Edsko Hekman left the Netherlands in 1893 and settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan to work building furniture.  The panic of 1893 made him stop the furniture dream and go back to his original career as a baker.  Eventually he was able to found the Hekman Biscuit Company which in turn became Keebler.  Edsko's three sons were able to complete their father's dream and founded the Hakman Furniture Company in 1922.  In 1983 the company was purchased by the Howard MIller Clock Company.

The company went through subsequents sales to Beatrice Foods and now is back as the Hekman company building quality furniture.