Product: McNichols Co. Entrance Mat Grating

Noah Kalina

In 1952, just seven years following his liberation from a World War II prisoner of war camp, the late Robert McNichols—the sole survivor of a B-17 bomber crash—founded McNichols Co., dedicated to selling metal products with holes, such as its Entrance Mat Grating. The stainless steel grating with 1/8″ slots allows dirt and water to pass (but, thankfully, not high heels). The future of the company, founded on a heroic past, now rests in the third generation of McNichols. • mcnichols.com

About the Author

Wanda Lau

Wanda Lau, LEED AP, is the former executive editor of ARCHITECT magazine. Along with 10 years of experience in architecture, engineering, and construction management, she holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Michigan State University, an S.M. in building technology from MIT, and an M.A. in journalism from Syracuse University's Newhouse School. Her work appears in several journals, books, and magazines, including Men's Health, ASID Icon, and University Business. Follow her on Twitter.

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