After 21 years at TVF and more than three decades in the textile industry, Senior Sales Consultant Terry Smith is retiring. Terry arrived at TVF after 11 years as a purchasing agent at a cold air inflatable manufacturer (and TVF customer). His sales training came on the job at TVF.
“What Robert Hinsch (TVF’s current vice president of business development) saw in me back in the ‘80s to get him to hire me is something I’ve always appreciated,” Terry said. “The times we spent in the ‘90s (were memorable). We’d fly to the Pacific Northwest visiting customers and going to trade shows together… I’ve sure enjoyed those trips because I’ve learned so much from him.”
Outside of work, Terry is a man of many interests, including woodworking, tiki culture, and bicycling. In the summer of 2009, Terry accomplished his dream of riding across the country on his bicycle, a feat you can read about at crazyguyonabike.com/terrysmith. His riding has been limited of late, but in retirement, he might “get on the bike and see how far I can go.”
TVF became 100% employee-owned in 2010 and Terry says the financial security the ESOP has helped him build without any effort on his part is “huge.”
What’s next for Terry? “Cleaning out my garage,” he joked. Terry says he’s been toying around with the idea of getting a Sprinter van and lightly decking it out for road trips with his wife, Bernadette. Perhaps additional travel to Alaska for a cruise, road trips from California to Florida, and visits with family.
Terry’s lasting message: “Do what you say you’re going to do – once you verbalize it, follow through, so you don’t look silly.” Cheers, Terry Smith. Enjoy retirement and we’re grateful for your time at TVF.
