Eric
Molenaar first came to our shop in October of 2000. While he had no
hands on experience in organ building, the art ran through his veins.
His father, Jaap Molenaar, had worked as Master Cabinet maker for W.
Zimmer and Sons for over 30 years. Like Cornel's father, Jaap and his
family immigrated to the States in 1962. He began work at W. Zimmer and
Sons in 1965 and left there to come work with us in September of 1995.
We were honored to work with Jaap at Cornel Zimmer Organ Builders for
two years before his passing in 1997. Eric and Cornel made fast friends
since they were in boy scouts together years ago. He is really like part
of the family.Eric earned an associates degree in electronic engineering from Central Piedmont College accomplishing such tasks as building a computer from scratch. He supported his way through college by working at the famous Midtown Sundries in Charlotte. He is well known and liked by many in the city. He still occasionally helps his friend, Danny, run his restaurant, Brevard Court Sundries, located in the uptown Charlotte. He began his career at Northern Tool and Equipment, a service center for small engines. His tenacity and ability in service and management earned him a service supervisory position where he took pleasure in practicing his life long interest in building and electronics. He was with Northern Tool and Equipment for 11 years before we recruited him to Cornel Zimmer Organ Builders
As a child, Eric enjoyed building wooden wagons, go-carts and rockets. His favorite hobby was fixing anything that was the least bit broken. Jaap spent many hours with both Eric and his brother Gordon teaching them the skill and craft of artistic workmanship. The result is our reward. Eric's vast electronic experience made him a natural candidate for our assembly department. His technical acumen contributed significantly to improvements in that department. His expertise and insight are of great benefit in testing and assembly and on installations. We feel privileged to have him on the team and respect not only his technical skill but also the enthusiasm he brings to his work every day.
In 1999, Eric married Robin, a nurse working for a plastic surgeon. Cosmo and Ripley, the famous cats, complete the family for now. Eric and Robin can be found on various and sundry campgrounds on the weekends as they love to take frequent mini-vacations. Visiting churches to admire recently installed organs are special excursions especially those made by his father. He enjoys radio-controlled airplanes and true to his calling he rebuilt and restored a 1967 Camaro convertible.