You will search in vain, through the pantheon of sales leaders in the truss industry, for an equal to Richard H. Marriott. You will find contenders, like Charlie Harnden or Dave Chambers, though they left us too soon. You will find a handful of other 40 year veterans, like Dick, but none who have possessed his skills. And none who are so universally recognized in our industry.
Dick piloted MiTek through turbulent times and always brought us to safe landings, just as he did through Vietnam, albeit onto the deck of an aircraft carrier; just as he did through the Great Recession, assuring the roaring recovery of our machinery business.
Dick led MiTek to the top of our industry, just as he had led Hall of Famer Gary Weaver to the 4-mile-high summit of Mt. Aconcagua. But, he began with us, humbly, through a cold call in the trailer office of a Virginia truss plant. Though he was unable to crack the account, the outspoken owner there, Keen Dobyns, was so impressed that he recommended Dick to us, and we quickly recognized his worth. That’s the kind of impression Dick makes.
When he greets you for the first time, you’ll feel a close connection, like you’ve known the man forever. He’ll remember your name, and something about you, many years hence. He’ll treat you as an equal, no matter your station in life.
Though he will leave behind a team of professionals when he departs at year end, there will never be another Dick Marriott. And he deserves all of our best wishes for a wonderful second life. Look for many more accolades to follow.