The company was founded in 1923 by Edgar F. Johnson and his wife Ethel Johnson. The company began as a mail order business, selling radio transmitting parts to amateurs and early radio broadcasters from space shared with a woodworking shop located in downtown Waseca. In 1936, E.F. Johnson Co. built its first factory and office building in Waseca, and had 17 employees.
The firm was established in 1923 by Edgar F. Johnson and his wife Ethel Johnson. The company started as a mail-order venture, offering radio transmission components to hobbyists and early radio broadcasters alongside a woodworking workshop situated downtown Waseca. In 1936, E.F. Johnson Co. constructed its first manufacturing facility and office building in Waseca, employing seventeen individuals.