Founded in June 1946 by Freddie Dunkelman with his £500 demob gratuity, the business started life in a 700 sq. ft. workshop in Battersea, London, initially making ice hockey sticks but soon supplying a complete range of ice hockey equipment including boots and skates. 

Although he was born in West Ham, London, Freddie's youth was spent in Canada, which is where he became an ice hockey enthusiast. When he returned to England in 1937 at the age of 17, he played for the Harringay Greyhounds and was picked to represent England in the 1940 Olympic Games. Those games, of course, never took place. After the war however, Freddie became a well known ice hockey player in London, finally getting his opportunity to play in the Olympics in 1948.

By the 50's Dunkelman's were supplying the professional league in Britain and exported to European markets and Canada. Freddie had also been looking for something to cover the out-of-season period and a chance meeting with George Hartmaan, whose German company was a major manufacturer of  wooden shoe trees, was to play an important role in the future direction of the company. Dunkelman was appointed their UK agent in 1950 …so taking their first step into shoe care.

A year later, when Dunkelman exhibited their complete range of ice hockey equipment at the Festival of Britain, the structure of the company had already begun to change. The shoe trees had proved to be a great success and they started to produce their own Riding Boot Trees and supply shoe polishes. In 1957 Dunkelman moved to new premises and bought a company making men's plastic shoe trees. As public interest in ice hockey declined the emphasis moved away from sporting goods and by the late 50's shoe care was now Dunkelman's core business.
 
The next big move was in 1965 to Desborough, Northamptonshire, to be in the heart of the shoe industry. In 1967 Dunkelman bought Foster Brothers' business in Desborough (producing shoe lasts and wooden display fillers), and purchased the town's Manor House together with a large tract of land.  A new purpose built factory and warehouse were opened on 12th December 1969, providing the manufacturing and distribution facilities needed to grow the business, with considerable expansion over the years they now cover over 75,000 square feet.

1968 saw Dunkelman having global success with innovative products they had invented, developed and patented themselves. The 'Dascomatic' Bootshaper was ideal for the ladies high-leg fashion boots, known then as 'Kinky' Boots.  Launched at the Chicago International Shoe Fair it caused a sensation, especially in America, and was a huge success worldwide. This was quickly followed by the launch of the first two-way shoe stretcher. It was around this time that the Dasco brand name was registered and began to appear on all their products.

The early 70's saw the start of a very different venture, the manufacture of wood sole exercise sandals and fashion clogs, which continued until demand fell dramatically at the end of the decade. The range of shoe and boot trees continued to expand throughout this period, then at the end of the 70's the first insoles and laces were introduced.

During the 80's Dunkelman concentrated on broadening their product range to provide everything the retailer needs. In response to consumer demand, the emphasis was on convenience and the need for products designed specifically for the different types of footwear and materials coming onto the market. Notable introductions included a range of shoe care aerosols, launched at the Harrogate Shoe Fair in 1981, followed by Shoe Creams, in-built applicators and a selection of fashion colours. In 1994 Dasco had another market first with a Waxed Leather Cream, which proved to be a best seller.

At the start of the new Millennium Dunkelman was appointed sole UK distributor of Sara Lee shoe care brands - Kiwi, Meltonian and Bama.  The new sales force combined both the existing sales teams and Dunkelman now had the largest dedicated shoe care sales force in the UK, offering the most comprehensive range of shoe care from one source.
 
The new Millennium has also been a time of change for Dasco. In 2002, the Dasco Kid's range was launched to provide products designed specifically for the problems most commonly associated children's shoe care. In 2004 Dasco utilised advanced gel cushioning technology to launch a new range of insoles.  Made from a revolutionary polymer gel, Dasco's new Gel Cushion Insoles provide superior shock absorption, excellent cushioning and long lasting comfort. In 2005, Dasco was given a classic contemporary new look, designed to reinforce the brands reputation for premium quality and a very modern approach to shoe care.  Not forgetting their roots, Dasco also launched two new shoe trees last year, Knightsbridge and Pimlico. Pimlico brings shoe trees right up-to-date, with a matt black finish and nickel twin-tubes it looks very stylish and modern, made from lime wood it is lightweight and ideal for travel.

Having stood down as chairman in 1997, Freddie Dunkelman remains a nonexecutive Director and is actively involved with the business. Dunkelman & Son is still family owned, with the next generation very much involved in the running of the company. Freddie's son, Stephen, was appointed Export Director in 1983 and is based at the company's export office in Piccadilly Circus, London. While Dasco's strongest market is in the UK, the export market has been an important part of the business since the 40's and Stephen continues the family tradition, exporting to 43 countries which include Japan, France, USA, and South East Asia.

Phil Luckett, Dunkelman Executive Chairman, speaks enthusiastically about the company's position today, "Dunkelman's continued growth is built on Freddie's heritage of service, innovation and quality. We have upgraded our Material Resource Planning system to ensure we can offer our customers the best service in shoe care.  The introduction of Dasco Angel Feet Odour Control on the back of the hugely successful Angel Feet Gel Cushion Insoles, is the latest example of our commitment to innovate.  Both new and existing products are regularly checked to ensure that we are offering the best quality in shoe care for all our customers, both in the UK and overseas. With our busiest ever new product development programme and more new innovations in the pipeline, the future looks very exciting. We achieved significant growth in 2005 and are on track to beat this in 2006. Our 60th Anniversary makes this a very special year and we would like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support, we are very confident of continued growth for all''.

For further information about Dasco products, please call the Dasco Sales Hotline: 01536 760760.