About Us

OUR STORY

all about Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop

We are committed to exceeding expectations, while delivering results that mirror the handcrafted quality of old world artisans. Authentic quality craftsmanship never goes out of style. We are dedicated to that tradition of excellence and understand the enduring value of personal attention to detail.

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Wagon Master: Hansen's Handcrafted History

Is the story of how Doug Hansen learned to handcraft 19th-century wheeled vehicles, with curiosity and fortitude as his guides. Through his own ingenuity and observation, he is recovering knowledge of how to build handcrafted wagons from a bygone era. A much sought-after craftsman, Doug and his team have built wagons and stagecoaches for Hollywood (Yellowstone, 1883, Dances With Wolves, The Hateful Eight) and corporate America (Anheuser-Busch, Wells Fargo, Disney), and his team also restores old vehicles for museums and others.

Be sure to checkout our blog post to see some behind the scene photos and and the premiere of this documentary!

We Also Buy Wagons

If you have an original wagon in good solid condition, we may be interested in purchasing it. Click here for more information.

Discover the Old West Charm with Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop Tours - An Unforgettable Journey Awaits!

Experience a journey like no other with Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop's tour packages! Learn and marvel at the timeless craft of wagon building. Book your tour now by giving us a call at 605-996-8754!

OUR TEAM

Doug Hansen
Owner of Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop
Doug started Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop in 1978. A craftsman and horseman with a background in wheelwrighting, blacksmithing and wainwrighting, Doug has also done extensive research and documentation on historic vehicles for museums and private collectors.
Holly Hansen
Vice President / Bookkeeper
Holly has a degree in business/merchandising and got her start with the business when she married Doug. Holly's background goes beyond bookkeeping; she is also involved in human resources, advertising, and customer relations. Along with a wealth of family activities that include Holly and Doug's daughters, sons-in-law and grandkids, she enjoys gardening and crafts.
Jerome Evans
Shop Foreman
Jerome has been a fixture here at Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop for over 20 years. As shop foreman, Jerome plays an integral part in coordinating the construction of each custom wagon or stagecoach–from the hand-crafted wood components down to the last piece of hand-forged hardware. Jerome's favorite pastimes is hunting and fishing, which he shares with his wife, Angie, and his daughter, Ellie.
Tim Hoffman
Wheelwright
Our wheelwright, Tim Hoffman, came to us with professional wood crafting experience over 20 years ago, and he soon learned all the ins and outs of building wheels. Tim's expertise in the wheelwright trade means he can build or repair all types of wood spoke wheels including: wagon, coach, buggy, logging, cannon and even antique car and truck wheels. He also builds many of our custom cannon carriages and wagon running gears. Tim and his wife, Stacey, have two kids, Morgan and Mason.
Dean Thompsen
Vehicle Restoration / Repair and Shipping / Receiving
Dean Thompsen works with the restoration and outfitting of antique vehicles for customers and clients. Dean also is responsible for shipping and receiving of products and wagons, as well as maintaining our in-stock inventory. Dean owns a century home and works on fixing it up in his spare time.
Leah Murray
Sales and Project Management
Leah Murray graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Animal Science and worked in a veterinary clinic before joining the team here at Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop. Leah, who is Doug and Holly's daughter, has been involved in working at the shop for years as she joined the team every summer through her college career. Leah works closely with customers and clients to review their projects as they move through the process of building or restoration. Leah and her husband, Mike, have two active kids who are frequent visitors to the shop.
Andy Ettswold
Paint, Prep Coordinator
Andy Ettswold first came to work for us part time while he attended a local technical school. After graduating, Andy worked in the service industry for several years before joining our team. He returned to our company to train as a paint and prep specialist and now heads up our paint department. Andy and his wife, Melissa, stay busy volunteering for community activities that involve their two sons, Parker and Wyatt.
Maurice Hartmann
Restoration and Preservation
After over twenty years of building cabinets as well as working in management at a cabinet shop, Maurice decided it was time to put his skills to work using a different format--wagon restoration. Maurice and his wife, Julie, have two sons and three granddaughters. During his leisure time, Maurice enjoys helping out friends and family with home improvement projects, as well as weekend campouts with his grandkids.
Trevor Nelson
Vehicle Restoration/Office It Support
Meet Trevor - He become a part of our team back in July 2019. Trevor's job here primarily involves restoration and customization of antique vehicles, making them ready for our inventory and clientele- a task he absolutely excels at. Alongside this, Trevor has a knack for tech! He ensures the smooth running of our office by efficiently managing all computer systems. When he isn't working wonders at the shop, Trevor can be found shredding the slopes on his snowboard or strumming tunes on his guitar.
Amber Van Oort
Marketing/Social Media/Sales
Amber joined our company in November 2021. Her diverse skill set allows her to handle various responsibilities, including managing aspects of our website, crafting compelling marketing campaigns, and overseeing our social media presence. In addition to that Amber handles phone inquiries, processing retail orders, and photographing our inventory for our website. Beyond her work commitments, Amber cherishes quality time with her kids and family, indulges in interior design projects, and creates new craft projects and adventures with her kids.
Wayne Troyer
Hand Striping and Decorating / Independent Contractor
Freelance artist, Wayne Troyer, has been striping and decorating our horse drawn vehicles for the past 15 years. A multi-faceted artist, he hand paints our striping, lettering, murals and gold leaf work. Owner of Troyer Arts Studio, Wayne works out of Millersburg, OH.
Jim Patrick
Wagon Maker / Independent Contractor
Jim Patrick has been a wainwright for over 20 years and specializes in building and restoring buckboards and express wagons. Jim’s artistic talents cover all aspects of the trade from woodworking to blacksmithing. You can find Jim on weekends doing what he loves, driving his team on his personal chuckwagon at historical events and chuckwagon gatherings along with his wife, Susan. Jim is a member of ABANA and a director of the American Chuck Wagon Association.