Rising from the Ashes Retirement

by on February 24, 2011 in Events, History

Rising from the Ashes Commemorataive Plate - Bronze

Bronze commemorative plate from the Rising from the Ashes Collection

We have been blessed beyond measure these past 12 months.  It is hard to believe we are coming up on the 1 year anniversary of the tragic fire that consumed our historic workshop, flagship store, and corporate offices.  But honestly, rather than a somber remembrance, we are planning a small celebration of thanksgiving amongst our team on Monday March 7th.  We are so thankful for the providential hand of God as He worked in and through our wonderful employees and the amazing folks of Pennsylvania to truly achieve the miraculous. The story of our last 12 months is a celebration of the greatness of the American spirit, without question.

As I think back on that fateful day in March 2010, the memory of the heroic actions of 21 local volunteer fire departments is forever etched in my mind.  We hear about the heroism of these men and women frequently, but until I saw them first hand put their lives in harms way battling the blaze, I’m not sure I fully appreciated their service and sacrifice.  And to think that each of them volunteers their time and talent to their local communities as fire fighters…it is truly humbling.  They are living American heroes.

To honor these brave fire fighters, we introduced a commemorative Rising from the Ashes line in 2010. A significant portion of our profits from the sale of each item in the collection goes to support a charity that benefits fire fighters directly in Mercer County. Holmes County, and Chester County – the counties our stores are in.  We’ve decided to retire this collection, fittingly on Sunday March 6th, 2011.  If you haven’t picked up one of these commemoratives yet, you can do so at one of our retail stores or online.  But once midnight on the 6th hits, these will be retired forever.

We thank each one of our customers who have supported us over these past months as well.  Without you, our tradition of American craftsmanship could not carry on.

I am truly amazed, humbled, and thankful.  God bless America!

Post Author

This post was written by who has written 19 posts on Wendell August Times.

Having spent over half of his life working there, one could say that Will Knecht has Wendell August Forge running through his blood. Will’s father, Bill Knecht, acquired the business in 1978 and it has remained in the family ever since…also remaining in the family are the energy and passion for their unique handcrafted giftware. Having experience in nearly every area of the business – workshop, distribution, retail, direct marketing, business-to-business sales and marketing, information technology, and finance – he knows all the ins and outs of Wendell August. To hear Will talk about Wendell August, one might think he was talking about one of his children. His eyes light up as he explains the detailed multi-step handcrafted process that each piece goes through before ending up in the hands of a retail customer or business client. “Like snowflakes, no two pieces are alike,” he often says. He is also passionate about the company’s important role and stewardship of the lost art of American craftsmanship and artistry. His major responsibilities at Wendell August include overseeing the strategic direction of the company, ensuring an incredible experience for customers, employees, and shareholders,, providing leadership and guidance for the executive team, serving as company spokesperson, and leading the Retail team. Will earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from Wake Forest University and served as student body president there from 1987-88. Married to Jennifer, the Knechts have three children: Jared, Cameron, and Claire. Will’s outside interests include reading the Bible, teaching Sunday school, exercising, reading, and watching movies. He also has an intense love for any products that are Made in the USA (like those from Wendell August!) and the importance of keeping jobs in America and carrying out the tradition of handcrafted excellence.

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