Bob Suel came to work for us after graduation in the 70s. He never left. Though-out his lifetime career with us, he became a husband, a father, a survivor, a homeowner, and a loyal friend. His remarkable consistency and unquestioning support were the hallmarks of his longevity.
You could count on Bob.
When he opposed something. It was not for selfish reasons, but for what he believed was best for the company. He cherished his role in the informal inner circle of decision makers, meeting over a beer in the boss’s basement, genuinely guiding the future of the enterprise in his personal care. A truly rare and comforting asset when we were making difficult decisions.
Whenever a competitive challenge or bad idea loomed that he felt would spell trouble, he was fond of saying, “We have to stomp on the dragon’s eggs” in other words, get ahead of this thing before it is big enough to bite us.
He came to work just out of high school. Newspaper owner Bill McGarry acquired him at the time and asked me to find a place for him. Bob thought he might like to be a writer, a journalist, and so he went on a few assignments.. We decided a better fit might be on the sales team, representing the company. We had one telephone and an extension at the time, so Bob had his work cut out. He put on a tie and went to work in a role he would never leave.
His buddies had all picked up entry jobs, and were astonished to see Bob going to work so soon wearing that tie. Where ever is he going, many wondered. How could it be?
Bob dressed for success from that point forward. Years later, when “casual Friday” was in vogue and his partner came to work without a tie and wearing jeans, he was quickly admonished by Bob, “Oh no, we don’t do that in Southwest sales” he reminded the junior miscreant.
Bob deserved many thanks for his lifetime of service, unwavering through thick and thin. Our success as a growing firm lay squarely on his shoulders, and many other like him, who put the good of the organization above their own immediate needs. Thank you for Bob, a good and faithful man.
