Summer 1976

Soulé Steel News

*"WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"*

VOLUME 5 — SUMMER ISSUE JULY 1976 — NUMBER 2

SOULÉ LANDMASTER A GREAT WAY TO GROW

"Landmaster" is the newest addition to the Buildings Division product line. Production facilities were on stream in late 1975, with the first building erected near Dixon, CA) this January. Since then, a number have been sold.

Designed to bring costs down on farms or ranches, these versatile buildings are ideal for an almost-endless variety of uses: milking barn, poultry shed, feed storage, garage, hangar, etc. They are available in either slope or straight sidewalls, and with rigid frame or roll formed structural framing. A significant competitive feature is its unusually large door, opening both vertically and horizontally. Thus it can store big equipment such as combines and pickers.

Another innovation is that this structure is designed for "do it yourself" erection. A step-by-step Erection Manual is furnished with all Landmasters specified for erection by the customer.

We expect big things of our Landmaster — versatile, economical, built to "take it."

*Photo: Soulé Landmaster Building erected at Brawley, California.*

BIG MOVE! TO 2250 EAST DOMINGUEZ AVE. CARSON, CA.

For a number of years, an objective of the company has been to combine the entire Los Angeles Rebar Division in one location. This was finally accomplished on June 7, when Division Manager, District Manager, their respective staffs, sales and office personnel completed the move from Wilmington Avenue in Los Angeles to Carson, adjacent to the Fab Shop.

The timing was such that the new Univac 90/30 computer on order was due to be shipped, so it went directly to the new quarters. When this equipment was fully operational, Accounting, Data Processing, Credit and Collection personnel then transferred to the Carson office also.

As with all moving days, there was excitement and lots of work as the big vans transported huge quantities of furniture, equipment, records, and supplies to the attractive 12,830 sq. ft. building. Fred Webster is to be commended for his excellent planning and coordinating, which resulted in a smooth transition. All have now settled down, and are enthusiastic about these facilities.

By eliminating the previously burdensome distance between departments within the division, Reinforcing has gained efficiency, closer coordination, and has eliminated extensive duplication of records. With the help of all employees at the Carson location, District Manager Robert Gebauer plans to make this the most efficient rebar operation in the Southern California market, and to offer the finest service available in the Western United States.

PAGE 2 — SOULÉ STEEL NEWS — SUMMER ISSUE

ACTION-PACKED AGENDA FOR BUILDINGS DEALERS

There was scarcely a moment to spare during the 1976 Annual Soulé Building Dealers' Meeting. Held at Del Webb's Newporter Inn, Newport Beach, CA, sessions started early Thursday, April 1, and continued through Friday, April 2, late afternoon. During the two days, business sessions were conducted by Vice President George Ford and his personnel to update dealers on technical, production, advertising, and selling programs for the coming year.

A guided tour of the Los Angeles plant offered an opportunity to view the manufacture of the Soulé products they sell.

Wives were entertained with bus tours, and an uninhibited (by husbands) shopping spree. This portion was planned and escorted by Rosalie Kotch.

A highlight of the meeting was the banquet attended by 135 dealers, dealer personnel, Soulé Buildings personnel, suppliers, and wives. A number of awards were presented, including 27 to dealers who have represented us for at least two years. Dealer seniority honors went to Wallace and Smith of Bakersfield, CA (Southwest Region) who has represented us since March, 1963. Award was accepted by Earl Smith (see photo). Additional awards in the form of plaques or certificates were in recognition of exceeding sales quotas, regional dealers of the year, special builder development, and two for architecturally-honored buildings.

*Photo: Sam Stewart (L), Dealer Representative-Southwest Region, and Earl Smith of Wallace and Smith. (Doesn't he seem pleased with his award!)*

*Photo: Pictured above is the almost-completed placement of the second crane at the San Diego Fab Shop. This will improve measurably the customer service and economy in this district.*

ORGANIZATION CHANGES

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE FOLLOWING PROMOTIONS:

Robert J. Gebauer was appointed Reinforcing District Manager – Los Angeles effective May 1. In this position, he will be responsible for the total operation of the Los Angeles and Santa Ana Sales, Estimating, Engineering, the Carson and Santa Ana Fab Shops, trucking operations and field placing in the Los Angeles-Santa Ana Districts.

Bob started with Soulé as an estimator in 1953, later transferring to sales. In 1963 he was named District Manager-Fresno, and when the Sacramento Reinforcing operation was started, he was placed in charge of that as well.

