Wooster Brush Presidents

Wooster Brush Works, 1851-1909

Adam Foss, 1851-1879

Adam Foss "At age 18, he left the east coast and came to Ohio, joined his brother. Samuel, in Wooster and began making brushes. Founded The Wooster Brush Works in 1851. By 1879, he had several-state distribution, a new plant and a flourishing business. Served on the City Council, was active in many community programs."

Walter D. Foss, 1879-1938

Walter D. Foss "Son of Adam Foss, he and George Schwartz operated as The Wooster Brush Works until 1909, when it became incorporated as The Wooster Brush Company, President of the National Paint, Oil, and Varnish Association in 1905, A. Trustee of the College of Wooster, President of the Citizens National Bank and Wooster Country Club."

Wooster Brush Company, 1909-Present

Walter R. Foss, 1938-1949

Walter R. Foss Walter R. Foss was "Active in the company for 48 years (in 1976). Three brothers, Oscar, Don and Cliff, also made the company their life's work. Helped found Wooster Rotary Club, served on the War Production Board, and Paint Brush Manufacturers Committee, First Chairman of the Wooster United Fund Drive."

Stanley R. Welty, 1949-1969

Stanley R. Welty Stanley R. Welty served a total of "Thirty-five total years of service. Began as territorial salesman, later became treasurer. The company experienced its greatest growth and expansion during his presidency. Currently Chairman of the Executive Committee for the company. Noted football player, Boy Scout consultant, civic leader. Active in industrial associations, service clubs and YMCA programs."

Jack W. Lester, 1969-1975

Jack W. Lester Jack W. Lester began as territorial salesman, followed by working in various departments in the plant. In his presidency, the company continued its record of which now numbers 17 consecutive years of record sales. Former Mayor of Wooster, President of Jaycees, selected Outstanding Young Man, civic leader and member of many industrial associations."

Woodrow J. Zook, 1975-1985

Woodrow J. Zook Woodrow J. Zook had a total of "Twenty-eights years of service (as of 1976). In addition to above title, he is also Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer. Began as an accountant and advanced to his most recent position of Executive Vice-President Executive Officer, Native of Wooster, has been President of Manufacturers Association Div., of Wooster Chamber of Commerce, YMCA and Kiwanis. Civic leader and Associate Trustee of Ohio Wesleyan University. Member of several industrial trade associations."

Stanley R. Welty, Jr., 1985-1998

Stanley R. Welty Jr. Stanley R. Welty, Jr. - "He had a knack of knowing how to motivate people and get them to come up with ideas," said Al Rodd, who became president, in addition to treasurer, after Welty's retirement in 1998. During Welty's tenure at the helm of Wooster Brush, Rodd said the company went through exponential growth, including four building expansions. Because or his work with Wooster Brush, he was a man who understood the human relations part of The College of Wooster, said Stan Hales, the school's former president. Welty became a trustee of the college in 1991 and was trustee emeritus at the time of his death.

Allan K. Rodd, 1998-2010

Allan K. Rodd Allan K. Rodd has more than 42 years of service with Wooster Brush, 12 years as president. In retirement, he will continue to serve the company as vice chairman of the board of directors. The board elected

William (Bill) S. Fagert, 2010-2020

William (Bill) S. Fagert William S. Fagert as the new president, effective Aug. 1. Fagert joined Wooster Brush in 1985. He will be only the ninth president in the 160-year history of the company. Fagert is a native of Nova and a graduate of Mount Union College in Alliance. During his 25 years of service with Wooster Brush, he has held various finance positions including accounting manager, assistant treasurer and controller. He most recently served as vice president of finance. Before joining Wooster Brush, Fagert was a certified public accountant with Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young) in Youngstown. He and his wife, Vickie, live in Wooster and have been married 30 years. They have two sons, Matt, an electrical engineering graduate of Ohio Northern University, and Mike, who will be a junior forensic science major at West Virginia University. Fagert is active in the community, and serves as president of the Wooster Salvation Army advisory board. Founded in 1851, Wooster Brush is a privately held, employee-owned company and one of the largest paint applicator manufacturers in the United States. The company has grown to over 888,000 square feet of manufacturing, shipping, administrative, and warehousing facilities. Wooster Brush has 520 employees with an average of 17 years of service each.

Ben Maibach, 2020-Present

Ben Maibach Ben Maibach joined joined Wooster Brush in 2014, Ben has served as vice president of national accounts, held a seat on the company's board of directors, and most recently led the team overseeing Wooster's rebranding efforts. Ben brings over 20 years of sales and marketing experience to his new role including time as vice president of sales at Waxman Consumer Group as well as multiple sales and marketing roles while at Moen and Newell Rubbermaid.

A life-long resident of the company's namesake city, Ben is a graduate of both Wooster High School and the College of Wooster. He and his wife, Courtney, have been married for 11 years; together they have three children: Benny, Bo, and Cecily. They enjoy spending time together as a family and attending Smithville Brethren Church. Ben serves on the Wooster City School Board Business Advisory Council and is also an Ohuddle Mentor.