van Zeeland. He has proven to be an asset to the company. Similar to Jeff and Travis, Tyler is taking an ownership roll in the company.
In 2005 Don reduced his hours in preparation for retirement. He continues to help the company on special projects and consultation. Dale plans to continue with the business for several more years and is currently the primary lumber buyer for the company.
Being a third generation company, Fox Valley Wood Products feel's fortunate to have had a great examples of hard working, dedicated fathers. They have provided the tools to take this company into a successful future.
The most important virtues gleaned from their experience is how to serve our customers, how to treat our employees and what it takes to operate a successful business.