John Mize looks back in gratitude
John H. Mize says he plans to continue to visit the Blish Mize office, even after he retires from active management later this year. But after May 31, the Atchison, Kan.-based hardware distributor will enter a new chapter.
Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board John Mize, plans to retire from active management after 56 years on the job
“I look back on our almost-150-year history and feel gratitude to so many customers who have shown their faith in our employees and our company,” says Mize, executive chairman and chairman of the board.
Mize started full-time at the company after college in 1962 and held sales territories in Colorado and Nebraska. He was later promoted to field sales manager and traveled the company's entire servicing area.
“My forte was salesmanship, marketing, and being in contact with others. I have never met a stranger, so to speak," he said. "I am still deeply committed to the prosperity of the business, but I never permitted myself to become solemn about it. We are a family-owned, employee-focused company, and we are extremely dedicated to our customers. I look back on our history and feel gratitude to so many who have shown their faith in us,” said Mize.
Mize held the Chairman, President & CEO position for around 35 years, and the company saw incredible growth and acquisitions under his leadership. “I’m aware of the opportunities I’ve been given, and I’m grateful to everyone I’ve worked with throughout my career. I saw success and had some challenges, and I also had a lot of fun.”
Mize will remain Chairman of the Board and plans on stopping by the office at least three times a week. He will continue to offer guidance to the office staff. "I feel good about the future of our business under our fifth-generation leadership, with Jonathan Mize as president and CEO, and our excellent executive team and staff.”
Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board John Mize, plans to retire from active management after 56 years on the job
“I look back on our almost-150-year history and feel gratitude to so many customers who have shown their faith in our employees and our company,” says Mize, executive chairman and chairman of the board.
Mize started full-time at the company after college in 1962 and held sales territories in Colorado and Nebraska. He was later promoted to field sales manager and traveled the company's entire servicing area.
“My forte was salesmanship, marketing, and being in contact with others. I have never met a stranger, so to speak," he said. "I am still deeply committed to the prosperity of the business, but I never permitted myself to become solemn about it. We are a family-owned, employee-focused company, and we are extremely dedicated to our customers. I look back on our history and feel gratitude to so many who have shown their faith in us,” said Mize.
Mize held the Chairman, President & CEO position for around 35 years, and the company saw incredible growth and acquisitions under his leadership. “I’m aware of the opportunities I’ve been given, and I’m grateful to everyone I’ve worked with throughout my career. I saw success and had some challenges, and I also had a lot of fun.”Mize will remain Chairman of the Board and plans on stopping by the office at least three times a week. He will continue to offer guidance to the office staff. "I feel good about the future of our business under our fifth-generation leadership, with Jonathan Mize as president and CEO, and our excellent executive team and staff.”