A local priest asked John Wick to study organ; he studied organ at St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, and then became the church organist.
The brothers utilized their skills in watch making, cabinet making, and jewelry to construct a small, two manual and pedal, mechanical action pipe organ for the church.
The Wicks Organ Company invented, patented, and trademarked the Direct Electric chest action.
The Wicks opus list encompasses over 6,440 instruments installed mostly in the U.S.
In January 2011, the company downsized, outsourcing some of its production to past employees.