Twenty years ago last week I hired Larry Robinson as our Central Regional Manager (I got Debbie for free in the deal) . He was recommended by Phil Paquin, my then Western Regional Manager. Little did I know at the time that it was all a plot against me. I had just bought Phil a brand new, fully loaded Ram Dually for towing the SIP Demo Trailer as a way to keep him happy. Six months later, he retired with only a couple of weeks notice and I had no choice but to combine the two territories and make Larry the Western Regional Manager. At least Larry has been warning me about his pending retirement for a couple of years but I kept talking him out of it. My latest ploy was to buy him a brand new, fully loaded Ram Promaster and what does he do? The very next year, he makes it official. You would think I would learn and never again buy anyone a new vehicle.

I know it makes us all sad that Larry’s last day will be after the GCSAA Show in San Diego but I am not going to let him off the hook that easily. His number one job now is to help find his replacement. He has identified a couple of prospects but we are still looking for candidates. The ideal candidate will need to reside in Arizona, be very familiar with our grinders and have the right kind of personality and drive for sales. If you are interested please contact me.

I don’t think Larry will ever fully retire as he is contemplating doing a little bit of consulting work. We all brag on Mike, our Eastern Regional Manager and his Cutline is King presentation and book, but Larry was one of the key people who taught Mike. Larry is a goldmine of knowledge so if you want to contact him with a future consulting job or just to wish him a happy retirement, click or come see him in San Diego at booth 5810.