Fred Maytag was introduced to Dena Bergman in 1876 through his partner in business and Dena's father, William Bergman. Maytag fell in love with her, and on September 20, 1882, they were married. He then sold his half of the dealership back to Bergman. Maytag used that money, along with his savings, to purchase a lumber company and to build a home.

     Maytag stayed in the lumber business for only a short time and then invested in a company that produced thrashers. The problem with the thrashers was that the demand was seasonal and technology was constantly improving the thrashers, thus threatening his production.

     In 1907 Maytag became interested in hand washers for clothes when he heard of their creation. This was his chance to get into a big business that would stay in constant demand. Then in 1910 he set up his own company that manufactured washing machines.

"In 1910 there was brought into production under a Snyder invention and a protecting  patent a washing machine driven by electric motor with a very important attachment in the nature of a swinging wringer. Here was real success. Aside from being the basis of a substantial company trade, a satisfactory arrangement was made with competitors, on a royalty basis, a profitable relationship continuing to the present time.^"1