Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> December 1, 1998
FRED W. WAGENHALS first founded Action Performance Companies, Inc. in
1992 with a vision of creating a Franklin Mint-like company that would
merchandise replica diecast race car collectibles and other motorsports
memorabilia. Wagenhals' company quickly eclipsed his original vision and
today is a virtual one-stop marketing source for licensing motorsports
related consumer merchandise. A native of Marion, Ohio, Wagenhals is
Action's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, who for more
than 20 years has been an accomplished inventor and entrepreneur. By the
age of 21, he established a name for himself from the various inventions
he designed, built and patented. He is a 1997 Arizona Entrepreneur of
the Year Award recipient for the Retail/Wholesale Category, and the
Anheuser Busch Entrepreneur in Residence for 1997-98 at the University
of Arizona College of Business and Public Administration. Profile
information to put our readers into context. What do you see as your
company, as your business today?
Mr. Wagenhals:
