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Where are former HIRA presidents now?  This is section is a series of “where are our x-H.I.R.A. Presidents now" Interviews:

Third to be interviewed: Brad Jones

Where are you now and briefly what is going on?

Still in Haddonfield - Retired. I play a lot of golf and do some volunteer work.

Do you remember your first H.I.R.A. (H.E.A.R.) meeting?

I went to the very first meeting of H.I.R.A. in New Orleans. It was not too well organized and held in conjunction with the old ASTA.

Why did you join H.I.R.A.?

Networking. Meeting other reps from across the country and to improve my business knowledge.

Do you remember who was at your first meeting?

Lee Walters, Ted Braun, Chuck Drago, Bill Shepard, names out of the past

Was H.I.R.A. good for you and how did you benefit from being a member?

I met some great people and expanded my outlook on the rep business.

What H.I.R.A. member best influenced you?

Marv Stevens and Bill Shepard

Name one event or situation you remember.

Being program chairman for the San Diego meeting

Would you recommend people to join H.I.R.A.?

Yes.

In your opinion what makes one to be a successful rep?

Hard work - Constant follow up with customers - Self confidence in self to work independently

Second to be interviewed: Ross Rankin

I am here recovering from the latest of the four recessions I have experienced since 1975. The good news is that the medical business has begun its recovery and I have great hopes for 2010 and beyond. I am older, not much wiser, and intrigued every day by the twists and turns the health care industry has taken during my career. I believe that the complexity of the purchasing process, especially in hospitals, has left the customer with fewer choices and much less innovation. I still love what I do and will continue as long as it remains interesting, profitable, and fun.

Do you remember your first HIRA meeting?

This first one I clearly remember (although we have been to most of them) was in Las Vegas when I was the conference chair. There was a feeling in the late ‘70’s that everything was possible and growth was a given.

Do you remember who was at your first HIRA meeting?

John Rankin, Dal Macon, Marv Stevens, John Boravicca, Dal Vann

Why did you join HIRA?

(HEAR) The rep industry needed a structure. My Dad John Rankin had been supportive of the previous attempts to form an organization. I particularly wanted to establish agreements between manufacturers and representatives to formalize the relationship. I believe through my efforts and the work of many others Agreements have become the standard in the industry.

Was HIRA good for you and how did you benefit from being a member?

Yes, particularly as a result of the long standing relationships with other reps. I have given to and received from many lines from my “Buddies” throughout the years. I cherish the great friends I have made over the years in HIRA.

What HIRA member best influenced you?

Sam Say, who was President before me and is now a manufacturer. His integrity and ability to conduct Board meetings was exceptional.

Name one event you remember at a HIRA meeting?

The YMCA song when John Beck became President. Also the harmonica serenade from Dale Vann in AZ. Also having my kids give me a Burger King Paper crown when I became President. I also fondly remember when my wife Lyn Dee Rankin became President and knowing that she would “organize and straighten out” the boys on the board.

What and how are you doing now?

I am working every day, enjoying my family and my new Granddaughter, making some wine on the side, flying, and looking for the next great line.

First to be interviewed: Harold Pate

Harold, do you remember your first H.I.R.A. meeting?

Yes, it was called H.E.A.R. at that time.  I really cannot remember where it was held but I believe it was around 1972.

Do you remember who was at your first meeting?

I remember Stan Prichard, Bob Elliott, Lee Pruitt, Dal Macon, Bill Strible, Bill Sheppard, Lee Walters and of course Marve Stevens.  All very successful people in this business.

Why did you join H.I.R.A.?

The main reason was because Lee Pruitt keep calling and asking me to join.  To get him off my back my partner, George Sargent, and I decided to join.  It was one of the best decisions we ever made.

Was H.I.R.A. good for you and how did you benefit from being a member?

Yes, it was good.  It brought all of the reps together.  We were able to build relationships and network with each other.  H.I.R.A. (H.E.A.R.) was the first organization that had all the reps interest at heart.  It was organized to help us be successful.

What H.I.R.A. member best influenced you?

Without a doubt, Dal Macon and Lee Walters.  They were such gentlemen and always willing to talk and give advice.  They seemed so comfortable in what they were doing.  And, they had an “air” about them of being successful.

Name one event you remember at an H.I.R.A. meeting.

It had to do with golf and Lamar Lester, Sr.  It seems that Lamar drove his golf ball into a screened in porch of a condo.  A gentleman and his wife were sitting in the porch and when Lamar arrived he asked the gentleman for his golf ball.  The gentleman picked up the ball and threw it into the pool and said “let’s see you knock it out of there”.  Lamar said you keep that one and then dropped another ball in the guy’s back yard and took a divot when he hit it out of the yard.  Lamar did not wait around for the guys comment.

Would you join H.I.R.A. again?

Yes, mainly for the relationships that were built during my time as a member.

What and how are you doing now?

I still represent one line….Gaymar and love having only one line to please.  I do miss the challenge of keeping all the lines managers happy.