Zeilingers Close Wool Business
Published: Friday, January 10, 2025
The Zeilinger Wool Co. is a household name among people in and around the sheep, wool, and fiber industry. Earlier in 2024, the fourth-generation owner-operators made the heart-wrenching decision to close the business after nearly 115 years of operation.
"The Zeilinger family tradition of being humble experts in wool processing and marketing has been a source of strength for the American wool business," said Elaine Palm, who presented the award. "They have been incredibly supportive of sheep and wool events across the country and provided guidance for countless others in wool-related businesses."
Zeilinger Wool was most recently operated by Jon and April Zeilinger who steered the business for eight years. Jon and his wife April took over the business from his parents, Kathy and Gary. The couple had previously worked in the banking industry and brought with them a knack for business planning.
"Jon had worked part time for his parents and knew how to operate all the machines," April said. "But when I joined him in taking over the business, I had to learn everything from the ground up. This gave him a new appreciation for the business with the fresh eyes, wonderment and curiosity of a wife and business partner."
April learned everything she could through research and most importantly, thro-ugh visits to customers, sheep producers, spinners, and wool entrepreneurs.
"It was an incredible eight years," April said.
Adding a social media presence was part of April's contribution, where she documented some of her learning processes along with business outreach, adding a following that quickly grew to over 10,000 supportive members.
Kathy Zeilinger's parents had sold the business, known as Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, when they were ready to retire. After a short time, a community member approached Kathy and Gary with an available property, encouraging Kathy to pick up where her parents left off, and continue the family's calling and legacy.
"Kathy and Gary were so involved and respected in the wool industry. They cherished the time and the work they did, but they really lived in the moment and didn't think about a transition or continuation of the business for another generation," April said.
April and Jon explored and created a solid business plan that included expanding their name and brand and was beginning to show results when April became seriously ill. All plans, both business and personal, lost certainty and appeal.
Nearly a year's worth of travel for diagnosis, treatment and recovery forced Jon and April to evaluate their own future or if continuing the business was even feasible. Just as in many small businesses, the hours are long, and financial rewards are often slim. Finding labor in a tiny, specialized industry was increasingly difficult. These concerns, in part, led to an emotional decision to close the doors and resume careers in the banking industry.
"This award means to us is that the work we've done for all these years not only meant something to us, but to the customers we have served," April said. "Kathy is so proud; Gary would be if he were alive. We are all very proud of the recognition and so pleased to be honored and remembered in this way."
Due to relocation out of state, Jon and Kathy were unable to attend the event held at the Crown Plaza in Lansing to receive the award.
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