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This post was written by Will Knecht 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.
