I am saddened by the lost of Bob. He was a true gentleman, and industry leader. He took me under his wing and I’ve been a part of the business ever since. While many thought his methods were old fashioned, but sharing a meal and making a deal was sealed with a handshake. He instilled that you are only as good as your word, and ran his organization with those
morals and values.
When I was hired for the position of Northern California sales, it was customary that the current sales person take you in the accounts, make the introduction, and “hand you over” to the distributor. Bob made a couple of trips to the Bay Area to complete the switch. An easy task, or should have been. Here I am trying to make an impression of my new employer, who has been in the industry forever, and Bob had his itinerary of which he did not share with me. Just a little nervous, as I was doing the driving and had no idea where we were going. Cautiously I am driving, and still asking, are we going North or South on the 880? He would be telling a story, and saying, “don’t worry, I will let you know when to turn”......oh boy! Those last minute, Hollywood turns surely left him with an impression.....or a bump on the noggin. I soon learned to drive in the right lane no matter where we went, as my navigator only gave me the signal to turn when I was on the exit. When we finished our calls, and I dropped him at the airport, he turns to me and says, “does your husband know that you don’t know your right from your left?” I will forever be learning my right from my left, and missing those words of wisdom....