On June 2, 1975, at 5:45 a.m., I walked through the door at Star Iron Works in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, setting me on a path I had never considered. My father-in-law, Bob Means, asked me if I would take over management at one of his companies, as the current manager would be ready to retire in a couple years. After much thought, I decided to help.
In late 1979 or early 1980, I became president — but not because the current manager retired. Evidently, one way to advance in business is to catch your boss stealing from the company. I had never expected or suspected it. Everyone considered the manager the ultimate company man. My father-in-law thought highly of him.