The History of Faustrollean

THE EARLY DAYS
As a young boy, Ken Zell was intrigued by work and arts & crafts.  In the 1950’s Portland Public Schools offered a first order industrial arts program to its sixth, seventh and eighth graders. Beaumont School’s shop teacher, Lawrence Luvgrunn cultivated Zell’s love of arts and craft.  

In college, Zell majored in analytical philosophy with a minor in exercise physiology. After working at the YMCA in their human performance laboratory until age 26, he left for an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
While learning the woodworking trade Zell continued to make wood and metal sculptures, a practice he began in high school. A couple who purchased art from Zell asked him to design and build out uncompleted parts of their residence. With the allure of a sizable advance to purchase woodworking tools, Zell took on the 18 month project. Faustrollean Fixture Company was born. 

Faustrollean’s first shop was in a shed next to the Zell’s house. Ken worked alone, eventually hiring a young apprentice through a program at Benson High School.  Faustrollean began adding 

employees as the demand for their craft expanded. Eight years after opening its shop’s doors Ken’s son Dylan began making craft at age 12. Twenty five years later, Dylan, an equal partner, is the production manager and a driving force in the company’s continued development.

THE GROWTH OF FFC
During the first few years, FFC produced for the residential market exclusively. Faustrollean’s first non-residential job was for Portland Community College making doors. Ken quickly realized that commercial jobs offered a wider range of products and challenges. Faustrollean’s focus shifted to commercial markets. Today FFC manufactures a wide range of products to a wide range of businesses, institutions and individuals.

From this beginning Faustrollean has grown to a 45,000 sq ft building with over 60 employees, including engineers, project managers, craftspeople, and Dylan’s AWI Union installation team.

Although the company has grown, Ken and Dylan’s passion for creating great work and embracing craft, production and business challenges remains unchanged after 33 years.