A native of Dearborn, Michigan, he served in the U.S. Navy. He and his wife Barbara have five daughters. This, undoubtedly, accounts for their work in helping create and support the Indian Maidens program. Other interests are tennis and bicycling.

*Photo: ROBERT GEBAUER — WALTER HEINRICHS*

Walter L. Heinrichs became Plant Manager-Fresno District effective May 1, with full responsibility for rebar sales, estimating, fabricating, and placing.

Walt came to Soulé as a detailer in 1965. He became Estimating/Engineering District Supervisor in 1970, and assisted Bob Gebauer in recent years.

Walt and his wife Mary Ann have two daughters. The couple were both recently elected Deacons in the North Fresno Mennonite Church, which they helped establish. They also serve together as sponsors of the College Youth Group and for the past ten years, they have been members of the Words of the Gospel Singers, singing with the Church Conference Radio Broadcast on Sunday mornings. Other interests are fishing, and working in the yard.

\* \* \* \*

Frank McLaughlin, although retaining his title of Plant Manager, was given full responsibility for rebar sales, estimating, fabricating, and placing in the Sacramento District effective May 1.

Frank is married, and his wife Lois works for the California Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies are tennis, cross-country skiing, bicycling and camping.

Verne Freer assumed the responsibilities of Product Development Projects Manager for the Soulé Buildings Division in San Francisco. Verne, who has been with the company for over 10 years, started as a detailer, later becoming a draftsman, then design engineer.

A bachelor, he enjoys fishing, hiking and most outdoor activities whenever time permits.

Employee Relations SPOTLIGHT

**Q.** We have just recently purchased a house, and I was wondering if it would be possible to receive pay in lieu of my vacation this year. Actually, this would probably suit the company also because we are very short-handed now.

**A.** Believing that annual vacations are both necessary and beneficial, the company adheres closely to its policy that no salaried employee is to be paid in lieu of a vacation. As you know, salaried employees have the full year from one anniversary date to their next anniversary date in which to take their vacations, so perhaps a time later on will be more mutually convenient if your department is short-handed and you are short in funds right now.

Hourly employees' vacations are based on their local collective bargaining agreement, and many of our union contracts specify that "no employee shall be permitted to accept pay in lieu of actual time off."

SUMMER ISSUE — SOULÉ STEEL NEWS — PAGE 3

SAFE, NOT SORRY

A more dramatic example of the benefit of wearing a hard hat would be hard to find: Richard McGill, Tucson, Arizona, Field Ironworker, was working on the University of Arizona Stadium job. As he left a personnel hoist at ground level, he was struck on the back of the head by a large piece of pipe that had fallen 135 feet from the top of an upper rake beam. The *small bump* on Richard's head, and the *large crack* in his hat graphically demonstrate the value of the safety regulations on the use of hard hats.

The damaged hard hat will be mounted and displayed in our Phoenix office with an appropriate explanation for all to see and note that a life was quite possibly saved because of proper use.

*Photo: A new hard hat, compliments of Soulé, is presented to Richard McGill (R) by Danny Coyne, Soulé Job Foreman.*

MULTI-PURPOSE PLANT

There is a different type of "production" going on in the San Francisco plant — a movie.

Soulé is leasing a portion of the S.F. plant to Palladium Pictures. A film crew has built a mockup of an Amtrak railroad to photograph scenes for the motion picture "Scramble" starring Jackie Gleason. This set will later be replaced by one representing the interior of an airplane.

The movie apparently starts in Italy, then moves to Santa Rosa, CA. Rather than send a shooting crew back to Hollywood, the scenes are being filmed here.

We can offer another advantage, too. If they should need a stand-in for Jackie Gleason, we'll lend them our own Chuck Mekeel!

*Photo: Clyde Naugle (L) and Jack Dyer of Palladium Pictures stand in front of the Amtrak mockup they are erecting.*

Kennedy Van and Storage Company of San Francisco were in the unique position of requiring moving and storage themselves, so called on Soulé for assistance. We are in the process of knocking down their prefabricated building and re-erecting it in a new location. In the meantime, Mr. Kennedy is also using a portion of our plant for temporary storage. The new quarters are scheduled for completion in early fall.

*Photo: Bill Kennedy, employee and son of Kennedy Van & Storage owner Jim Kennedy, makes frequent trips in and out of S.F. plant.*

A third tenant is the S.F. Municipal Railway currently storing 50 older variety of electric buses. These will be removed one at a time for repairs and subsequent use for shuttle and/or emergency transportation service.

