LOUISVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Flagg family, which owns SmartEtailing and is led by QBP founders Steve Flagg and his wife, Mary Henrickson, has purchased Wheels Manufacturing, a manufacturer of service and repair parts including derailleur hangers, bottom brackets and specialty tools.
Wheels' former owners, Dave and Cindy Batka, will stay on during a transition period. The company will be led by Dan Taggart, a veteran of the IT industry. Dave Batka founded Wheels on March 1, 1988, and said he has known Flagg for at least 35 years.
"Cindy and I have known for some time that Wheels Manufacturing needed additional resources in order to grow and enhance service to its customers," Dave Batka said. "As we looked to the future for the company, we saw a great opportunity through this new ownership to expand a great product line while preserving our valued workforce and exceptional customers. Cindy and I guided Wheels Manufacturing for its first three decades. Dan Taggart and the Flagg family are the ideal partners to grow the company for the decades to come."
The Flagg family acquired SmartEtailing in 2012, emphasizing that the Boulder, Colorado, marketing and web development company would operate separately from QBP, which is based near Minneapolis. Steve Flagg stepped down as president of QBP in 2015 and now serves as the distributor's chairman.
Batka said Wheels products would continue to be distributed by Quality as well as by about 35 other distributors. He said the additional resources would go mostly to personnel in manufacturing, product development and other areas.
Taggart is a lifelong outdoor recreationist and cycling enthusiast who has spent the past decade leading teams and managing key accounts in the IT industry in the Minneapolis area.
"Wheels Manufacturing is renowned as an innovative manufacturer and supplier that's dedicated to specialty retailers," Taggart said. "I am thrilled to lead this team and serve our customers. I look forward to the transition with Dave and Cindy while establishing new strategies to innovate and grow."
