The Beginning of Master Hand

Elizabeth "Betty" Ecklund has worked in violin repairs and sales for over 30 years. Her career began in high school with an apprenticeship that she came across while looking for a summer job. Betty asked Gerald Brobst, her high school orchestra conductor and owner of Brobst Violin Shop, for a job. He joking said that he did not need a new clerk, but rather, he could use a new apprentice. Betty took him up! Upon leaving for college at Michigan State University, Betty promptly joined the MSU orchestra. After her first year of college, there was a call for her to open her own violin shop at Michigan State. Betty agreed to do this, and thus began her first shop.

After graduating college, Betty moved to Wheaton with her husband, Larry. After three months of relaxing, Betty was bored. She decided to open up a shop at the Wheaton College Conservatory to serve the same needs that she served in college; Master Hand Violin Shop was born!

Growth

After working at Wheaton College for a few years, Betty found that the space was too limited for the amount of business she was receiving. She moved onto Front Street, in the downtown area, and set up shop. Master Hand Violin Shop has subsequently relocated twice more, to accommodate the ever growing demand for Betty's work. Master Hand is once again located on Front Street and is hoping to never leave its current home. Betty has continued to be at the store at all times and has been responsible for all sales and repairs. However, due to all the growth, two of her three daughters are frequently at the shop to help out with all that needs to be done.