Lew Raderschadt‘s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at the young age of 10 when he figured out that dollars were necessary to buy the things he wanted. So, he set out to work and was hired by a Watertown businessman to run a fireworks stand. Lew made pretty good money! But he knew he could make even more money, and even as much as his boss, if he had his own stand.
“Lew’s” was born.
Lew’s father built a fireworks stand and young Lew was in business for himself the very next year. But it seemed those South Dakota winds were determined to blow his stand over every other night. So, Lew’s dear father would set out to tip the stand right back-up each morning, so it was ready for business that day. Lew was in business for a few years until he took a brief hiatus with the United States Army, stationed in Korea. Upon his return from service in 1958, he managed his parents’ business, the Elco Motel (Ella and Lewis, E-L, for El and C-O for Company).
But fireworks were never far from his mind and never left his heart. In 1959 and at twenty-one years old Lew remembered his first love (fireworks!) and built three 7 foot-wide stands while also working in motel management. He continued to add stands every year until he had 14 stands!
In 1961, he started selling fireworks to the wholesale and retail market. And in 1979, he retired from motel management and dedicated himself to fireworks full-time. Lew was now focused on his true passion and expanded his operations to the East side of Watertown. He also started importing his products, shipping many containers to the United States each year.
But that wasn’t enough! Lew’s creative business acumen was sparked yet again, and in the mid-80’s, he began development of his own products. Lew’s Fireworks, Inc., now has over 100 signature products.
Today, Lew’s son, Dan, operates the wholesale and retail distribution facility where they specialize in product development. Currently, Lew’s Fireworks has over 55,000 square footage of storage and many retail centers and supplies over 200 retailers and wholesalers and conducts many public displays for various events. They supply products in over 15 states.
Lew was best known in the community for extravagant and awe-inspiring displays for celebrations and special events, large and small. The largest event in South Dakota, Lifelight Christian Music Festival, was one of Lew’s most well-known shows with over 130,000 people in attendance. Lew’s had also created the largest fireworks display in South Dakota right here in Watertown, as well as displays in the past, for events ranging from 4th of July extravaganzas to weddings and concerts. They have performed displays for events that included the celebrities of Kenny Rogers, Martina McBride, Mannheim Steamrollers, Lee Greenwood, Oakridge Boys, Restless Heart, Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, News Boys and Toby Mac.
Although Lew is no longer with us, his legacy and name live on. His lifeline philosophy was, “The difference between work and play is mental attitude.” From unloading containers to negotiating prices with suppliers overseas to adding new clients and products – Lew’s Fireworks, Inc. continues Lew’s original hands-on approach to business and customer service, infusing his incredible entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen into a business that has spanned three family generations and continues to thrive today.