An update for my friends! (1 Viewer)

WBritain

WBritain

First Sergeant
Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Messages
1,371
Ericka and I just returned to the office after spending ten days in Italy. In addition to some spectacular sites in Rome we went to some great WWII locations, including two visits to Monte Cassino Abbey and an interesting private World War II museum. On the third day we hiked up to the ridge of the WWII German Winter line to experience the difficult terrain first hand. It was grueling hike and along the trail wartime debris could still be found. The combined Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team fought in this mountainous terrain during their time in Italy during 1943-44. The unit was awarded seven Presidential Unit Citations and twenty-one of its members were awarded the Medal of Honor. Visiting the area that this and other Allied units had to fight in against a determined German defender really made me appreciate the hardships they faced.

So, I thought I should share some other important news with our return to the United States. My wife Ericka was recruited for a historic clothing position by the state of North Carolina at the reconstructed colonial Tryon Palace. She is over the moon to be able to return to her chosen field and will be starting there on July 1st. As a result we will be relocating to New Bearn, North Carolina and resigning my position as President and Creative Director of W. Britain. I will be assisting the team in Chillicothe, Ohio during the transition and hope to keep my hand in some of the new product development and possibly writing historical notes. Finally I will be able to tackle some art projects, finish some private commissions and host some workshops. I look forward to this new chapter of our life!

All the best,

Ken and Ericka Osen
 

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A big congratulations to both of you, Ken & Ericka!

What a massive contribution you have both made to the hobby! I remember in high school always thinking about how one day I wanted to build dioramas like you! Still not to your level but I think I’m making headway :D

The work both of you have done to keep alive the memories of so many has been such a vital role of getting young people like me into history and toy soldiers!

We used to have a saying in Ranger battalion - “They only truly die if we forget their names.”

And I think I speak for everyone - you both have played a vital role in keeping so many brave men’s names alive!

Best wishes from the Great Lakes State -
Jake
 
A sincere congratulations to Erika and you Ken. You both will be missed but never forgotten. A lot of years have gone by in our friendship. From Connor Prairie, Indiana to Conte, First Gear, ownership of WBritain, visits to our home, dinners out with Lynn and I, Symposiums at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum as well as Gettysburg. Now this. All the very best on your new adventure in life. May our paths cross once again before our journey here on Earth is over.
Mike
 
It was my understanding that Ken and Ericka owned WB and if so this doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. For one thing, are the Osens transferring ownership? Was this a sudden decision or well planned out. Has a new president been named. Replacing a creative director like Ken is a difficult matter. I used to work on these kinds of matters in corporate life and they tended to be well thought out because there are many factors that must be taken into consideration and they can’t be made overnight. My impression, perhaps erroneous, is this change was made quickly.

By the way, I’m not asking them to disclose any details but these are the questions that come to mind.
 
WBritain said:
Ericka and I just returned to the office after spending ten days in Italy. In addition to some spectacular sites in Rome we went to some great WWII locations, including two visits to Monte Cassino Abbey and an interesting private World War II museum. On the third day we hiked up to the ridge of the WWII German Winter line to experience the difficult terrain first hand. It was grueling hike and along the trail wartime debris could still be found. The combined Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team fought in this mountainous terrain during their time in Italy during 1943-44. The unit was awarded seven Presidential Unit Citations and twenty-one of its members were awarded the Medal of Honor. Visiting the area that this and other Allied units had to fight in against a determined German defender really made me appreciate the hardships they faced.

So, I thought I should share some other important news with our return to the United States. My wife Ericka was recruited for a historic clothing position by the state of North Carolina at the reconstructed colonial Tryon Palace. She is over the moon to be able to return to her chosen field and will be starting there on July 1st. As a result we will be relocating to New Bearn, North Carolina and resigning my position as President and Creative Director of W. Britain. I will be assisting the team in Chillicothe, Ohio during the transition and hope to keep my hand in some of the new product development and possibly writing historical notes. Finally I will be able to tackle some art projects, finish some private commissions and host some workshops. I look forward to this new chapter of our life!

All the best,

Ken and Ericka Osen
Click to expand...
Ken and Ericka, you will be deeply missed. Your contributions have truly elevated the quality of Wm Britain, leaving a lasting impact on its craftsmanship. I sincerely hope the company continues to uphold the high standards you helped establish.

N-P
 
Congratulations on your retirement, Ken! Also congratulations to your wife, Ericka on her new job! I'm from North Carolina and you couldn't have picked a better place to relocate and retire. I've been to Tryon Palace and New Bern; lots of history there so you will love it. Plus you will be near some beautiful beaches. Be sure to check out Atlantic Beach where Fort Macon is located and Cape Lookout National Seashore. I wish you both the best!
 
Well I do think that this announcement raises more questions than answers. As a long time collector of W. Britains I guess we will all have to wait until the dust settles to see what the new management will look like. I was also under the impression that Ken and Ericka were the owners of W. Britains. It will be hard to replace the talent that Ken brought to the company. The only constant in this world is Change.

Howard
 
THANKS TO YOU BOTH FOR ALL THE CONTRIBUTIONS YOU HAVE MADE TO THE HOBBY, THE CHICAGO SHOW WILL NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU TWO THERE. I REMEMBER ALL THE
GOODS TALKS WE HAD AT THE FRIDAY NITE PARTY AT THAT BAHAMA RSTURANT IN SCHAUMBERG . GOOD TIMES. I WISH YOU GUYS THE BEST
 
Thank you Ken and Erika for giving us all so much pleasure. I wish you luck, health and happiness moving forward
 
Ken, while I wish you and Ericka all the best in your new endeavors you will be greatly missed in the TS world. Many thanks for your indispensable contributions to the ACW and other releases.
Chris
 
I can’t thank you enough for all your contributions to our hobby & best of luck on this new chapter for you both.
 
Will we still be seeing the release from WB of projects that have been in the works for some time now, I'm thinking of the M-10 and crew in particular.
 
Looked like it was a great trip, never been to that region of italy, it looks stunning, enjoy the your adventures. Hope you also took in the great food and drink as well.
 
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