Note: Our 5x5 Cherry Plaques are currently out of stock.
The History of the Original Style Plaques & Character Plus
It began in the early 70's...
Our history begins when the Mayor of Minneapolis asked Minneapolis policeman, Al Palmquist, to start a rehabilitation program for drug addicts, and Midwest Challenge was born.
From the book "What's in a Name?"
Published by ARK Products: “Early in 1974, Midwest Challenge began to investigate new areas of production and vocational training for the young people in its program. John Hartzell, an assistant director for Midwest Challenge, proposed making something different in the way of decorative name plaques. They were to be unique, personalized and scriptural. Midwest Challenge organized a new company called ARK Products in order to manufacture and distribute them.”
In the early 80's...
ARK Products was purchased from Midwest Challenge by its manager, Chuck Hetland, who continued to produce the plaques. Midwest Challenge (Life Rebuilders) continues as an effective ministry in the Twin Cities area to this day.
Character Plus is Born
Marilyn Ford started working for ARK Products in 1979. In 1989, Marilyn and her husband, Ron, purchased the name product line when Chuck decided to change his business direction. They produced the plaques for a short time in the 1990's under the name "Inspirational Products" and eventually the Fords adopted the name “Character Plus”.
For about 24 years...
Ron and Marilyn worked as the sole labor force producing the plaques. It was always their prayer that each plaque would be a blessing in the life of the person or family whose name appeared on the front of the plaque. Although Ron and Marilyn were blessed to be part of this business for so many years, eventually they realized it was time to make some life changes and began exploring options.
In the fall of 2012...
Ron and Marilyn passed the reigns along to Mike and Deb Woodard. This involved relocating the business to Brainerd, Minnesota, adding a website, and expanding operations to include laser-engraved products - a refreshing new twist on the original design. The next five years saw lots of change and growth as an entirely new market was exposed to these unique and personal gifts.
It's unusual to have a gift item, especially in the original style, still being made after 40 years, yet, the original Character Plus plaques are a long-standing tradition in many homes through two, three and even four generations!
2017 to 2020
Seasons pass, and by late 2017 Mike and Deb moved in a new direction and handed operations to a longtime employee and her husband - Larissa and Brandon. Sadly, by 2019 serious life changes forced Larissa and Brandon to cease operations. Mike and Deb (now living out of state) came back to pick up the pieces and began preparations to relocate the business. After several months of searching for a new location, Character Plus reopened in March of 2020 near Wichita Falls, Texas.
2021 Brings a New Home
In April of 2021, an exciting, brand new chapter unfolded and history is once again made! Character Plus moved back to the Southwest corner of Minnesota to the City of Marshall. Rachel Deutz, who had been a long time customer, became the new owner. She continues in the rich tradition that has been handed down and has added her own unique products to the Character Plus line.
This wonderful company continues to grow and expand with the endless ideas Rachel is bringing to the Character Plus brand. Watch for more of this story to be written...