Wheelhouse Industrial – 45 Years In The Making

Wheelhouse Industrial – Your Industrial Handyman

WHEELHOUSE INDUSTRIAL – 45 YEARS IN THE MAKING

July 5th, 1978, marked the beginning of an incredible journey for Clint Retterath, the founder of Wheelhouse Industrial. On that fateful day, Clint started his career as a Millwright at the Scott-Atwater Foundry in Minneapolis. Today, on July 5th, 2023, we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Clint’s first day on the job, reflecting on the remarkable growth and success of Wheelhouse Industrial.

The Scott-Atwater Foundry may be long gone, but the memories of Clint’s early experiences remain vivid. His initial job as a Millwright was far from glamorous. Working in sweltering heat, Clint would venture into the old steel rafters of the building, covered in decades of black powder dust. As he walked along those steel members, the dust filled the air, forming a dark cloud that settled on his face.

At his first break at 9:30 that morning, Clint sat there, covered in the black residue, contemplating his future. He questioned whether he could endure 40 years of such arduous work. Like anyone starting something new, he considered giving up. However, little did he know that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary career that would eventually lead him to found Wheelhouse Industrial.

Fast forward to today, 45 years later, and Clint’s perspective has undergone a remarkable transformation. He found love and passion for the work he and his team do, supporting their customers and the families they serve.

Clint founded Wheelhouse Industrial two years ago, building on his decades of experience and a deep understanding of the industry.

Reflecting on those early years, Clint shared some nostalgic glimpses into his past. While he couldn’t find a picture of himself working at the foundry, he shared a few snapshots of him as a young boy, pretending to be a millwright.

One photo shows Clint and his sister working on her pedal car, another shows him using a party hat as a welding hood, playfully pretending to weld, and the last is his graduation picture from Burnsville High School, reminding us that time changes not only our hair but also our aspirations.

Clint’s journey from a young Millwright to the founder of Wheelhouse Industrial is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of passion. His story inspires us to embrace the challenges we face and find fulfillment in the work we do.

At Wheelhouse Industrial, we continue to build on Clint’s legacy, serving our customers with excellence and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industrial sector. As we celebrate this milestone, we express our gratitude to Clint Retterath for his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the industry.

Here’s to 45 years in the making and many more to come as we continue to drive innovation, deliver exceptional service, and shape the future of Wheelhouse Industrial.
-The Wheelhouse Industrial Team


Wheelhouse Industrial is the leading provider of industrial maintenance, repairs, installations, and other millwright services, serving the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and beyond. We have a proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions that help clients maintain the productivity and efficiency of their operations.

Reach out to us at 952.999.0264 to discuss any upcoming projects.


Wheelhouse Industrial – Your Industrial Handyman™

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