A local metal worker has gained national fame for his charitable works.
Shane Henderson is an amateur artist whose handiwork — rendering the American flag in media like metal, wood, and marble — turned his small company, Metal Art of Wisconsin, into a major success.
The company, which was recently featured on ABC News’ “Made in America” segment, exploded when Henderson posted an example of his artistry on social media — even before he was ready.
“We had six figures worth of business rolling in and we’re like, ‘Whoa!'” Henderson said. “I didn’t go to school for this, Henderson laughs. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I didn’t have a business plan or investors or anything. So we had to hire employees by machinery, get a shop, and it evolved. We went from, you know, steel flags to wood flags. And then I invented the Freedom Cabinet and then that just blew the doors off.”
Henderson explains, “And I mean, now we have 30 employees two manufacturing facilities. You know, we have hundreds of innovative products on our website. And it’s 100 percent the American dream, that you can do that in your garage and it turns into something so huge.”
Popular as holiday gifts for those looking for patriotic presents that are made in the States, Henderson pays it forward with the charitable arm of his company, Flags for Fortitude.
“You can nominate a hero, and whether that’s a police officer or a fireman, a crossing guard, I mean, anyone making a difference in your community, you can nominate them,” Henderson says, adding, “and we send them out free of charge.”
The gifts are personalized for each worthy recipient, Henderson says. “That’s us giving back,” he proudly notes. “Last year alone, we donated over $120,000 worth of product…and this year is no different.”
Metal Art of Wisconsin is located at 1125 South Rapids Road in Manitowoc. You can learn more about the business by visiting their website, MetalArtOfWisconsin.com.
