Fall 2018 Hardlines Strategies

COMPANY NEWS

Stepping Down John H. Mize Retires From Blish-Mize

“I look back on our almost-150-year history and feel gratitude to so many customers who have shown their faith in our employees and our company,” he says. Long devoted to the success of the business, Mize is still a firm believer that the company’s success is a direct result of its customer devotion. “There’s plenty of competition, and we have to prove ourselves worthy every day,” he says. “Strong customer service and making sure our customers know we care about their business is a huge part of that.” Mize started full-time at the company after college in 1962 and held sales territories in Colorado and Nebraska. He was later promoted to field sales manager and traveled the executive chairman and chairman of the board, retired from active management on May 30. company’s entire servicing area. “My forte was salesmanship, marketing and being in contact with others,” Mize says. “I have never met a stranger. Mize held the chairman, president and CEO position for about 35 years, and the company saw incredible growth and acquisitions under his leadership. “I’m aware of the opportunities I’ve been given, and I’m grateful to everyone I’ve worked with throughout T his spring saw some changes corporate office, as John H. Mize, at the Blish-Mize

John H. Mize retired from active management at Blish-Mize in May. He started with Blish-Mize after college in 1962 and had worked in multiple departments at the company.

my career,” he says. “I saw success and had some challenges, and I also had a lot of fun. “We are a family-owned, employee- focused company, and we are extremely dedicated to our customers,” he says. “I look back on our history and feel gratitude to so many who have shown their faith in us.” Mize will remain chairman of the board and plans on stopping by the office regularly. His family and colleagues will miss seeing him around the office each day, but they know he won’t be far away. “My father will definitely be missed, but he will still be at the office a few times a week to see friends and offer guidance,” says Blish Connor, director of communications.

“Fifty-six years is certainly a long time to work at any one place,” says Jonathan Mize, CEO and president. “However, all of us here at Blish-Mize are appreciative of John Mize’s (aka Dad’s) service to our company over those many years. I think it’s one of the main reasons why we are still in business for nearly 150 years. Direct involvement is important to any family business.” John Mize knows the company is in capable hands. “I feel good about the future of our business under our fifth-generation leadership, with Jonathan Mize as president and CEO, and our excellent executive team and staff,” he says. For anyone who would like to stay in touch with John, feel free to email him at any time at johnmize@blishmize.com.

32 Fall 2018 • Hardlines Strategies