What’s your definition of success? After reading his memoirs and completing our interview, I consider Bob Gimlin of Oakmont an American success story. I also believe Bob’s success can be attributed to much more than “being in the right place at the right time,” as he first proposed. A humble man, it took persistence to convince Bob that his life experiences were worth sharing with Upbeat Times readers. In Bob’s stories, I witnessed the unfolding of a deeply rewarding life that encompasses much more than material wealth.
Born in Chicago in 1921 to a friendly, easygoing father and a conscientious mother who was a real “go-getter,” Bob credits his mother with opening the first and perhaps most significant door of opportunity for him: a college education. With her support and encouragement, Bob attended Purdue University where he met Jane Haltom, his future wife. They were engaged before Bob enlisted in the US Navy in 1941 while still completing his engineering studies, and married before he was ordered for active duty following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bob returned home from the Navy just in time to witness the birth of his second child, Hal (preceded by Gail), and was given the opportunity to work in, and potentially take over, his father-in-law’s business. However, after a brief period of readjustment to civilian life, he walked away from that opportunity to chart his own course. Opportunity after opportunity, Bob ultimately became president and CEO of Abitbi-Price, the world’s largest newsprint producer, until his retirement in 1985.
To Bob, the most important measuring sticks of success in life are based on the success of your relationships: family first and foremost, followed by personal and business relationships. Bob believes it’s also important to be happy with oneself. While the right work/life balance can be elusive, and today’s standards are certainly different from the standards during his work career, Bob seemed to find the right balance for himself and his family. He is also very proud of his extended family members and their work and life pursuits, even if their work adventures haven’t always been financially successful. There’s one more subtle but telling measure of Bob’s success: he still cherishes meeting his “girlfriend” (Jane) out on the patio at 4:27 each afternoon to share the day’s happenings amid their beautiful orchid garden after 68 years of marriage!
Perhaps the most compelling explanation for Bob Gimlin’s success in life is his attitude toward both people and work. He doesn’t know anyone who dislikes him, and also couldn’t think of a single person he’s ever met who he dislikes. I believe him! He seems to have a gift for seeing the unique positive qualities in every human being he’s met. A compelling example was when he described his interactions with labor unions in both the U.S. (where the company had the upper hand) and Canada (where unions had the upper hand). Over time, he learned to appreciate the challenges of “both sides of the coin,” and despite some difficult union negotiations in Canada, he became “very friendly” with the union boss.
With regard to work, Bob also confidently stated that he enjoyed every job he ever had, and his jobs were “never work” to him. He clearly loves to learn, and as a former HR director I know how infectious a good attitude can be in a workplace (and conversely, how poisonous a bad one can be). Beyond being in the right place at the right time, I have no doubt Bob Gimlin was both well prepared to take on new responsibilities and eager to do so when job and promotion opportunities became available. The lessons he learned growing up during the Depression, and inspiration he received from his mother to work hard, “be considerate of other people,” and follow the Golden Rule, also contributed to Bob’s drive and ultimate success in life.
Thank you, Bob, for sharing your success and wisdom with readers!
