Dear Editor:
I read “Looking Back” which chronicled the career of NTTC President Cliff Harvison. It was excellent, and covered as many facets of his tenure as could reasonably be expected in a magazine interview.
We all admire and respect Cliff, and there is no doubt that his influence in Washington made all the difference in the world to the tank truck industry. Without such a voice, tankers would have been at the mercy of do-gooders and nitpickers who believe there is no cost associated with new regulations. Being in the oil business most of my life, I saw what can happen to high-visibility companies when they fail to speak up and tell their side of the story.
My only disappointment came when I saw no mention of management training. A casual remark about the young age of the management force was about it. Dick Cupka ran the fall Management Training Seminars at Notre Dame (later Purdue), and I was privileged to be one of his instructors for almost 15 years. During that time, I met and befriended hundreds of tanker management personnel. I haven't been a part of that entity for about four years, since it was taken over by Purdue staff when Dick decided to retire. I haven't had any contact with the staff, and Dick and I only talk "now and then," so I don't know what the new curriculum entails.
Dick was a most unusual guy on the platform; conversely, more reserved when out of the classroom. To know him is to love him. Our teaching styles and material differed, but I know from feedback I still get that we made a huge difference in the way managers think about — and interact with — the people who serve with them. I hope that same feeling emanates now that we have left.
I miss seeing old, and making new, friends each fall, but life moves on. I was pleased to see Tom Lynch "come home" to NTTC, and we had a nice email chat. I know that John Conley will carry on the great tradition of the organization with Tom, Fritz, and the staff at his side.
We wish many happy years of retirement for Cliff, and will continue to enjoy your magazine as well.
Walt Hadley, President
Walt Hadley Associates Inc
13304 Queen Palm Run
Fort Myers FL 33903
phone 239-218-4106