*Photo: American Patrol Service Guard Bill Long pauses during his security round in the bus storage area.*

JOB WELL DONE

BEFORE — AFTER

*Photo: Rudolph Bawer, Mech. Foreman-Carson, is pictured (right) with the tractor he and his crew completely rebuilt. It had been "totaled out" in an accident (no fault of Soulé!). This tractor No. 729 is now the "Pride of the Fleet."*

IN MEMORIUM

Sam King suffered a fatal heart attack on April 7. Sam worked for Soulé since January, 1950 as an Export Order Filler-Packer in the Steel Buildings Division, Los Angeles.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to the King family.

PAGE 4 — SOULÉ STEEL NEWS — SUMMER ISSUE

STEELING ATTENTION

The Bay Area employees' So-So-Crats Club announced the election of the following officers for the 1976-77 year: President Ken Thomas, Vice President Chuck Mekeel, Secretary Shirley Mounsey, Treasurer Charles Mayers.

Best wishes for a successful year, and our appreciation for their willingness to put forth this extra effort on behalf of the employee members.

\* \* \* \*

A So-So-Crats sponsored activity currently being enjoyed is the "Evening at the Pops" concert series with Arthur Fiedler, guest conductor. Some of the programs are: Pops Americana, Night of Nostalgia, Popular music from the scores of Lerner and Loewe, Max Morath Ragtime Music, and Old Timers' Night (sing-along).

\* \* \* \*

BASSINET SET: 8 lbs. 7 ozs. of sugar 'n spice is Ruth Genevieve, first child of the Ron Jorstad's (Steel Bldgs-SF) who arrived on April 19 . . . Leslie Renee Wood, daughter of Darlene and Larry Wood (RF-Ventura) was born on May 15. This blue-eyed brunette joins two sisters to completely outnumber one brother! . . . A bouncing baby boy born to Don and Cherry Kotch on May 25. 7 lbs. 1 oz. Christopher Lee is the 6th grandchild of Tex and Rosalie Kotch (Steel Bldgs-SF).

*Photo: Vivian Rodriguez is pictured above with the high chair and other gifts presented by SF employees. Since both Vivian and her husband Mike have given so generously of their time to our employee club, the cake was appropriately decorated with "Best Wishes Mom, Dad and Little So-So-Crat..*

"Bring your own crying towel" was the unusual request, and June Duplice complied. A "farewell" dinner was given by Buildings Division gals at the Fireside Inn, Downey, on June 1 for LA Accounting ladies moving to the new Carson location. Although looking forward to the new surroundings, the crying towels came in handy as friends of many years realized they would be separated.

*Photo: Brad Cole (RF-San Diego) is shown with the President's Trophy presented to him from the San Diego Construction Bowling League. This is the first time this trophy has ever been given. Brad was re-elected President for next year.*

HERE COME THE BRIDES — Congratulations and best wishes for future happiness to: Pamela and Ed Castillo (Steel Bldgs-SF), married on May 29 at Calvary Baptist Church, Hayward CA. . . . Dan and Janet Carstensen married June 25 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Costa Mesa, CA. Dan is the son of Lowell Carstensen (Planning Dir.-S.F.)

\* \* \* \*

SCOUT'S HONOR: In an impressive ceremony, Ken Mayers, 16, son of Charles Mayers (Acctg-SF) was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, highest rank in Scouting. Ken recently joined the Explorers' Search and Rescue Unit, which is also sponsored by his Boy Scout Troop. This unit assists the Contra Costa Sheriff's Dept. Ken will be a junior at Miramonte High School this fall, where he participates in the Junior Varsity Wrestling Team. He is also interested in water and snow skiing, tennis and baseball. Congratulations on this fine achievement.

HAIL, ALL HAIL! Along with their families and friends, Soulé is proud of the following June graduates: Ted Anderson, son of Scott Anderson (Pre-Stress Mgr-SF), graduated from Georgia Tech with a BS in Industrial Management . . . Heather Howes, daughter of Mary Howes (RF-Salt Lake City), graduated from Utah State University with BS in Mechanical Engineering . . .

