Spring 2021 Hardlines

“I started fresh out of high school in 1968 as an order clerk at the 5th Street warehouse of Blish, Mize and Silliman. I was just wanting a job, but what I got was a career. I was impressed within days when then president John H. Mize Sr. introduced himself to me while I was working my orders. He said he liked knowing the people the company had working for them. From there, I worked a number of positions in several different departments. All were good training for the next. I then started my longest position as merchandise manager, which I held for just over 30 years. I bought items in almost every department, but enjoyed hand and power tools the most. I witnessed the old-school ways before computers and adjusted to the new ways as time went by. I retired on March 1, 2019 with 50-plus years of service to Blish-Mize along with my Estwing Gold Hammer for service to the hardware industry. Countless dealer markets and shows fill my mind. I made so many friends through the years. Salespeople I admired, customers who I got the opportunity to know and work with, plus hundreds of employees I worked alongside are my fondest memories. When one works at the same place for so many years, these people become more like family. You share in their personal joys as well as their sorrows. Thank you Blish-Mize Co. for the 50 years I was a part of your 150 years. I feel very fortunate.” Rich Clem , Retired

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