Alumni Hall of Fame
Academic / Professional Achievement (2023)

Wayne Freewalt, a native of St. Marys, is a member of the St. Marys Memorial High School Class of 1961. After high school Wayne worked as a truck driver with Quality Ready Mix to pay to attend Allied Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois, to study tool and die design.

After completing his studies, Wayne returned to St. Marys and worked for local companies to gain valuable hands-on experience in tool and die. In 1968, along with his father, Bob, and his brother, Ron, Wayne founded B.R.&W., which they operated at the family farm in St. Marys. In 1969, Wayne left his job at Superior Metal Products to work full time at B.R.&W. The business continued to grow and eventually Wayne purchased the business from his father and brother and became the sole owner. In 1983, Wayne transitioned B.R.&W. to found a new business, Omni Manufacturing, Incorporated.

Omni Manufacturing, has been very successful, building a client base of national and international companies and a reputation for quality, production, and customer service. Through the years, this local multi-million dollar corporation has partnered with major corporations in the appliance, automotive, hardware, and construction industries to reach all corners of the world in its many works. Wayne himself has been instrumental in the success of Omni Manufacturing. He has been recognized for his innovation and ability in tool and die design. He holds a patent for his design and development of the EZ Buck sawhorse bracket. A major supplier of the appliance industry recognized him for, “creating a miracle of metal forming.”

Omni has achieved its success and reputation much like its founder Wayne Freewalt: hard-working, dedicated, yet humble and always concerned about people. Omni is one of the largest employers in St. Marys, employing 150 people – many who have been loyal employees for decades. Wayne has always been concerned about his employees’ welfare and safety. When economic times have been difficult, Wayne’s concern have always been about the impact on his employees and their families.

Wayne’s lifelong work has been recognized by the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce as Wayne and Omni Manufacturing, Incorporated has been recognized for Industrial Achievement, Outstanding Business, and Outstanding Business Person.

Wayne’s heart has always been in St. Marys and his love of the community. He has supported the youth and the Tri Star Program, the revitalization of the STEM Program, and athletic programs in St. Marys City Schools. He has also been a loyal supporter of the St. Marys Summerfest and Tailgate for Cancer. Wayne is a lifelong member of Wayne Street Church where he has served in various leadership positions throughout the years. Wayne is driven by a strong desire to leave a legacy that will benefit future generations, which keeps him active to this day in his business and the St. Marys community.

For his remarkable self-made success and ingenuity in the tool and die manufacturing industry over fifty decades; for building a multi-million dollar business that is one of the city’s largest employers; his admirable care, compassion, and concern for his employees; and for his leadership in the greater St. Marys community, the St. Marys Memorial High School Alumni Foundation inducts Wayne L. Freewalt into the St. Marys Memorial High School Alumni Foundation’s Hall of Fame for Academic / Professional Achievement.