Gerald Nordskog: The Impact Beyond Manufacturing

The Nordskog's, father and son, made an impact as a major employer primarily in the San Fernando Valley. They employed over 1000 people, at one time, as a producer of airline galleys, e-cars (golf carts) and more from 1950 - 1993.

The nod to the Nordskog Norwegian heritage, in a 1987 L.A. Times article, by Daniel Akst, "Viking Clings to Helm : When Nordskog Industries' 1-Man Show Ends, What Then? suggested a company and its leader have limitations. However, while Mr. Robert Nordskog would pass away 5 years later, and his companies were bought or no longer exist; an additional commentary in the article reveals a different legacy: "Both father and son work hard at philanthropy, but the older Nordskog is involved with secular charities, whereas the younger leans more toward Christian ministries...” It was this focus on Christian ministry, by Gerald, which would hold true for over four decades and have an impact on thousands of lives beyond any product they had manufacutred.

• Some because they attended a Prayer-Breakfast he oversaw in organizing & promotion for 25 years
• Four lives were changed because he and his wife chose to adopt them, as children, from China.
• His publishing company consistently published books which many publishers saw as unprofitable, but he saw as valuable.
• And as expressed by his son Daniel: "A man of fervent prayer, Gerald inspired and uplifted others through his powerful written works, leaving a lasting impact on those who encountered his words. His contributions resonated deeply, spreading faith and hope throughout his community."

Gerald Christian Nordskog, June 21, 1938 - April 9, 2025, is survived by his wife of over 35 years, Gail Nordskog, four adopted children from China (Hannah, Christy, Daniel, and Kiana), two adult sons (Michael and Erik) and two adult daughters (Aubrie and Tarah) along with ten grandchildren (Adam, Alexandra, Andrew, Anthony, Brandon, Conner, Lua, Beija, Dylan, and Arielle).

Chronology of Robert & Gerald Nordskog's impact upon the San Fernando Valley....and beyond!

1951 - Privately held Nordskog Mfg. Co (later named Nordskog Industries) was established by Robert A. Nordskog in a Quonset hut in 1951; manufacturer of airline galley’s

1968 – Nordskog Competition Center, manufacturer of marine instrumentation, is established.

1968 – Powerboat Magazine is established

1978 – Nordskog Electric Vehicles – division of Nordskog Industries: Golf E-Carts is established by the purchase of Westinghouse Golf Carts Mfg. Marketeer - Westinghouse - Nordskog History - Vintage Golf Cart Parts Inc.

1981 – Gerald Nordskog son of Robert Nordskog leaves his position as vice-president at Nordskog Industries

1987 – Van Nuys based Nordskog Industries has 550 employee and 1986 sales of 30 million ($87,579,689 in 2025 dollars, adjusted for inflation). Son Gerald had returned to the company, as an employee.

Additional companies under the Nordskog Industries banner

• Nordskog Marine Testing, which tests boats
• Nordskog Marine Center (retail boat dealership)
• International Flight Service,
• Nordco Products - airline ground-support equipment

1987 – Gerald Nordskog published the Bell Ringer geopolitical Christian newsletter on behalf of his Southern California Constitution Education Committee from 1987 through 2000, while writing a quarterly column, “Standing in the Gap.”

1992 – Nordskog Industries founder Robert A. Nordskog dies at age 79

1992 – Powerboat magazine is sold/transferred to son Gerald.

1993 – U.S. Electricar buys Nordskog Industries e-car (golf carts) division based in Redlands.

1993 - B.E. Aerospace buys Nordskog industries, the largest airline-galley maker, for $17 million in August. At its peak there were 1000 employees but it was reduced to 200 by the time it was sold.

2004 – Nordskog Performance Products, previously Nordskog Competition Center, manufacturer of marine instrumentation, is sold to a Southern California investment group. They had 10 employees.

2005 – Powerboat Magazine is sold , the world’s leading performance-boating magazine, was published for thirty-seven years, after Jerry assisted his dad in starting the magazine in 1968.

2006. Nordskog Publishing is established to publish Christian books Gerald Christian Nordskog - Nordskog Publishing

Noteworthy Family Members - Nordskog Publishing

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