Wescott

1899

Our first factory is constructed in downtown Toledo, Ohio for manufacturing fashion umbrellas.

Within our first year of business, we were awarded our first patent for detachable umbrella handles.

Through the early 1900s, we became the industry leader in fashionable, high-quality umbrellas.

1944

Golf umbrellas are first designed by President C.H. Haas and VP of Sales Byron Nelson.

The following year, Byron Nelson set a record for 11 straight professional tournament victories.

Through the mid-1900s, we became the industry leader in golf umbrella design and manufacturing.

1965

The world’s first fiberglass umbrella frames are introduced, setting an industry-wide standard.

1969

At 15 years old, current F.J. Westcott Chairman Tom Waltz brings his ideas of photographic umbrellas to life.

1984

Tom designs and patents the Halo, the world’s first photographic softbox featuring an umbrella-style frame.

1988

The Apollo modifier is designed, patented, and introduced to the photography market.

We host our first photographic shootout, allowing trade show attendees to photograph models using our light modifiers. Shootouts have become a staple in the photo industry that many vendors still offer today.

1994

The Scrim Jim light control system is introduced and quickly becomes a celebrated tool among filmmakers and photographers.

2005

The original Spiderlite is designed and patented. It soon becomes a preferred light source in film studios and introduces the photographic industry to the power of continuous lighting.

2006

Former Westcott President Kelly Mondora brings her vision of Photo Basics, education-based lighting solutions, to life.

2012

The patented Ice Light is released to critical acclaim. It becomes a must-have light source for on-the-go photographers and filmmakers.

We moved from our original location to a larger office and warehouse in neighboring Maumee, Ohio.

2013

Travel-friendly Rapid Box speedlight softboxes are released. These all-inclusive, instant setup softboxes have become a preferred modifier for on-the-go photographers.

2014

We begin design concepts on a flexible and water-resistant LED panel.

We partner with Jerry Ghionis for the second time to design and release the world’s first 10-in-1 reflector, the Omega Reflector.

2015

The second version of the Ice Light is released. The Ice Light is awarded its patent.

The Flex is released to critical acclaim. These thin, patent-pending LED mats are the first pliable light sources designed for the photo and video industries.

We partner with world renowned headshot photographer Peter Hurley and release the Peter Hurley Flex Kit.

The Scrim Jim receives a revamp and is reintroduced as the Scrim Jim Cine.

2016

We partner with talented commercial photographer Joel Grimes to release a high-end collapsible beauty dish.

The Flex becomes patented. The Flex line of flexible LED mats continues to grow in the filmmaking and photography industry.

2018

Lighting Evolved with the Flex Cine System. Our pliable LED mats are redesigned with RGBW, smart wireless DMX dimmer, V-mount power, softboxes, grids and more.

The Switch Series is unveiled. The world’s fastest softboxes gain the ability to "switch with you" as the Rapid Box and Beauty Dish are redesigned with interchangeable inserts and modifiers.