Born in 1896 in Berlikum, Friesland in the Netherlands, Andrew Vogel grew up learning the fine art of paint and finishing in his father’s workshop painting homes and carriages for local farmers. In 1913, at age 17, he immigrated to the United States with his parents and found his new home in northwest Iowa, eventually settling in the Dutch-rooted town of Orange City, IA.

After a stint trying his hand at farming and serving in the U.S. Army during WWI, Andrew realized the paints available in America didn’t match the quality standards he learned at home. So in 1926, with nothing more than two small grinding machines, each making just five gallons at a time, he launched the Vogel Paint and Wax Company, the humble beginning of what would become Diamond Vogel.

As the years passed, his persistence and unwavering commitment to quality paid off. By the 1940s, the business had grown strong enough to be known simply as Vogel Paint. Even after retiring in 1965, Andrew’s legacy remained deeply rooted as he personally built the charming and functional windmill at the Orange City plant, complete with a stone pigment mill and living quarters inspired by traditional Dutch mills.

Andrew lived to the remarkable age of 103, passing away in 2000. His story is one of craftsmanship, immigrant grit, and the power of family — a legacy that is still focused on enhancing the world with color and craftsmanship.