 |
| SUMMIT PHOTO BY BOB FENSKE
Bruce Hertzke laughs as the retiring Winnebago chairman of the board and CEO is presented with a new fishing rod and reel from Recreation Vehicle Industry Association President Richard Coons during Hertzke’s farewell party last Thursday. |
Saying a fun goodbye to CEO
Winnebago's Hertzke gets roasted at his farewell party
By Bob Fenske
Of The Summit
FOREST CITY - It wasn't supposed to be a roast, but a roast it was as Winnebago Industries bid farewell to the man who has led the Forest City-based motor home giant for the past decade.
But at the end, the man being honored choked up as he bid goodbye to the company he has worked at for almost 37 years.
“I'm supposed to be the big tough guy,” Hertzke said with a voice chock full of emotion. “I have been so fortunate to work with so many good people - thousands of good people who made me look very good.”
For the most part, though, last Thursday's event was a celebration filled with humor and laughs. And Hertzke, who served as Winnebago's chairman of the board and CEO for the past 10 years, took his share of grief as a parade of speakers took to the podium at Friendship Hall on the grounds of the WIT Grand National Rally Grounds.
There was Forest City Economic Development President Dave Kingland poking fun at Hertzke's legendary thriftiness. “The man throws quarters around like manhole covers.”
There was new Winnebago Chairman of the Board and CEO Bob Olson giving Hertzke a box of bread pudding. “Now that he's gone, we can finally tell him that none of us like bread pudding. ... I now declare that bread pudding has been retired from Winnebago Industries.”
And there was Richard Coons, the president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association who knows Hertzke not only as an industry leader but also as an avid outdoorsmen who always wants to catch the biggest fish on every single fishing trip.
Coons told the story of one fishing trip in northern Canada when he finally bested Hertzke, who was “gracious enough” to snap a picture of Coons and his prized fish.
“But when we got back to the plane,” Coons said with a smile, “dang if that guy didn't drop the camera right into the water.”
There were some serious moments during Thursday's ceremony. Olson lauded Hertzke's leadership and the persistence he showed as he climbed all the way to the top of the company. Hertzke began working at Winnebago in 1971 as a production worker.
“Bruce always set a great example for all of us,” Olson said, “and I think his work ethic and his commitment to Winnebago Industries is the legacy he's leaving to all of us.”
And Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association Mike Molino spoke about how Hertzke-led Winnebago has year after year won awards from dealers for customer service. “And trust me, dealers aren't always that easy to please.”
During his short talk, Hertzke, who officially gave up the reins to Winnebago on May 5, touched on the recent downturn in the RV industry, but he also continued to express unbridled confidence in Winnebago's future.
“I know these haven't been the easiest of times,” he said, “but we have a strong company - lots of cash on hand and a strong balance sheet - and I know all of you will continue to make Winnebago proud.”
Story created May 13, 2008 - 12:56:02 CDT.
|
