Contributed by Larry Loomis, Specialist, Order Management, 33 years

Early Beginnings in Sunnyvale

When I first joined R.S. Hughes, I was lucky enough to start in Sunnyvale, California. Being surrounded by incredible veterans like Ken McCormick, Pete Biocini and Dennis Branagh was an extraordinary experience. My time in Sunnyvale was marked by memorable interactions with these pioneers. Colleagues weren’t just colleagues – they were mentors and friends who offered invaluable advice and support. That’s just not something you see in other companies nowadays.

I always feel like we had a bit of an advantage back then in Sunnyvale because it was an excellent opportunity to build relationships with the higher-ups. Having the company president, Bob McCollum, in that office was a unique experience. Bob was always personable with everyone in the office.

I remember a day when Ken McCormick told me that Bob McCollum was outside waiting to take me to lunch. At that time, I’d only been with the company for a couple of months, so it was quite unexpected. Bob and I had a great lunch, and he took the time to get to know me, offering advice and showing genuine interest in my future. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about the company’s commitment to its employees.

Formative Mentorship in Chicago

Several years later, I took the knowledge I had learned from the Sunnyvale folks and moved over to the Chicago branch. There, I paired up with Joe Vargas, whose wealth of experience made him a tremendous partner.

It was inspiring to work alongside someone who had been in the industry for decades. His knowledge of the industry had such an impact on me as I tried to absorb all the information he had accrued through his years of work with R.S. Hughes. To this day, I still use some of the tips that Joe taught me.

Remembering Rich Umphrey

Rich Umphrey was another notable individual with whom I had the pleasure of working. Rich was a consummate professional and always had ideas on how best to move forward. His passing was a hard loss for not only the company but for me, personally, as a friend.

The way we all rallied around Rich and his family after his passing was a testament to the family-like values at R.S. Hughes. The company even paid for many people to attend his funeral in Atlanta, Georgia, showing just how deeply we care for our own.

Strengthening Bonds and Growing Into the Future

Reflecting on those moments, it’s clear that R.S. Hughes has always been about people and relationships. Both in Sunnyvale and Chicago, we’ve maintained strong ties with our vendors. It’s always been more than just business – it’s about building solid relationships. Even after retiring, many vendors still stay in touch, coming for regular visits and even joining our Christmas parties. This enduring connection is a testament to the positive environment we’ve fostered.

As the company moves forward with new leadership and technology, it’s exciting to see the direction we’re heading. It’s a mix of feeling grateful for where we’ve been, and excitement for where we’re going, watching the new generation take the vision of our founders and carry it to new heights. I’m looking forward to seeing how the company continues to grow and adapt as we forge a path into the future.