Summer 1980

Soule steel News "WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"

Volume II Summer 1980 Number 5

Soule Salutes George Ford: Retirement Dinner Honors 35-Year Employee

It all began at the Pentagon in 1945, where Edward L. Soulé, Sr., the founder of Soulé Steel, was dealing with a Navy Lieutenant in the Bureau of Ships. He was so impressed with Lt. George Ford that he suggested that Lt. Ford join his firm when he got out of the Navy. Now, 35 years later, Soulé salutes George Ford for that term of outstanding service with Soulé.

Joining the firm as purchasing agent at the San Francisco headquarters, Ford became manager of purchases in 1956, then Vice President of Purchasing in 1961. While serving in this capacity he assumed the duties of Division Manager, Special Products Division, and General Manager of the Buildings Division.

Shortly thereafter, the structure housing Ford's San Francisco offices was named in his honor. Known to this day as the Ford Building, it typifies the Soulé buildings that are increasingly found throughout the West.

Ford was elected to the Board of Directors in 1971, and assigned complete responsibility for the operation and management of Soulé's international joint venture in Saudi Arabia with Abdulla H. Al-Zamil & Sons in 1976. This company, Zamil-Soulé Steel Buildings Co., Ltd., manufactures and markets metal building systems in Saudi Arabia.

Ford's fellow employees honored him at a commemorative dinner at Borel's in San Mateo on April 25, and a grand send-off at the "George Ford Dinner Roast" was hosted by Soulé at the World Trade Club on May 1 in San Francisco, where 11 speakers detailed past events and rumors with zest for the assembled guests.

The tone for the festivities was set by Lee Soulé, who donned hockey helmet and armed himself with a hockey stick to "offer myself some protection in case our guest of honor feels things are getting out of hand," as well as to honor Ford: "one of collegiate hockey's finest players."

As "Ford's Pandora's Box" was opened, each friend enjoyed reaching down and pulling the skeletons out of the box. Lee Soulé praised Ford for his athletic endeavors at "Haavad" "where he slipped and fell during a game against Smith, inadvertently scoring a winning goal, thus becoming immortalized in the 'Haavad' Hall of Fame." When World War II was declared by another "Haavadite," FDR, "our All-American boy volunteered for the front-line trenches in Washington, D.C. - winning the war at the Pentagon, as one of the most talented paper shufflers and influence peddlers in Washington." Lee Soulé praised Ford's secret formula for landing craft production: "When the weight of the paperwork equalled the weight of the ship, the ship was ready to launch."

Continuing the fire that had been lit by Lee Soulé, Jack Simonson praised Ford for "his ability to hire meek-mannered, respectful people that eventually became institutions" and dropped the news that George had really been offered another job which would have 10,000 people under him... "but he doesn't want to cut grass in a graveyard."

Sandy Soulé told of the time he met an old college roommate of Ford's: Howard Cossell, who said they never got along well because "We're too much alike."

In relating how over the years, Ford's secretaries had developed fierce loyalties to their boss, John Bradsher revealed this was because he threatened to charge them with "contributing to the alleged disappearance of an old fish that reportedly once hung on his wall."

An international incident was revealed by Jim Knox, who told about George's always having trouble deciding which number to put first into a calculator when he wanted to divide. On a recent trip to Saudi, Khalid Al-Zamil told Jim how one day, during negotiations, George disappeared for four hours. Finally, Khalid went to find him. There sat George under a palm tree with a calculator, saying, "Now, let's see, which number do I put in first." Khalid's conclusion was that Harvard specializes in hockey players.

Bob Gebauer and Frank Burke praised Ford's sartorial perfection, the latter telling how he wore tennis shoes with an immaculate dress suit in Japan. (In fairness to George, you should know he had recently had foot surgery.) Lowell Carstensen praised Ford's communications talents often used in Saudi, London, or the U.S., to order room service - for in doing so he would always completely confuse those bringing in the refreshments.

Customer relations was Ford's forte, according to Stan Soulé: "Soulé had a customer, Mathews Conveyor, whose Purchasing Agent would always give a long list of steel requirements to Soulé. One day he found his steel shipment was overdue and he called George. George was overheard saying, 'Gee, Ray, you won't believe this but the truck had so much steel on it it got jammed up under the Southern Pacific overpass. We've got the crew down there now letting the air out of the tires so that we can get the steel off and onto another truck, and this should be delivered to you later this afternoon.'"

