Mindrum Precision, Inc. Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence

Mindrum Precision was started in the garage of Paul Mindrum in August 1956. He soon outgrew his start-up space which had expanded to fill three store fronts, and moved to a warehouse on 9th street. He eventually moved again to build a building large enough to encompass his growing vision for success.

Prior to starting Mindrum Precision, Paul worked for Landsverk Electrometer but left in 1954 when the government did not renew their contract. He considered a water softner business but instead started Mindrum Precision.

In 1974 Mindrum Precision, Inc. found its new home on 4th street in Rancho Cucamonga and it remains our home to this day. Much gratitude is owed to our visionary founder who took the skills honed in the military, coupled with the strong familial roots that withstood the Great Depression, and rounded out by the experience gained by working in manufacturing, to begin the legacy that continues today.

Fifty years of sustained operations, continued growth, diversification of product offerings, dedication to the surrounding community and commitment to the many people employed by the company is not a small undertaking.

In Mindrum Precision Inc.'s 50th Year Anniversary, we say hat's off to Paul Milton Mindrum, a portrait of success in the business world. Congratulations Paul!

And through the leadership inspired by Paul Mindrum, the legacy lives on in the next generation of Mindrum Precision. Here's to continued success under the leadership and management of Diane Mindrum, C.E.O., Dennis Winegarner, General Manager, and Dan Mindrum.

Paul Mindrum saw the potential that existed in the business field into which he desired to delve. His sight proved to be perfect. Born in 1923 and raised on his parent's tenant farm in surroundings populated entirely by Norwegians, he was clearly a child of the depression era. Entering school unable to speak English, but with a clear memory of the news that Charles A. Lindbergh had made a solo airplane flight across the Atlantic, aviation was destined to play a role in his future. Perhaps it was his tour of duty that almost landed him on the warfront in Europe as a bomber pilot, or the last minute change of orders that saw him instead serve in Missouri as instructor in the piloting and towing of invasion gliders, or his second tour in Okinawa where he regularly flew planes to and from the Philippines as well as carried out various civil engineering duties, but somewhere he discovered that going into the business of manufacturing glass, quartz and ceramics for Aerospace and Defense would be a good idea. His strong business acumen then translated this foray into manufacturing the same products for medical and electro-optical equipment when these prior areas became less necessary.

Paul not only proved himself in the business realm but matched this excellent decision making ability with a "merger" that provided balance, support, stability, and the future of Mindrum Precision as well. He married Elsie Kymberg who he met at a branch of the University of Minnesota's Civil Engineering school, raised a family that consisted of four children (Diane, Darlene, Dan and David), and planted the business seed within his offspring that grew into a strong desire to carry on his vision. Paul and Elsie Mindrum were happily committed to one another until her passing in 2003. To this we attribute a direct quote from Paul, "the proudest event in his life was becoming a B25 pilot at age 21 and his smartest decision was marrying Elsie."

Paul Mindrum retired from Mindrum Precision, Inc. in
1992, but still functions as a consultant and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. He reached age 70 years eight days after retirement and is the present day inspiration for the operation.