The Hytrol Story

eventually prove 1972 Hytrol Distributor Convention to be one of the most significant events in Hytrol’s 25 year history. “Hytrol Leads the Way” would again be the convention theme. The convention would be held in St. Louis, Missouri, at the new Marriott Motor Hotel where accommodations were better and so the distributors could see the new Stockyard building which was under construction. The wives were also invited and activities were planned for them. Over 150 distributors and wives attended the convention. The Hytrol sales team, which at that time included Pete Hinson, David Burns, and Bill Fish, were on hand to meet the arrivals at the airport. The first phase of the program brought the guests to Jonesboro by chartered DC-9 aircraft. The newly expanded facilities there were a fitting location for opening the meetings. Tom, Sam, Ralph and the employees at Hytrol were all ready to show the distributors that Hytrol did indeed “Lead the Way.” The plane trip from St. Louis to Jonesboro was smooth until the plane began to encounter cross winds. The landing became tense because of these cross winds, but the pilot landed the plane successfully and everyone heaved a sigh of relief! Sam opened the convention in Jonesboro in the new meeting room facility. He stated the convention purpose and objectives and told each one the future of Hytrol rests in their hands as it had in the past. Sam was confident the future was secure because of the tremendous interest and loyalty of those present. He then introduced Tom who was to give the keynote speech in this third National Distributor Convention. Some had never heard the “Hytrol story” as told by Tom Loberg himself. All were transfixed as Tom talked about the company’s history. He gave much credit to those who were responsible for his starting the firm and others who brought it to its present standing in the material handling field. Tom was most grateful to those who were there during the difficult years, many of whom gave him inspiration when it was most needed. Then, Tom spoke about the time when Chuck left Hytrol. Tom related how a feeling of greed crept into his thoughts about “having it all to myself.” But Tom soon realized that was an “unclean feeling.” He discussed this idea with Rigmor, Sam, Ralph, and some close distributor friends. He began to think of Hytrol as a piece of property, “like a large piece of farm land that I cannot take with me.” Tom realized that Hytrol would still be there after he was gone.