In presenting a memento to Ford, the "Ford Building" sign from the San Francisco building named in his honor, Howard Soulé explained the presentation: "Why was this building famous? It was famous because at least 100 cats were either born or lost there; for the big marlin fish that was stolen from there; because it was one of Soulé's original utility buildings; because it was the first

*Photo: The three phases of Ford: In the Navy, at Soulé, and facing the golden years of retirement.*

At Ford Fete

building using Soulé's Temp-Con®, and because it was named after a very famous person: Jerry Ford, the 37th President of the United States."

Ralph Garcia presented a 35-year Soulé retirement pin to Ford, who also received a collage of historical pictures from his Soulé days, his retirement check, and a trip to London for himself and his wife, Ped. Bon voyage, George. All in all, it was an evening to make Dean Martin green with envy.

George Ford expects to spend his golden retirement years travelling between his Menlo Park home and the golf course near his Pebble Beach home, and enjoying his three children and five grandchildren. Fore!

ment ranks which were as follows: Manager of the Steel Jobbing Department, Manager of Purchasing, General Manager of the Soulé Buildings Division, General Manager of the Steel Mill Products Division, and, finally, the responsible managing officer who coordinated all efforts with our Zamil-Soulé partnership in Saudi Arabia. He was elected a Vice President in 1961 and a Director in 1971.

In his years with Soulé, George was known as a specialist in two functions — Purchasing and Marketing. It was in these areas that he made his greatest and most lasting contributions.

A Harvard University graduate of 1937, a member of its famous hockey teams — he was elected to its prestigious Hall of Fame as an outstanding athlete. A family man, avid golfer, fisherman, politician (former Councilman and Mayor of Menlo Park), George was not only an outstanding businessman, but a warm, friendly human being, full of humor, who will be missed by all the Board members as well as the Company employees.

Resolution

Upon the retirement of George Steven Ford, it is fitting that we review the contribution which he has made to this Company, that we extend to him the Company's special thanks for that contribution, that we adjourn this meeting in his honor, and that we wish him well in the years that lie ahead.

George devoted the prime 33 years of his business life to the growth of Soulé Steel Company. George joined Soulé after World War II, having spent his war years, 1943-1945, as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He was hired by Edward L. Soulé, Sr. November 4, 1946 as a purchasing agent. During his business career he progressed upward through many manage-

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors extends to George S. Ford, upon his retirement, again special thanks for his outstanding service to the Company; we wish him happiness and continued prosperity, and we adjourn this meeting in his honor as well as Lowell H. Carlson's and Ian S. Wishart's, and

FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secretary present George with an appropriate signed and framed copy of this Resolution.

*Photo: Roast host/master of ceremonies Lee Soulé set the mood for the affair in hockey regalia, for protection if needed.*

*Photo: (From left to right) During the course of the evening's festivities, George Ford was the recipient of various recognitions from Soulé. Ralph Garcia presented George with a retirement pin; John Bradsher and George display the retirement certificate he received, and Jim Knox handed to George his first retirement check.*

*Photo: At left, Howard Soulé gifts George with a memento of the building named in his honor, and at right Stan Soulé wished the Fords "Bon voyage" on their gift trip.*

MEMENTOS OF THE PAST

Life ## is ## a ## Song ## to ## George

Here are some of the pictures from the photo montage that captivated everyone's attention at the retirement dinner for George Ford. Clockwise: George in his perennial pose leading group singing of the nostalgic "Alouette" at the annual Company picnic in 1948 at the Soulé ranch in Walnut Creek. Left corner shows Founder Edward Soulé, Sr., host of the affair.

On one of his trips to Saudi Arabia to set up Zamil-Soulé, George is shown here with Khalid Zamil, center, President of Zamil-Soulé, and Alan Soulé, right.

Under the watchful eye of the marlin that was later kidnapped, Ed Lesser, Jim Miller, George Ford, and Marshall Kolo pose prior to a Soulé history-making trip to Saudi Arabia as a prelude to setting up Zamil-Soulé.

