Jim Kissler, NWSA President 2002-2003
Norco
As I look back on my entire life, I realize I am among the fortunate ones who regret nothing. Especially being the President of GAWDA, as well as the IWDC. Not because I did anything spectacular for either the National Trade Association or the National Buying Co-op, but because of my service to the industry and the people I met, many of whom we have maintained as lifetime friends. Good heavens, on my recent 70th birthday distributors and vendors from Indianapolis, Cleveland, and San Diego showed up, all the way out to Boise.
“People are the Key” is a chapter in the booklet titled Kissler Keys written about Larry Kissler by two Boise State professors. While it is written about the importance of supporting an expanding and thriving family of employees, with the motivation of strong leadership and rewards like 401k’s, profit sharing, or an ESOP, it is also the story of life. (Anyone who wants a copy can just send me their names and addresses).
Family, friends, co-workers and the long relationships with all of them are the secret to happiness in life. Sprinkle in a loving relationship with the Lord and his Son, add a splash of cash that you can share with others less privileged, and you can proceed with each day of your life until you are ready to pack your bags for Heaven.
Are there some paths along that path of life that get a bit rocky? Darn right there are. Every day can have challenges and disruptions. But the people we surround ourselves with, such as my wife, Camille, my daughters, Julie, Dawn, and Nicole, make the Kissler Family very similar to your own. Happy, healthy and well balanced.
I did have some difficult times, initially, being the son of the boss (SOB) after I graduated from Washington State University. I worked 7 years in 3 training jobs in Eugene, Oregon, prior to joining a well-managed and growing Norco. What magic could I perform? What expertise was I bringing? And would I be better than Larry himself? The answers are none, little, and never. So, I earned my way into the business working long hours with extensive travel. “So, what?” you might say. We all did that! Correct. But what made it special was rising to the stature of becoming an industry leader. Friends from around the nation showed me how to be a good leader, particularly Wally Brant with Indiana Oxygen, Bob Thornton with South Jersey Welding Supply, Jim Appledorn with Lincoln Electric, and so many others.
Too many to name. All friends, all sources of information, and all excellent examples of leaderships skills. Just what I needed!
Ned Pontious, Norco’s President for 19 years, also became a GAWDA President, making our company the first to have had three GAWDA Presidents, pretty cool since the father/son GAWDA Presidency thing had already been passed several times. Now, Nicole Kissler, Norco’s CEO is on the GAWDA Board.
So, life tends to repeat itself. Hard workers and people with high aspirations for themselves tend to rise to the top, like so many of you. Vendors, distributors and contributors to our trade association already have and so many more will.
Our future is bright and our industry is strong as we continue to rebuild and invest in America’s steel fabrication businesses. The gases and welding distributors that supply it will continue onward and upward. Let’s march forward with our families, friends, employees, and customers together continuing to forge a better tomorrow.
Thank you, GAWDA.
