Wickström returned to Finland in 1906 and founded a boat engine factory together with his brother Jakob.

He attended primary school in his home village, but, from a young age, he worked in his father's workshop.

After completing his school and confirmation, he borrowed money from his uncle for travelling over the Atlantic and left Finland in 1889.

[1][2] Soon, Wickström focused solely on combustion engines and founded Chicago Motor Cycle Coach Co. for automobile production in 1898.

The company built boat engines and repaired cars in its premises located on Wabash Avenue.

[2] Wickström had difficulties finding financing for engine development; he had to focus the production on existing, although still profitable, models.

By using the property he had collected during his stay in the United States, Wickström believed he would be able to continue development of fishing boat engines in Finland, which was still an untapped market.

Production of Wickström-engines grew over time and, in 1910, the brothers opened a new facility in Vaskiluoto, close to Vaasa harbour.

Due to their higher speed, the fishermen could travel home every evening, instead of bunking in fishing lodges.

Among Finnish fishermen, Wickström's products reached a reputation of ultimately reliable power units.

[3] After the modest start, demand grew especially after World War I, and the facilities were enlarged several times.

In the 1930s, the annual production was about 1,000 units,[1][2] and the portfolio consisted of a number of marine and stationary engine models.

[3] The Wickström Brothers' Engine Works had a good reputation as an employer, and workers typically made long careers in the factory.

By then, the Wickström company had lost the spirit of innovation, although the main reason for its decline was the spread of outboard engines and subsequent disappearing of its market.

[1] At an early age, Wickström committed to total abstinence from alcohol, and he took part in temperance society activities.