In a famous pose with Japanese hosts, George was in Japan in 1972. He will always be remembered for his informal attire, hidden here by the Japanese ceremonial robe.

The familiar pose at his office desk is one in which George will be best remembered.

Rosalie Kotch pins a "I'm Helping" pin on George -a motto developed by Soulé during a campaign to help the Steel Building dealers.

Newark Hosts District Managers' Meeting

*Photo: As part of the continuing series of District Managers' Meetings, Newark hosted a group of eleven participants on April 18th, for the exchange of general information about each manager's long range plans. The meeting was followed by a tour of the Newark plant including the reinforcing bar fabricating facility. Included in the meeting were (left to right): Luke Hung, Newark Accounting; Ralph Garcia, San Francisco; Jerry Silva, Salt Lake City; Bill Lucas, Phoenix; Bob Gebauer, Newark Division Manager; Glen Gross, Stock Bar Product Manager; Jim Soulé, Newark Branch Manager; and Howard Soulé, Vice President, Administration, and Corporate Secretary.*

Hawaii Scene of Steel Builders Planning Meeting

Soulé Steel Buildings' annual dealer meeting complete with flower drop and luau was held in Hawaii March 10-12 at the Kauai Surf Hotel. The three-day conference followed the theme "Profit from Paradise," to show how changes and developments at Soulé are making the builders' job easier and more profitable.

The meeting was conducted by Gene Fuller, Soulé Manager of Dealer Development, with the opening address given by Edward Lee Soulé, Jr., Chairman of the Board. Mr. Soulé greeted the builders, discussed some of Soulé plans for the coming year and outlined the schedule of the three-day program. Presentations by various Soulé management personnel discussed current activity in Computer Services, Sales Service, Engineering, Manufacturing and Marketing Services departments.

Dr. Jim Tunney, President of the Institute for the Study of Motivation and Achievement and a noted National Football League referee, led a morning seminar on employee motivation and improving the organizational environment. The discussion, entitled "Here's to the Winners," gave builders ideas on how to improve their personal and business lives.

Highlighting the conference was Soulé's annual awards banquet hosted by William Phillips, General Manager for the Buildings Division, to honor the accomplishments of Soulé builders during 1979.

Mary Estrada Selected Super Secretary

The nicest kind of bouquet: a day off, was given to Mary Estrada, secretary in the San Francisco office, in recognition of National Secretaries' Week. She was nominated by her fellow employees as an outstanding secretary with superior abilities, and was replaced for her day off by a substitute from Manpower services.

Elsie Kopfmann Retires

*Photo: Honoree at two parties was Elsie Kopfmann whose office farewell was held on April 30th (onlookers are Prem Lutwick and Adrian Carpentier above) with presents and refreshments, and the official retirement luncheon at Bertolucci's Restaurant on April 23rd, attended (l to r) by Howard Soulé, Stanley Soulé, the happy Elsie, and Lee Soulé, (below).*

Quality Control Department Formed at Carson

A new Quality Control Department has been formed at the Steel Mill Operations, headed up by James (Jim) Lutz as Manager.

The formation of the Quality Control Department is the direct result of Carson's commitment to develop into a producer of "Special Bar Quality" products, in which QC plays a vital role.

In his position Jim works closely with the Melt Shop and Rolling Mill Departments.

Formerly with USS in Torrance as Supervisor of Metallurgical, Chemical & Physical Testing Labs, Jim received his BS degree at Iowa University.

HERE'S 1,000 WORDS Is this big smile worth 1,000 words? George Woods, Steel Buildings, S.F., thinks so! It's Little Miss Alice Huyler, his granddaughter, born in January at a healthy 7 lbs. 12 oz., to Peggy and Bob Huyler.

NATIONAL ACCOUNTS REPRESENTATIVE Los Angeles' new National Accounts Representative is Bob Ehlers, who joins Robert Weyand, Director of National Accounts, and Otis Gravem, in the San Francisco office, in the development of sales to major companies.

FRIENDLY VOICE IN L.A. Deanna Rosser has been promoted to Senior Secretary, transferring from the Sales Service Department, and will answer your calls to Frank Burke, Bill Phillips, and Rosalie Kotch.

