"Being the eldest of four children (2 brothers and 1 sister) we are sure Don has been pressured at times in his life to lead by example. Well, no better role model could be found than the man he has become. We are so proud of all he and his wife, Debbie, have achieved. Don is an artist, builder, chef, woodsman, farmer, counselor, and lover of all nature. So much like the namesake of his beloved Hawkwinds, he soars with a definite destination. Don's latest destination has been the creation of Clem's Hawkwinds mustards and relish. As in all other of his endeavors only the best will suffice. The unique flavor tells his life story...strive until perfected."
Don's Mom and Dad
"What I like about my brother's mustards and relish obviously is the taste, and how their flavors enhance many recipes, but because I am family indulge me a bit while I delve deeper. I am from Ohio (home of the original Clem's). I had the opportunity to visit Don & Deb in March at their home in Wisconsin. Donnie (as he is known to his siblings) spoke with such passion about his mustards and the fields that harmoniously co-exist with the wildlife that abounds there. He spoke of the red-tailed hawk flying overhead while he works, the deer knowing exactly what they can take and what is off limits, and even the importance of the spiders that live among the fields. I know his work ethic, and can only imagine the long days he farms to put forth such a great product. I also know he puts his spirit and gentleness into everything he touches. I am so proud of my brother, and the man he is, so even though I am back in Ohio, every time I open a jar of his mustard or relish, I can see him in the fields doing what he is passionate about, and I feel his love."
Don's Sister
"In 1991 Clem Pyles, a farmer in Southeastern Ohio, had an over-abundance of hot banana peppers. He hated to waste anything, so he found a recipe for hot pepper mustard and used part of his excess peppers to make a batch. IT WAS GREAT! He made more Hot Pepper Mustard, but still had more peppers than he could use so he found a recipe for Hot Pepper Relish. He made a batch of that and found it to be VERY GOOD! It was nothing like the Hot Pepper Mustard, but had its own distinctive delicious flavor. He gave away some jars of the Hot Pepper Mustard and the Hot Pepper Relish and got rave reviews and requests for more. In 1992 Clem planted more hot banana peppers and began seriously canning the Hot Pepper Mustard and Hot Pepper Relish in the kitchen of his farmhouse home. Before long the canning took up the entire kitchen, so he built a cannery in a nearby building which met the guidelines and inspection requirements of the Federal Department of Agriculture, hired four ladies to help with the canning, and began selling the delicious condiments to local stores. Being an old K-Mart manager and owner of his own grocery, Clem knew he could sell the Hot Pepper Mustard and Hot Pepper Relish to a bigger market, and expanded to include the Amish Country in Holmes County, as well as to small businesses and restaurants in neighboring southern counties. The business flourished until Clem knew he was going to have to expand again to keep up with the demand. Along came a man who had eaten the products and wanted to buy the recipe and the business. Clem sold his business to Don Lawyer, Baraboo, WI, who now has continued the legacy of Clem's Hot Pepper Mustard and Hot Pepper Relish."
Clement Pyles
"Dave's dad was one of the first in this area to stock Clem's Mustard. He purchased it from the former owner, Clem Pyles. It became one of the "regular" items in the salesroom, and it was a good seller for the cheese house. When the business was sold we had concerns because we had always been very pleased with the product, as well as the service we received from Clem. However, once the transition was complete, we did not even notice a difference. The product has not changed, nor has the service. The only thing that has changed is that there are more taste options available now. Even with the greater distance between us, we are still a priority for Hawkwinds, and they go "above and beyond" for us. Thank you."
Dave & Coke Yaggi, Yaggi Cheese House
"From a personal standpoint Hawkwind mustards are by far the best mustard and relish I have ever tasted. They are a flavor explosion in your mouth, Hawkwind on everything. Our customers love Hawkwind, they excel in quality and flavor, and as an added bonus they love that they are from Wisconsin!"
Ken Monteleone, Owner-Fromagination