I wonder what went through Bob Olson's mind at Winnebago Industries when he learned Bruce Hertzke was retiring at the end of May and that Olson was being tapped to fill Hertzke's position as the company's chairman and CEO.
I suspect he was giddy with excitement and enthused about the opportunity to lead a company with a rich industry tradition, well-recognized brand, exceptional products, strong dealer network and one of the healthiest bank accounts of any RV manufacturer.
Later that night, Olson may have been laying in bed and staring wide-eyed at the ceiling in a cold sweat after coming to grips with the job he was inheriting.
There are a few living legends in the RV industry -- and Bruce Hertzke is certainly one of them. As president of the RV Industry Association, he was instrumental in piloting RVIA through the best years the industry has seen in a generation. He applied that same skill to Winnebago where the company has shown a positive number on every balance sheet as long as I've been involved in the RV industry.
Under Hertzke's leadership, Winnebago Industries was a premier partner in the Go RVing Campaign, the RV Learning Center and the RV/MH Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2006. The company has invested heavily in the industry and, consequently, yielded a tremendous return on that investment in terms of respect and loyalty.
His ascension to the top of one of America's greatest companies is inspiring. Hertzke has an associate's degree in accounting from a community college. He started working on the production line at Winnebago until something opened up in the front office. Through persistent effort, dedication and a genuine Midwestern work ethic, Hertzke was elevated to the top of the company based on his character and performance, not a conniving plan to claw his way into power.
Hertzke thinks he's a fisherman, often boasting about the 54-inch, 40-pound muskie he once caught. Rumor has it that, in retirement, he might try netting real fish that actually know how to put up a fight, like yellow fin tuna, tarpon, shark and swordfish.
I've met Bob Olson before, but I was surprised to learn recently that he, too, started with Winnebago Industries by working on the production line. Bob's a man of great character,and I'm sure he'll have no problem leading Winnebago forward for many years to come. He's got great ideas and, like Hertzke, a personality that leaves people begging to help him achieve his plans and goals.
Yet, he'll face several challenges. First and foremost is keeping the company profitable in a down market. Second, is maintaining the legendary innovation that keeps Winnebago tops in its market. Finally, he'll constantly have to prove himself while being compared to the successful older brother or first-string quarterback. Knowing Hertzke's legacy, that may be the hardest job of all.