Rick Ahaus, Class of 1962
After high school Rick attended college at GMI in Flint MI degree in Electrical Engineering. He was active in Fraternity and student government. His grandfather started Ahaus Tool and Engineering in 1946 and his father joined the business later. Rick joined the business in 1966, leaving GM. He became the salesman for the business for 25 years.
He bought out the other family members and became president of the company.
His son Kevin and son-in-law Jeff Sheridan run the business today. He lives part-time in Florida and is retired from the tool business.
Rick has a boutique in Florida with his wife Debbie. He serves on several boards including eight years on the RCS board. He was one of the creators of the 3rd Grade Learning Academy.
Business history
The business began in garage on S 11th street by William Ahaus and son Irvin Ahaus. In 1979 the business location was sold and an 18,000 square foot new building was built on Industries Drive. The plant expanded and today covers an area of 65,000 square feet.
Ahaus Tool and Engineering partners with IBM to make molds for typewriters and has a partnership with Ivy Tech for apprentice training. Computerized machines introduced now do machining for assembly line components.
Rick’s son Kevin Ahaus is now president.