1971: THE CHOICES WE MAKE

Over these 20 or so years, many of my acquaintances asked me what I did as a career before I retired. The answer lies in the scan above. It is a treasured bit of ephemera from my "NOSTALGIA" folder. It was the company to whom I gave my entire career way back in 1952 when I went to work as a driver for the Trenton Bearings Company, 1812 North Olden Avenue in Ewing Township. At the time the company was owned by Mr. Edward C. Gainsborg who was a very talented mechanical engineer who worked for the Roller Bearing Company of America, then located on Whitehead Road in Hamilton. Mr. Gainsborg took a liking to me and set me on the road to being a telephone salesman. When he passed on, his son Edward R. Gainsborg took over the business. In the early 1960's, young Ed worked a financial deal with the Messrs Charles E. Brown and Albert J. Tobias to acquire the New Brunswick branch of the company. I was asked to come along with the new owners, along with my fellow inside salesman, Bill Kuestner. BAD DECISION! Even with the heady title of "Secretary," and "Treasurer," we found out too late that the company was doomed to failure. For a while back there in the 1970's, we were doing quite well. But alas, as the principles aged and retired, the business was handed over not to the two remaining and more experienced "employees," but to their sons; one of whom thought our sales methods were not in line with his vision of doing business. Bottom line: Chapter 11 and a takeover by a competitor. Ultra bottom line: After 40-plus years, Tom Glover retired with no pension, no hospitalization, not even a gold plated Timex watch. However, as the saying goes, "when one door closes, another opens." So at the age of 78 going on 79, thanks to the many wonderful people I have met since retiring in the early 90's, along with the help of my God, I am happily pursuing a second career and hope to continue as long as the Lord gives me the ability to function.

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

ATTA BOY TOM, BELIEVE ME WE ALL HAD TO COME BACK FROM SOMETHING THAT SPELLED DOOM. THAT'S LIFE AND WE ALL TRY TO SURVIVE. BEST WISHES AND I'M SURE YOU'LL SUCCEED.

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Lee Belardino said...

Tommy:
Tough break. You deserved much much better. Thank GOD you are blessed with a terrific family and made of the toughest stock around. I consider that to be one of your finest traits and one of my trusted buddies. Your well on your way with career number 2.

Your pal
Lee

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Thanks Lee and Ralph: You are living proof that "old friends are the best friends."

Tom

Michael said...

Tom:

Now I understand.

Happy Easter

Mike Kuzma

Friday, April 06, 2012

THANKS, MIKE. HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOURS.

TOM