Facts From Fresno June Grads Terri Bishop, daughter of John Bishop, Fresno Detailer, from Clark Intermediate in Clovis. John Fain, son of Bob Fain, Sr., Fresno Field Supervisor, from Clark Intermediate School in Clovis. Kathy Heinrichs, daughter of Walter Heinrichs, Fresno District Manager, from Cal State U in Fresno in December '79 with a B.A. in Speech Communications. Congrats all Grads!

Wedding Belle It was a happy day for the Walt Heinrichs family when Walt (Fresno District Manager) proudly gave away his daughter, Kathy, in marriage to Steve Wiest on May 31st at the Butler Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church in Fresno. The Wiests honeymooned in California and toured four missions. They are now at home in Frenso.

New Bundle Marsha and Dennis Dunlavy, Fresno Ironworkers Foreman, are the proud parents of Joshua Ryan born May 29th and weighing in at a robust 8 lbs. 13 oz. Congrats!

Vacationers Ben Wilkes, Sr., Supervisor of Estimating & Engineering, and Al Parret, Detailer, are vacationing this month at Avila Beach ... fishing, golfing, and clamming, on their annual excursion. Golf and fish scores to come.

Sports Afield Fresno Detailers in the St. James Episcopal Church League are Manny Regalado, John Bishop, and Wally Duniec; Ironworkers are Merle Ward, Terry Burrious, and Benny Wilkes, Jr., for the Fresno Pirates City of Fresno AA Fast-Pitch League. Ben Wilkes, Sr., Estimating and Engineering District Supervisor, is head coach for the latter. At last tally, teams have nowhere to go but up. Volleyballer is Wally Duniec, Fresno Detailer, for the S & T Turkey Farms in the Power Volleyball League (a bunch of turkeys?), and on off nights Wally bowls for Team No. 10 (of 10 teams) for the Friendly Foursome Mixed Jubilee League.

In Sympathy While playing catcher for St. James Episcopal Church on May 5th, Manny Regalado caught the ball in a play for home plate and the runner was OUT ... and so is Manny, for the rest of the season at least. Manny fell and broke the tendons in his right thumb, and is recuperating at home after a short stay in the hospital. (But you can still jog, Manny?)

Ironworkers Training Walter Heinrichs, Fresno District Manager, represented the Field Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Program at the First Annual Western States and Western Canada Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Conference in Portland, Oregon, on June 11-13. He is Chairman of the JAC Committee in the Fresno District.

WELCOME ABOARD

Los Angeles Employees

Photo: Romelda Logan Senior Clerk Typist Purchasing, L.A.

Photo: Nancy C. Moody Jr. Detailer Engineering, L.A.

Photo: Ian Robertson Financial Manager Zamil-Soulé

Photo: Deanna Rosser Sr. Secretary Administration, L.A.

Photo: Karen H. Stark Sr. Secretary Marketing Services, L.A.

Carson Employees

Photo: Frances A. Ardis Sr. Secretary Pers. Acctg., Carson

Photo: Barbara Lawrence Industrial Nurse Employee Relations, Carson

Photo: Jeffery Lyon Detailer Trainee Reinf. Eng., Carson

Photo: Michelle Margeson Senior Clerk Employee Relations, Carson

Photo: John Strand Computer Operator Pers. Acctg., Carson

Photo: Andrew Valle Detailer Trainee Reinf. Eng., Carson

Happy 204th Birthday

Let us not forget why our country was founded and that we are a free nation of free individuals.

It is a time for us to be grateful for all that our country stands for, as well as for our personal associations.

In celebrating the Fourth with our families and friends, let's all reflect with them upon the true meaning of Independence Day.

Happy Fourth of July! Stanley Soulé, President

SUMMER 1980 SOULÉ NEWS Published Quarterly by the SOULÉ STEEL COMPANY 1910 Olympic Boulevard Suite 151 Walnut Creek, California 94596

HOWARD SOULÉ Editor In Chief BARBARA BURNHAM Carson

SHERRYL HAAS Editor, Hqs. JO DAVIS Fresno

JOHN ROGACHENKO Los Angeles JANET NEUBERT Newark

NANCI BLYTH Sacramento

FURMAN DAVIS Phoenix PAULINE WALLEN San Francisco

MARGERY VAN DUSEN Salt Lake City