The Hytrol Story

“I quickly realized who really owns that large piece of farmland!” The full impact of that hit him with all its implications and he announced to himself, “God, this is your business. You have allowed me to work it and develop it.” Tom continued, saying that the days that followed changed his entire life and attitude. Tom said, “I was committing the business to Him and then the idea came to me that I had a new responsibility! I have to work harder now than if I had it all to myself because now I was working for Him!” As Tom expressed himself in such moving terms, the audience listened with a stillness and awe that seemed to make the meeting room feel like a cathedral. Those who have had the pleasure to get to know Tom personally have found him to be particularly careful and sincere when making business commitments. The statements made during his moving talk with the distributors there at the 1972 convention rang with truth and sincerity. His concluding statement put his commitment “on the line.” “I want to dedicate my life and effort to serving and working to building good conveyors; to serving our distributors and employees.” The standing ovation Tom received at the conclusion of his talk represented better than words the feelings of those present. Everyone knew the future of Hytrol was in good hands. Tom’s talk was indeed inspirational. If there were any hardened hearts there before his speech, they were softened by his words afterward. As anyone could plainly see, they were in the presence of a man who was dedicated to his associates and his God. Ralph Pocobello took his turn at the podium. He began his talk admitting that he was “just plain scared” standing in front of the distributors. He admitted there were problems.. .poor service. . .late shipments. . .wrong parts. . .no answers. He recounted his Vaudeville days and how nervous he’d get in front of some booking agent when they had to try out their act in order to get hired for a show. He likened the distributors in front of him as those booking agents and stated he was “petrified” to be standing in front of them. Ralph said he wasn’t going to make them laugh, and he didn’t think he could show them anything. He was just going to tell it like it is. Ralph said, “We at Hytrol believe we have the best employees and best distributors in the world.” He went on to talk about the Stockyard record and how Tom Loberg and Hytrol shares the profits with everyone. He stressed that Tom and Hytrol are happy to share the profits with the distributors, “--because it is only through your efforts that we can be successful!” Then, at this point in his talk, Ralph walked out in front of the audience and performed a back flip, then stood on his head as the stunned audience applauded! He walked back to the