Barry Phillips witnessed the end of an era as plant manager for the last Farmall plant. He had spent 26 years with International Harvester when the plant closed.
Phillips became part of a new era when he joined struggling Gradall Industries Inc. in 1985 and became CEO in 1995. Gradall is a leading manufacturer of hydraulic excavators and material handlers.
Under Phillips’ leadership, the company has done all of the heavy lifting needed to once again become competitive. It has developed 14 new products, targeted niche markets, improved the manufacturing process by following a “continuous improvement” strategy, increased distributor support and expanded the service parts division.
Phillips says having a vision and “good people around you” is necessary for success as an entrepreneur “because visions cannot be fulfilled with one person.”
“It’s important to create an atmosphere where people can work well together. And you have to be willing to let people make mistakes and not tear them apart for it. You have to surround yourself with people and encourage them to grow because when they grow, the company grows.
