Zach, Froggy 102.7:
We’re talking with the president and CEO of Thor industries, Bob Martin, about ADEC. And can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to know about ADEC?
Bob Martin:
Well, I’m from the local area. So I grew up probably three miles to the east of ADEC. And I went to grade school in Bristol at Bristol elementary. And so when I was on the bus every day for about four years, I would pass ADEC and just living in such close proximity, really all of my life. Um, I’ve just been kind of drawn to, you know, ADEC and what they’re about. And then, you know, as I’ve gotten older is more, how can I help? Uh, we also, we have some friends that, you know, they, that family that are involved in ADEC, as clients and we just, we see all the good work that they do and my wife and I, and my family have really enjoyed just being a part of it and helping in any way possible.
Zach, Froggy 102.7:
This is the third year for Picture Possibilities, ADEC annual fundraiser and you and THOR have been the presenting sponsor for all three years. So what do you enjoy about these partnership opportunities and why do you think it’s important?
Bob Martin:
For, for me and for Thor? It’s really, it’s one of our core beliefs at THOR is being part of the community. And for me, growing up here in Elkhart in the Bristol area, you know, as a person, as a family, as a company, you really need to be engaged in the community. Rather than just, you know, focusing on business. I mean, we do have factories, you know, two minutes from here in Bristol, but we have 200 throughout the country and we try to engage in those communities as well. But for me, this has always just been one that’s special that I, I just remember seeing it all of my life and for the company it’s been a good one to get behind. And it is, it’s definitely one of these, these feel good, you know, opportunities that we have to really, you know, see people grow and to see them, you know, flourish and, and, you know, the artwork that I’ve watched them do. You know, for several years we challenged them to paint some RVs and that artwork is up in my office as we speak and they were very creative and for us, it was very special to see that. So I think that’s, what’s drawn us into the Picture Possibilities.
Zach, Froggy 102.7:
That’s amazing. And you guys, um, being a worldwide company and, and also focusing on here at home with an organization like ADEC is one of the really cool things. And I think that, you know, as we go forward in, in the, uh, the coming months and years and stuff, I think it speaks volumes to who you guys are as an industry and what you do for, um, for the community. So thank you for that.
Bob Martin:
Yeah, no, that, I mean, this, this goes back. I just remembered, even beyond that, I know it was at the ADEC Ball. We had an Airstream trailer that was painted and then auctioned off. That’s where Airstreams made in Ohio, but it was the first company that THOR ever bought. And so that iconic brand that went for a very good price in the auction with custom paint from the crew here at ADEC was, was pretty cool.
Zach, Froggy 102.7:
ADEC works to introduce and integrate individuals with disabilities, into our local community, providing opportunities for their benefit, but also to benefit the community. So how do you think employment and inclusion for those with disabilities improves our community?
Bob Martin:
Yeah, and that’s definitely, that’s a, a thing that we’ve been focused even more upon at our, at our company, you know, being a public company, uh, diversity and inclusion is something that I think just makes a company better. If you, you know, invite people from all walks of life, into your company and to work, it just, it rounds everybody out. So I think for us, we’re looking at, you know, people from other areas of the country, diverse, you know, ethnicity, and then disabilities just one, one more piece that, really just brings a different perspective to the company. And for us, I, I think it just makes the company even better.
Zach, Froggy 102.7:
What do you wish more people knew about ADEC and its programs and about Thor and their relationship with ADEC?
Bob Martin:
For me, it’s eye opening, you know, when I drive by or when you come out, I mean, it’s, very interesting. It’s, it’s a beautiful facility. They have the coffee shop, you know, you can stop in and, and grab a coffee and a snack. You know, I think it’s open almost every day. Uh, but you know, there are just things back here that people don’t realize. Uh, and for me, when you go through the facility and you get to, to meet many of the people that are here working, you know, the employees, but also, the people that are here, you know, helping out, it just, it’s, it kind of warms your heart. And as I’ve heard, many of the, the workers that are here, they just, they get joy from working with, you know, everyone here and, and they’re, you know, getting a hug from someone it just kind of puts joy in your heart. And so for me, it’s, just kind of a way for us as a company to give back and help ADEC do, you know, things even better for a longer period of time and just to bring more joy to everybody.
Zach, Froggy 102.7:
Yeah, right there, you just mentioned something about how ADEC is just a, a great place to be. And I think that’s a focus for a lot of companies right now is just having a really great culture for the employees and clients and those alike. And I think that you’ll find that here with ADEC, just ‘cause they’re such a great organization.
Bob Martin:
It definitely does. I mean that, that’s something that, you know, everybody needs to find a kind heart and, and here, as you go around, you see a lot of smiles, you see people that are creating things. And I do, I go back to the first year, we challenged people to create some artwork and I was simply amazed with what they did and people were happy with just with simple acts of kindness. And I think that’s what they’re, you know, doing here every single day. And I think as we can bring more people into the facility, the community, it just makes the world a better place.
