Meet Michael Waidelich | Owner and Operator of Black Wolf Flag Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Waidelich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Black Wolf Flag Company began as a favor to a friend of mine from Basic Training who asked me to create a wood flag for him as a present for his soldiers who was leaving. During our time together my friend was very aware of my love of woodworking and was looking to help me after I was discharged due to injury which left me in a difficult place. I struggled as I did not want to leave the Army due to an injury so he reached out.

After taking some time to plan the build and some trial and error I was able to finish his flag and mailed it off to him thinking that it was the end of it. A few months later I received a call from his wife ecstatic asking how many more could I make. After inquiring why she had informed me that she had 50 men and women form his unit who wanted one. I was blown away! It was at this point that Black Wolf Flag Company was born.

Black Wolf Flag Company was inspired as a homage to my basic combat unit which was nickname the Wolf Pack and my friend who inspired this journey with simple request. I will forever be in his debt.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I started Black Wolf Flag Company the idea was continue to expand and innovate and never rest on our laurels. We have partnered with some Amazing Companies to expand our product lines to include items such as Cornhole Boards, Concealment Cabinets and Safes, to now our own apparel and gift lines.

What sets us apart from our competition is our designs, our ability to customize and our use of materials that are not perfect. When I think of a rustic American Flag I think of flags that have holes, live edges, knots in the wood. That to me is the idea I strive for.

Was it easy to get here? Goodness, No! Being an entrepreneur is a struggle everyday but it is a struggle I am proud to take because the rewards are amazing.

What I am most proud of is our Fallen but not Forgotten Series of flags that we build. This program is a donation based from local businesses and individuals who donate to cover the costs of the flags. These flags are built with a 8×10 photo of the fallen soldier with their name and rank engraved into the stripes of the flag. These flags are then presented to the families of the fallen with an additional plaque showing the community that stands behind them and this project to keep these flags free of charge to the families.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Coffee at the Local Biggby, Breakfast at the Lux Cafe, Lunch at Torti Taco, and Dinner at Firekeepers Casino where we can also catch a show or visit the sports bar. Some other spots in town to visit would be the Cricket and the Griffin a couple of local pubs. One Nation Tap and Table is another favorite spot here in Battle Creek. Places to check out are the Historic Bridge Park, The Linear Path, and Leila Arboretum are all some amazing local spots to check out. There are so many more things that it is impossible to list them all.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to all the men and women of our Armed Forces and First Responders who protect our communities, cities, towns, and our country. These brave men and women never truly get the recognition they deserve. I would also like to shoutout all my Wolf Pack which is what we refer to our customers as. Without the Pack I would not be here today doing what I love so thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Website: https://blackwolfflagcompany.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwolfflagcompany/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackwolfflagco/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwolfflaggcompany

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/black-wolf-flag-company-battle-creek

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Blackwolfflagco/videos