In 1946, Robert (RB) and Fran Wheeler used the money they saved serving in World War II to buy a small jewelry business in Lemmon, SD and named it Wheeler Manufacturing Company. At the time of the purchase, the company occupied 120 square feet and had four employees.

Wheeler’s primary business, in those days, was producing sterling silver ring sets with native agate stones that were cut and polished Humble Beginnings in Lemmon. It was a hands-on operation for both of them. RB made regular trips to Montana to buy uncut agate, was the lone company salesman, and designed the machines to cut the agate. Fran engraved the silver rings and handled the company’s bookwork.

By 1957 Wheeler was selling to wholesale customers throughout the Western US and Canada. The company continued to grow and in 1978 the Wheelers’ sons, Brad and Rob, joined the business.