Many folks are familiar with their premier products, like Elkmaster Tips, Triangle Chalk and Master Chalk...
But did you know that Skip Nemecek, the current president of Tweeten, is the fourth generation of Nemeceks to run the company. They have been a permanent part of the billiard and pool industry for 100 years running, and deserve much credit for enduring industry crashes, world wars and economic depressions...and still coming out strong.
Not just "outsiders" distributing products that they know nothing about, the Nemeceks are responsible for the actual development and production of many of the worlds best products, right here in America. A process that everyone else has been all too happy to send overseas.
Even in their early days as a company, the chalk they formulated and the tips they fabricated came from extensive knowledge of pool playing techniques and strokes, as they worked closely with champion Augie Kieckhefer for years to perfect their products.
{Company founder Stephen "Steve" Nemecek opened a billiard room in Chicago in 1910, eventually partnering with Kieckhefer}
One family member in particular, Irvin Nemecek, was even a championship player himself, which afforded the family yet another opportunity to watch their product perform (and succeed) under real-world conditions. An advantage that many companies do not have.
My congratulations and respect to the Nemecek family for all their contributions. Not only to the industry, but also to the history of American pool and billiards as a whole. Keep up the great work!
From Billiards Magazine Aug 1928
But did you know that Skip Nemecek, the current president of Tweeten, is the fourth generation of Nemeceks to run the company. They have been a permanent part of the billiard and pool industry for 100 years running, and deserve much credit for enduring industry crashes, world wars and economic depressions...and still coming out strong.
Not just "outsiders" distributing products that they know nothing about, the Nemeceks are responsible for the actual development and production of many of the worlds best products, right here in America. A process that everyone else has been all too happy to send overseas.
Even in their early days as a company, the chalk they formulated and the tips they fabricated came from extensive knowledge of pool playing techniques and strokes, as they worked closely with champion Augie Kieckhefer for years to perfect their products.
{Company founder Stephen "Steve" Nemecek opened a billiard room in Chicago in 1910, eventually partnering with Kieckhefer}
One family member in particular, Irvin Nemecek, was even a championship player himself, which afforded the family yet another opportunity to watch their product perform (and succeed) under real-world conditions. An advantage that many companies do not have.
My congratulations and respect to the Nemecek family for all their contributions. Not only to the industry, but also to the history of American pool and billiards as a whole. Keep up the great work!
From Billiards Magazine Aug 1928
