August 4, 2016 Jennifer Calhoon : 0 Comments
The e-book tells the history of Rotor Clip and its founder, Robert Slass, against the backdrop of US economic history during the decades following World War II. From Eisenhower’s approval of a super highway system to connect the country (and stimulate the economy during a rather nasty recession) in the 1950’s to the push to expand globally, the book traces Rotor Clip’s route to becoming a successful manufacturer in the retaining ring industry.
It is also an affirmation of American entrepreneurism, as a young Bob Slass rolled up his sleeves and did it all to grow the small manufacturing business he opened in Farmingdale, New York, in 1957. He designed and built the dies, repaired broken down machinery and manned all of the other operations needed to produce and ship his parts.
He was also his company’s sole salesman, driving around the country (often sleeping in his car and shaving in public rest rooms) introducing Rotor Clip to industrial America. One of his first calls was the Chevrolet Division in Cleveland, Ohio.
“They made transmissions at this Chevy Division and were very glad to find another source for retaining rings,” Bob later recalled. According to the buyer, his current supplier’s work force had gone on strike cutting off deliveries of retaining rings.
“He told me, ‘Son, I couldn’t buy these rings for love of money,’” Bob said. “Then he shook (…)
