My name is Gerald “Hawkeye” Voigt, owner of Hawkeye’s Hobbies LLC which is based in Neenah, Wisconsin, USA. I’ve been a modeler for nearly forty years and I find it as rewarding as ever. My interest in this hobby has lead me to get involved to the point where I started a company to save a product line that I loved using, SnJ Spray Metal.
After some prompting by others who love Nature Metal Finishes but don’t or can’t use petroleum based products I set out to find a solution…that being our Talon Series. Talon met the needs of modelers looking for an acrylic alternative and has grown in popularity around the world. Both are excellent natural metal finish paints, but then again I’m a bit prejudiced.
I served as a member of the Hobby Manufacturers Association, where I sat on the General Division Counsel and the HMA’s Marketing Committee. I was but one voice but I tried to make a difference. In my tenure there I met a lot of great people and continue many of those relationships today.
Recently I have been working with other manufacturers in the hobby industry to design new products. One such has been with Xuron Corp. who I have collaborated with to develop their new 2175ET Professional Sprue Cutter and 9180ET Professional Photo Etch Scissors. As part of our marketing firm, I also work to develop product and advertising strategies to help businesses of all sizes succeed.
My wife and I have been married for 32+ years, we have two sons which are both married and have blessed us with six grandchildren. We share our home with two cats, one which is a regular companion in my modeling workshop. I served in the United States Air Force where I worked in various specialties, my first being Security Police and my last in Logistics. Since returning to the civilian world I have worked in logistical, manufacturing, service, marketing and retailing. Giving me a very diverse and useful educational background to work towards my future and its goals.
I’m active in my community serving as the Chairman of our community’s Park & Recreation Commission. It is exciting to work with others of the same mindset to develop and preserve our community’s Parks and Trails for generations to enjoy.
Through this website I will share my passion for modeling and my products. The site also contains helpful tips, techniques, how-to’s, stories, videos, and editorials about our hobby and industry. I’ve even included some of my fictional stories which are an extension to some of the What-If subjects I have created.
Some of my other areas of interest are: Aviation, Photography, Outdoors, Writing and History.
You’ll also find that I am active in my local IPMS modeling chapters and enjoy participating in many of the webs plastic modeling forums. See the links in the left column of this page.
I hope you find your experience here on the Squawkbox or with the purchases you made from Hawkeye’s Hobbies enjoyable.
