Charles Engel – Owner of Engel Tool + Forge

Charles Engel is the third-generation owner and president of Engel Tool + Forge, a Milwaukee-based manufacturing company founded by his grandfather in 1923. After gaining early experience at the family business in the late 1990s, Charles left to work at Harley-Davidson, where he developed a strong foundation in corporate operations, plant consolidations, and strategic decision-making.

In 2010, Charles returned to Engel Tool + Forge with a vision to modernize and expand the company. Initially met with some hesitation from employees, he quickly proved his leadership by identifying new market opportunities - most notably expanding sales to Australia, which became a turning point for the business.

Under his leadership, Engel Tool + Forge has grown into a specialized engineering-first manufacturer, producing forged parts for industries such as agriculture, mining, oil and gas, and hydraulics. Charles emphasizes collaboration with clients to reduce costs and improve efficiency, positioning the company as a problem-solving partner rather than just a parts supplier.

His approach blends traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering, continuing the Engel family legacy while adapting to the demands of a global market.