In the early 60’s Viking Cue Mfg., Inc. founder Gordon Hart began making two-piece pool cues in the basement of his poolroom in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Gordon traveled to various tournaments to sell his cues. In a short period of time, Viking cues became popular with many of the top players. Viking was incorporated in 1965. By the late 1960s, Gordon spent more time making cues, so he sold the poolroom and moved the cue business to its present location in Madison, Wisconsin. He expanded production capabilities and began selling cues throughout the United States and abroad.
Viking grew steadily through the 1970s and early 1980s. At that time, Gordon’s children, Robin, Barry and Darcy became involved with the business. Then in 1986 the major motion picture, The Color of Money, was released and created a boom in the billiard industry. Sales of Viking cues skyrocketed, and the company experienced phenomenal growth as a result.
As the 1980s came to a close, Gordon began updating machinery and investing in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a quality product. Promotional efforts increased with an extensive advertising and public relations program coordinated by Gordon’s wife, Nancy, which helped make Viking a household name. Vikings efforts coupled with significant product quality enhancements, positioned the company as a leader in the billiard industry.
By the mid-1990s, Viking hired a full sales staff to handle the needs of their constantly growing list of distributors and dealers throughout the world. At the same time, Robin and Barry took over the day-to-day operations, and granddaughter Shawna became involved with the company. Nancy was very active in the Billiard Congress of America in the 1990’s, serving on its board of directors. Years earlier, she served on the board of the Billiard & Bowling Institute of America, and was their First Female President. In 1994, Gordon was honored with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Cue Makers Association.
Viking is known for its generous support of various tournaments and organizations including Nationally televised events, the Viking Nine Ball Tour, Super Billiards Expo, VNEA, BCA League and National Wheelchair Poolplayer Association Inc.
In the 2000’s, Barry became active in the Billiard Congress of America, serving on its board of directors. Grandson Justin joined Viking to continue the tradition of the family business.
As one of the oldest manufacturers of two-piece pool cues in America, Viking blends time-honored crafsmanship with state of the art machinery to produce the flawless addition to your game. With our continued commitment to the highest quality standards in the industry, you can be assured, that when it's time to upgrade or get service on your current cue, Viking will be there for you.
Viking Cues are proudly and exclusively made in the U.S.A.
