In 1922, Phil R. Hinkley founded Hinkley Lighting, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio as a small residential outdoor lantern company. By the mid-1930s, Phil Hinkley had contracted tuberculosis and sold half of the company share to Stanley Wiedemer, a traveling salesman from Kansas City. In 1937, Phil Hinkley passed away, and Stanley purchased the other half of Hinkley Lighting. Shortly after, he moved his family from Kansas City to Cleveland.
Fast forward 32 years. Stanley’s grandson, Richard “Rick” Wiedemer, a young, eager, business major, had just graduated from Ohio University, and officially began his career at Hinkley Lighting, which spanned an incredible 50 years. Starting in the factory and working his way through each manufacturing and office department, Rick developed a deep passion for sales, marketing and product development. As CEO, Rick headed the 3rd generation of his family running the company, and under his leadership, Hinkley grew to become one of the finest lighting companies in the world.
All three of Rick’s children, Kristi, Jess and Eric, have played key roles at Hinkley Lighting. With more than 15 years of experience, Jess Wiedemer assumed the role of President in January 2015. After a successful law career, Eric Wiedemer now serves as Vice President and General Counsel. Having the third and fourth generation work together has created a true family culture at Hinkley – one of Rick’s most valued accomplishments.
In February 2019, the company purchased Regency Ceiling Fans. This acquisition expanded Hinkley’s indoor and outdoor lighting products to include ceiling fans, which debuted as Hinkley Fans in January 2020. This acquisition, led by Jess and Eric, paved the way for its new streamlined brand name, Hinkley, as a way to simplify and modernize the company’s evolving portfolio with an eye on future growth.
The Wiedemer family is proud to call Cleveland home, where Hinkley Lighting opened its doors nearly 100 years ago.