Ernie Kenaga

Ernie Kenaga was hired by Charlie Bickel at the Selmer Company following the end of his military service during World War II. At the time, 1946, Selmer had 80 employees including factory and office workers. Ernie began his career in the purchasing department and filled several positions before becoming the manager of the customer service department. He retired after serving the company for over 40 years. Ernie’s father and uncle were both factory workers for Selmer and because he grew up in Elkhart, he learned much of the history of most of the music companies in town.