Ron Wise

How long have you worked at Hytrol? I’ve been here 40 years plus. In June, it’ll be 41 years. 

Summarize what you do at Hytrol. I’m listed as a CNC Programmer, but I just program different machines like the lasers. Also, CNC punch presses and ADM machine that’s back in tool & die. I’ve also done some mill and lathe programming before too. I’ve been doing that since probably about 1998. 

What was it that drew you to Hytrol? There was a guy that worked here that I had known since about 5th grade. He went to Jonesboro, I went to Nettleton. Milton Harbison, who used to work here. He called me and told me that they had contacted him. They called me, I came in here, interviewed, and I’ve been here ever since. 

What has the experience been like for you here? I came here and started working in punch press. It seems like Hytrol’s the only place I’ve known that a person could come in off the street and work their way up. I know people that started out at the washer that used to be out here that are now bosses up front. You can do whatever you want to do. 

How would you describe Hytrol to someone who had never heard of it? I’d tell them it’s a family business here in Jonesboro that’s been here since the mid-60s. When my dad had a barber shop over here in Nettleton, I remember a guy named Bob Wortham that used to work at Hytrol. He came in and was talking about Hytrol and how they would have a fair in front of the company. Talking about how good it was. As a kid, that drew me in right then. I’ve always heard that Hytrol was a good place to work. 

Can you share a meaningful moment where you needed help or had to work hard to overcome a challenge? The job I do is straight across the board. There were some challenges. One time, one of the bosses came and asked me if I could do the Top Six award. That’s how I started the sign making business which is my hobby here now. I have that besides the manufacturing I do. Whatever I’m called on, whoever wants a sign, I try my best to get it done. 

How has Hytrol helped with your professional development? I think if I had been somewhere else, I would’ve always been stuck in the same job. Here at Hytrol, you can go as far as you want to go. 

What was it like for you to receive the Tower of Strength Award? Well, I got to do that myself! I probably could’ve retired before then, but I thought, if I’m going to make it this far, might as well get that golden ticket. Although I’ve made 55 of those signs, it seems like it’s slowing down a bit. There was a time I was doing 4 or 5 a year. I’ve done every one of them. Since Mr. Loberg all the way to the most recent. 

Do you have any memories or stories? The group of guys I work with are just like brothers. I work with them every day. I see them more than I do my family. They are my family I guess you could say. 

What was it like working with Tom Loberg? He was just a down to earth guy. I could see him at Wal-Mart, him and his wife, and they’d say hi, just like they actually knew me. I remember one day, we had a cafeteria down on this end, and Donnie Cooks said, “Can you still jump up on the table flat-footed?” Tom said, “I sure can!” He moved a few things out of his pocket and Tom jumped up on the table. He was in his 70s then. On one of the lunchroom tables, he just jumped up on it. 

Complete this statement: When I think of Hytrol, I think of _______. Family. I do work with these guys every day. I see people come in the office there, we’re kind of in a little cubby hole back there, but we still see the same people every day. That’s family.