*Photo: Ron Ortiz, 18, pictured above (l) with his father, Manuel Ortiz, (Carson Mill) has been awarded a scholastic scholarship to Harvard College.*

One of three children, Ron graduated from Mayfair High School in Lakewood, CA, and was also offered scholastic scholarships for West Point and Stanford; however he decided to accept the Harvard scholarship . . . Cheryl Lynn Bates, daughter of Hugh Bates (RF-Salt Lake City) from Hillcrest High School . . . Lewis Grimes son of Jerry Grimes (RF-Fresno) from Clovis High School . . . Jean Wilkes, daughter of Ben Wilkes (RF-Fresno) from Hoover High School . . . Robin Soulé, youngest child of Lee Soulé (Adm.-SF), from Foxhollow School. The entire family traveled to Connecticut for this occasion. Robin plans to attend Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming . . . Brian James Cole, son of Brad Cole (RF-San Diego) from Edison Grade School. Will attend George Washington High School . . . Judi Hartley, daughter of Dorothy Hartley (RF-Fresno) from Kerman Floyd Elementary School . . . Monica and Melissa Kirk, daughters of Jim Kirk (RF-Fresno) from Robinson Elementary School . . . Andrew Low, son of Kay Low (Steel Bldgs.-SF) from San Andréas School, Pacifica, CA where he was on the Honor Roll.

\* \* \* \*

Very happy to have the report that retiree Frank Menges is greatly improved and recuperating at home.

SUMMER ISSUE — SOULÉ STEEL NEWS — PAGE 5

ROYAL TREATMENT: Retiree Jo Cowden is pictured (above) following her installation on April 9 as Royal Matron of Amaranth Lodge. Escorting Jo is Royal Patron Wayne Keith . . . Prior to his recent marriage, HRH King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden spent two busy days in San Francisco. Consul General and Mrs. Hans Skold gave a banquet in his honor. All rooms on the first floor were decorated with flowers and candles. On the marble stairs where guests were welcomed was a tremendous arrangement of red, white, and blue flowers. All decorations were made by Esther Erickson, mother of Carol Marty (Adm-SF). On April 30, Esther was presented with a gold medal from King Carl Gustav. This high honor was in appreciation of her work during his visit, as well as for previous visits of distinguished visitors.

*Photo: Maria Zarsky, Order Clerk/Tag Writer-Newark, is pictured receiving her service pin from Detailing Supervisor Karl Mellquist. In April, Maria completed 18 years of service.*

\* \* \* \*

WELCOME NEWCOMERS!

It is a pleasure to introduce the following new employees:

*Photo: ALLEN DRAN — Asst. Plant Engr-Prod. Dev., Steel Bldgs.-L.A.*

*Photo: ROSE ERICKSON — PBX Op/Recept., L.A.*

*Photo: FLORANTE LLAMADO — Prod. Dev., Steel Bldgs.-S.F.*

*Photo: HUGH DAVID LORZ — Sr. Det.-Engineering, Steel Bldgs.-L.A.*

*Photo: DOLORES MEACHAM — Rec/Order Writer, Prod. Cont., Steel Bldgs.-L.A.*

*Photo: RUDOLF NOSALEK — Det.-Engineering, Steel Bldgs.-L.A.*

*Photo: SANTIAGO "SONNY" QUITEVIS — Design Engr., Steel Bldgs.-S.F.*

*Photo: KATHY USKERT — Intl. Sales Secty, Steel Bldgs.-S.F.*

NEW HOMES NEEDED? COMING RIGHT UP!

The old saying, "Necessity is the mother of invention," applies to the development of a functional, attractive house by the Soulé Buildings Division.

Reports of severe housing shortages and spiraling costs (rents as high as $2000/mo. for a 2-bedroom apartment) in the Middle East and other developing countries, prompted Soulé Steel Company to work on ideas to fill these needs.

Realizing that our Temp-Con panel would lend itself ideally to this application because of its inherent structural and insulating properties, our Product Development and Engineering people designed three house plans. Recently a prototype was erected at our Wilmington Avenue location (see photos).

*Photo: Partially-built model home. Note opening on right which is ready for installation of bathroom.*

*Photo: Completely pre-assembled bathroom.*

*Photo: Model home nearing completion.*

We will bring you further details and photos of the beautiful completed product in our next issue.

PAGE 6 — SOULÉ STEEL NEWS — SUMMER ISSUE

PUBLIC RELATIONS IN ACTION

Did you ever stop to think that each of us, as employees (and, yes, often our families, too!), are public relations reps for Soulé Steel Company? In addition to our work-related duties, our contacts in the industry and community may cause others to judge the company also. With this in mind, when occasions arise, we would like to mention some of the ways our co-workers are representing the company . . . .

