Roger Grundman founder of Flex-Fletch Products July 26, 1924 - November 20, 2006
The name Flex-Fletch has been synonymous with quality for many years. What started in our home in 1970 when we were growing up is still partially based there. Though we have our own facilities for the manufacture of Flex-Fletch Vanes we still do most of the office related work and web site updating at the family home in Roseville MN.
Roger Grundman, the founder of Flex-Fletch Products and inventor of Flex-Fletch Vanes was born in Faribault, Minnesota in 1924 but moved to Vincennes Indiana when he was a young boy. After serving with the US Army, in the European theatre in WWII he moved back to Minnesota to study aeronautical engineering at the University of Minnesota. He went to work for 3M in research and development following Graduation and married Eileen Lahiff in 1951. It was here that he came up with the incredible urethane that makes up Flex-Fletch Vanes. During his time at 3M he came to love archery. He joined the 3M-archery club and attended every shoot he could. Its no wonder archery was so prominent in his mind.
Six children (three boys and three girls) and a lot of hard work later he had accomplished what many only wish for, a solid family, and a successful business.
During his tenure at 3M he tried to get management to take on what he thought was a viable product, an all weather vane that could be glued to any arrow shaft. His attempts were futile though, as he was unable to get them to market his idea. This turned out to be to his good fortune, 3M sold him the rights and the remaining material to do with as he pleased. In 1976, 6 years after officially starting Flex-Fletch Products, Roger retired from 3M to give the company his full attention.
Moving from basement to garage and building to larger building, Roger finally decided to build his own shop. It is here that Flex-Fletch resides today.
Roger began shooting when there was no such thing as a compound bow. But when compounds entered the scene he was one of the first in his group to get one. I distinctly remember the evening he came home with the first of his many compound bows. I was very impressed and thought I should get one too. Eventually, Dad did buy me one and I shot that bow for a long time.
Flex-Fletch Products had many honors over the years but none was as special as the night the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association honored him for his unselfish donation of 180 acres of prime hunting land in Western Wisconsin. "The Farm" as he called it comes complete with a small house that will accommodate eight or more hunters. One of Rogers favorite permanent hunting stands on the "Farm" was aptly named the Taj Mahal or just the "Taj." Completely enclosed, and 11 or so feet off the ground, the "Taj" could hold four hunters, although two was preferable. Four shooting openings, one on each side, were made unique by the brilliant idea of painting them, in their closed position, to look as if they were open, so as not to spook the deer.
Although steadfast, Roger did not turn a deaf ear to a good idea. Though at times, the good idea had to be brought to his attention more than once. Two examples of this are vanes in the Flex-Fletch line. The FFP187 and the FLP400. Both are suggestions from those who have used Flex-Fletch vanes and saw a need. Both vanes have become very popular and other vane manufacturers have imitated them.
His pairing with Paul Dodge in the production and marketing of Pro-Nocks was another example. Until the advent of the carbon shaft, and shortly thereafter, the Pro-Nock was probably the most sought after nock available.
In Rogers's memory, Flex-Fletch will continue its course of high quality, highly sought products.
Thanks to all of you who have contributed to Rogers's successful, unselfish life.
Roger Grundman
