Note
First ad and product: QST, Oct 1973, p. 150.
Break-out ad: QST, Sep 1974, p. 115. Seven products all in the same sized box.
Founded in 1972 by Martin F. Jue (K5FLU), MFJ Enterprises became a titan in the world of amateur radio, a brand name synonymous with a vast and varied array of equipment. Jue, an electrical engineering graduate, started the company from a small hotel room in Starkville, Mississippi, with a single product: a high-selectivity audio filter for Morse code signals. This initial product, the MFJ CW2, was a hit, and its success laid the foundation for what would become a global powerhouse.
The history of MFJ is a story of innovation, expansion, and a deep understanding of the amateur radio community's needs. Jue's vision was to create affordable, reliable, and accessible gear for hams, filling a void in the market. The company's initials, MFJ, stood for Martin F. Jue, a personal touch that reflected his hands-on approach and commitment to the hobby.
From that first CW filter, MFJ’s product line exploded. The company became known for its accessories, the "gubbins" and "doo-dads" that make a ham radio station function. They produced a dizzying variety of products, from antenna tuners and SWR analyzers to power supplies, keyers, and switching equipment. A common joke in the ham community was that MFJ stood for "Mighty Fine Junk," but even those who made the jab had a quiet respect for the company's ubiquity and influence. Nearly every serious ham, at some point, owned or used an MFJ product. The company was the common denominator among brand-loyal operators, serving as a vital resource for accessories that complemented equipment from other major manufacturers like Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu.
MFJ’s growth was not just organic; it was also a product of strategic acquisitions. Over the years, Jue acquired a number of other well-known and respected brands in the amateur radio market. These subsidiaries included Ameritron (known for its powerful HF amplifiers), Hy-Gain and Cushcraft (revered for their antennas and rotators), Mirage (VHF/UHF amplifiers), and Vectronics. By bringing these established names under the MFJ umbrella, Jue solidified the company's position as a one-stop-shop for almost everything a ham needed, from the base station to the antenna on the tower. This strategy allowed MFJ to offer a comprehensive range of products, catering to every aspect of the hobby, and further cemented its dominance in the market.
MFJ’s commitment to its customers was a key part of its success. The company was famous for listening to the needs of hams, whether through letters, phone calls, or in-person requests at hamfests. This feedback-driven approach allowed MFJ to develop and refine products that were directly relevant to the community. They were often the first to market with new or niche products, and their massive advertising presence in magazines like QST made them a household name for amateur radio operators worldwide.The company's operations were also a testament to its dedication.
Based in Starkville, Mississippi, MFJ maintained a large on-site production facility, where products were designed, manufactured, and tested. They employed a dedicated team of engineers and technicians, many of whom made MFJ their long-term career. This commitment to domestic manufacturing was a point of pride and a key part of their identity.
In recent years, however, the landscape of the amateur radio market began to change. The company, like many others, faced challenges from evolving technology, increased competition, and the economic headwinds of the COVID-19 pandemic. Martin Jue, now in his 80s, announced in April 2024 that MFJ would be ceasing on-site production at its Starkville facility, a decision that also affected its sister companies. The announcement marked the end of an era for a company that had been a cornerstone of the ham radio community for over five decades. While MFJ and its sub-brands would continue to sell products from their existing stock and offer repair services, the closure of its manufacturing operation was a significant event, leaving a void in the industry that no single company could fully fill.
The history of MFJ Enterprises is a story of a single ham radio operator's passion and ingenuity turning into a global enterprise. It's a tale of a company that grew from one product in a hotel room to the world's largest producer of amateur radio accessories, and a story of a brand that, despite its critics, earned the trust and respect of generations of hams. The legacy of MFJ is not just in the millions of products it sold, but in the way it shaped and supported the amateur radio hobby itself.
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From a news release appearing in the ARRL Letter, May 2, 2024:
MFJ Ceasing On-Site Production
MFJ Enterprises, Inc. founder Martin F. Jue, K5FLU, announced that as of May 17, 2024, the company will cease on-site production at their Starkville, Mississippi, facility. Ameritron, Hy-Gain, Cushcraft, Mirage, and Vectronics brand products will be affected by the shutdown.
In a letter posted to social media, Jue said he is looking forward to retiring:
"Times have changed since I started this business 52 years ago. Our product line grew and grew and prospered. Covid changed everything [for] businesses, including ours. It was the hardest hit that we have ever had, and we never fully recovered."
"I turned 80 this year. I had never really considered retirement, but life is so short, and my time with my family is so precious."
Jue founded MFJ Enterprises in 1972, after building a CW filter kit that sold for less than $10. Since 1990, the company has acquired several other legacy brands within the amateur radio market. Jue shared that the company will remain open to sell existing inventory because they have "a lot of stock on hand." They will also continue to offer repair services for the foreseeable future.
Jue expressed gratitude to the many longtime employees of MFJ, some of whom have been with the company for 40 years.
He also thanked MFJ dealers and radio amateurs for their patronage over the decades.
He also sent a special message to ARRL Members and loyal QST readers:
"I give my deepest heartfelt thank you to my fellow hams all over the world, and especially to ARRL members and QST readers. In my youth, I was given a second-hand set of 1958 QSTs. I read them over and over until I practically memorized every word. This gave seed to MFJ."
"MFJ became a worldwide ham radio leader only because of you. As I turned 80, I cannot thank you all enough for 52 wonderful ham radio years. Thank you, 73s . . . Martin F. Jue, k5flu"
