Employee Spotlight: Honoring Bob Gobble, Our Dedicated Sales Representative, on His Retirement!
In this installment of our exclusive interview series, we’re thrilled to introduce Bob Gobble! Bob has been a dedicated outside sales representative since 2017 and will retire at this year’s end. We’ll dive deeper into his role and uncover some facts about him, including what he loves about the job and what he’s looking forward to in retirement.
Meet Bob!
What is the biggest thing you’ll remember from working at Industrial Repair Service?
A family atmosphere. We all seem to help each other regardless of how well we are doing. Everyone wants every other person to succeed.
How do you handle life’s challenges?
Be yourself. Don’t try to be something you’re not, and you will succeed. No doesn’t mean no, it just means not right now. Listen to what people have to say and address it. It’s not always about you. Don’t force things, your time will come.
What is something you’re looking forward to doing in retirement?
We have already planned a two-week trip to Hawaii in May and June of 2025 to spend time with a long-time friend who lives on the Big Island. Spending more time with our granddaughter in Arizona. I am getting my honey-do list complete, which will take a while. I am enjoying time with my wife, knowing we will never be rushed again and can do whatever we want.
How has Industrial Repair Service impacted your life since joining us in 2017?
It has made me realize that working for a great company, they have your back versus always looking behind you. Also, the work you’re doing is always appreciated.
What advice would you give to someone nearing retirement?
Get your house in order. Pay off everything, get all repairs done that’s needed, buy what you need and want. Then sit back, relax and enjoy.
How do you feel as you get closer and closer to retiring? Has it “hit” you that you’re really about to retire?
I’ve thought about it, but it has yet to hit the ground. I will miss my colleagues and the everyday interaction with my customers. I will worry about my replacement, wondering if he’s doing a great job in caring for the customers I have worked with for over thirteen and a half years.
What did you enjoy most about your job?
Trying to make Mike Yard smile. The challenge on hitting my numbers every month. Customer interaction and the trust they had in me when asked to help them troubleshoot their problems at times.
Which customers/locations will you miss visiting the most?
Each customer/location has a different quality; you can’t say it is better or worse than the others. Just making an appointment with me was something to look forward to.
What advice would you give to someone entering your almost former field?
Be humble. Listen to what the customer has to say and take care of them. It’s not about you, it’s about them. When you have mastered that, then they will want to hear about you and teach you what they know. Don’t lie; tell them that if you don’t know, but find out what they are asking and get back to them. Always have a smile, even if it’s hard to do. Eventually, they will end up somewhere else, and it will benefit you by picking up another account and then referring you to someone else.
As Bob embarks on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions to our team, and we wish him a long, happy, and fulfilling retirement!