For example, Maria Hebert (RF-Newark) recently joined a new church group. Upon learning they needed a pianist, she volunteered her talent and time to help. We are sure this is greatly appreciated . . . Jack Simonson (Dist. Mgr-Salt Lake City) served as Chairman of the Distinguished Salesman Award Committee of the Sales & Marketing Executives of Utah. The "D.S.A." is the "Oscar" of the selling profession, recognized internationally . . . Esther Longnecker (RF-San Diego) was elected Vice President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association of El Cajon, Unit No. 47 . . . Art Lindsay (Dir. of Empl. Rel-SF) has been designated as an "Accredited Executive in Personnel" by the Accreditation Institute of the American Society for Personnel Administration. This designation is only conferred on those Personnel practitioners who have achieved the highest level of professional attainment recognized by the Institute . . . Model airplane enthusiast Al Hotard (Steel Bldgs-LA) captured first place at the recent World's Champs Team Selection Semi-Finals at Fresno, CA. He subsequently had published a comprehensive illustrated article about his entry in the June 1976 issue of MODEL AVIATION magazine. Al explained the name, "Soundasleep Wakefield", as a "modification of Frank Mont's fine Wydawake design. The name is not so much a description of the way it flies, but rather a picture of my frame of mind when a good thermal passes by." . . . Square dance caller Norval Ewing (RF-Salt Lake City) was recently readmitted to LDS Hospital, which caused havoc with a planned engagement. He was supposed to call out a square dance for a group of teenagers in five Granger stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In true "show must go on" tradition, Norval recorded on tape the "swing your partners" and "do-si-does" from his hospital bed!

OLD TIMERS' DAY

*Photo: Retiree Rooters ready to leave for game: (Standing l to r) Charlie Ubigau, Noah "Benny" Bennight, Herb Lange, Earl Raeside, Jim Pomposo, John Edwards, Angelo Rappa, Lu Rappa, Niles Millar, Sylvan Selig, Jo Cowden. (Kneeling l to r) Lee Elmburg, Roy Fisher. Host for the day Howard Soulé, and Al Schurner. Attending but not pictured: Craig Carpenter, Personnel Representative Hazel Dunnigan, and Driver Chuck Mekeel.*

The Annual Soulé Old Timers' Day was held on Thursday, June 10.

Meeting at the S.F. plant allowed mutually enjoyable visits of retirees with former co-workers. Luncheon was arranged at nearby Bundros' Hof Brau, after which the group attended the San Francisco Giants vs. Montreal game at Candlestick Park. In spite of the enthusiastic boosters pictured (above), the Giants lost!

We missed the following retirees who were unable to attend this year: Al Bilund, Bernhard Dinse, Joe Fabbri, James Grigor, Sam Hodes, Charley Hoss, Byron Killilea, Mr. and Mrs. George Mattos, and Frank Menges.

\* \* \* \*

W.C.R.S.I. 15th ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Western Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute held their 15th Annual Spring Conference May 18-21 at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona.

During the year, the Institute conducts numerous regional meetings and seminars, however this conference brings all together for a complete exchange of information. In attendance from Soulé were: Lee Soulé, Stan Soulé, Warren Grundfor, and Bill Lucas.

For outstanding service to the industry, outgoing President Warren P. Grundfor was presented the highest honor the club can bestow in the form of a gavel made from Soulé Steel Company reinforcing bar, chrome plated, and appropriately engraved.

DISTRICT MANAGER MEET IN NEWPORT BEACH

Reinforcing District Managers convened at Del Webb's Newporter Inn on June 10-11. Theme of this year's meeting was: "This is the Land of Opportunity."

Although officially termed a "Sales Meeting," it actually covered company policy that in any way influences district operations. In addition to Reinforcing discussions, Division Manager Warren Grundfor invited speakers from administrative departments for an update on Steel Mill operations, Computer, Data Processing, Employee Relations, Corporate Planning, Finance, Credit and Safety.

The group toured the Fab Shop, and had a buffet lunch at the new Carson offices, where they were joined by employees of office, mill, and shop.

Special treat was a cruise of Newport Bay aboard the Pavilion Queen, followed by dinner at the "Tale of the Whale."

Probably best summing up everyone's feelings at the conclusion were the tee shirts imprinted: "Soulé '76 — We've Got It All Together!"

Summer 1976 Issue

**SOULÉ NEWS**

Published Quarterly by the Soulé Steel Company 1750 Army Street San Francisco, California

**Betty Trailer, Editor** **Howard S. Soulé, Advisor**

Associate Editors

Connie Davis — Salt Lake City Libby Kendrick — Sacramento Furman Davis — Phoenix Esther Longnecker — San Diego Jo Davis — Fresno Niles O. Millar — Alumni Mary Ferrell — Santa Ana Terry Olesh — Los Angeles Maria Hebert — Newark Barbara Paige — Ventura John Rogachenko — Carson