Palm and Wikert look forward to their next adventure: Retirement

Written by Kari Sundberg, Eagle Editor

It’s been 37 years for Donnie Wikert and 33 years for Ron Palm when it comes to their employment and contribution to Machinewell, Inc. That’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears - laughter, too, if you know these two! But the Co-Vice Presidents of Machinewell are looking forward to their next adventure set to come soon.

For Donnie, he first started working at Machinewell in the winter of 1979. What was an after-school job, led him to technical college in Alexandria for machining, and eventually brought him back to Machinewell where he’s been ever since. Officially starting with the company on March 26th, 1984, Donnie reflects back on his time over the years. “Seeing the advancement in technology has been the biggest thing. Back then, I was doing all sorts of things, but just dabbling a little bit into the CNC equipment. Now, that’s just the norm around here vs. the exception,” he said. With the retirement party officially held last week, and saying the “official” goodbyes to his employees and customers, Donnie’s end date hasn’t been set in stone quite yet. There are still some loose ends to tie up and items to check off the list, so that shop coat won’t be getting hung up just yet, but the end is near. “I’m going to miss working with everybody and the day-to-day operations of the business, but I’ll be around a little bit here and there for now,” he laughed.

As for Ron, his days in the office are soon coming to an end. “I guess I just knew it was time to step down,” he acknowledged. Ron first came on as General Manager of Machinewell on September 8th, 1987. He is finishing out this week, and after that, will just come in as needed to tie up loose ends. “I’m here if they need me, but I’m really looking forward to that free time...maybe some long motorcycle rides,” he said. When reflecting back on his years at the company, Ron says, “We never intended for Machinewell to become this large, but this is how it ended up! There have been some hiccups along the way, but it’s grown into a successful business that I hope keeps going for another 33 years! I’m going to miss all of the customers and sales calls, not to mention our employees.”

Ron Palm and Donnie Wikert both transitioned to Vice Presidents and part-owners of Machinewell at the same time, which was October of 1996. 

With their Machinewell careers coming to an end, Bryan Dougherty, Eric Dougherty and Tonia Haack have been placed as the new upper management of Machinewell, Inc. The three have been acquiring their roles gradually over the past months so that the transition of retirement could go as smoothly as possible. 

Haack commented, “We are all going to miss Ron and Donnie a great deal and it has been our pleasure to be a part of what Machinewell was and is today. They have made a lot of friendships and working relationships over the years that are very unforgettable. They have had an immense impact on the employees as well as the community by growing this into such a strong business. Their legacy precedes them on their new adventure and we wish them nothing but the best. Retirement is an achievement we all strive for and they have conquered that quest.”

Machinewell currently has 50 full-time workers, along with 12 part-timers, most of whom hail from the Grygla High School. Haack says their employees bring an abundance of experience that they couldn’t operate without. Currently in their school-to-work program is Grygla graduate Jack Ahlbeck, graduating college this May, as well as Grygla Senior Jamie Dougherty and Backus Senior Ryan Tuchtenhagen, both set to start college in the fall.

When looking at the present, along with the future, Haack concluded, “Even though we are coming out of a pandemic, the sales are strong and we are busier than ever this year. Projections look great and we couldn’t be more excited to take on this new adventure.”