Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Hats Off to Harold Judson Norman, Jr. 30 years


This was our first (used) John Deere riding lawn mower. This is what Norman looked like 30 years ago. When he went for his interview he wore a green sports coat with white top stitching and yellow linen pants. Mustaches were not suppose to be worn at that time however he never shaved his. He was called Hal when he worked in Moline but when he moved back to the south everyone called him Harold. He was required to wear a coat and tie for many, many years. His beginning salary was $19,999.

4 comments:

sara jackson said...

I LOVE these pictures!! Congratulations daddy we are so proud of you!!

Luke said...

Dad!!Ok let me start by saying that in all seriousness I am really proud of you. I can only hope that I have the discipline and integrity that you have carried throughout your career! I have been fortunate to go to a few of the John Deere functions and have seen/heard the way your peers immensely respect you. Impressive!!! Now on to more important issues, such as this picture. I am no blogger but I believe that an entire blog could be started just off the insanity of this picture. First , where was this picture taken? There is NO background which leads me to believe this was “professionally” done. Professional? HA more like “Glamour shots by Deb”-“That is going to turn out really nice”. Nice indeed. Everytime I see this picture I have a morphing visualization of Adolph Hitler, a Pilgrim and a Hippy. Of course John Deere hired him after seeing him in this outrageous outfit. He had all the qualities. Hitler complex-great public speaker, able to convince large crowds to buy into what he is selling. (Thank goodness it was just tractors). I mean look at that piercing stare. No bluff in those eyes. Son when I say buy tractor you buy a tractor!! Pilgrim complex- great negotiators!!! Trained by the Indians they knew he had to be an agricultural genius. Then later he would be able to eliminate the competition. I don’t know maybe put Case, Bush Hog, Ford on a reservation where they can go gamble on which one would be the most unsuccessful. Hippy complex (pending a drug test)- they new his favorite color would be GREEN. My only concern is that they got you WAY to cheap!!! 19,999 what is that? Were you a prize on “The Price is Right” or QVC? Like I said I could write a book on this picture you know Maybe focusing on the agricultural and economic impact photographs (looks like taken in the 18th century) had on fortune 500 companies. However, as i sit in this Panera bread laughing hysterically, I have drawn attention from a few kids at surrounding tables who have become upset when catching a glimpse of this ruthless Business Warrior!!

P.S. Dad’s key to marital bliss and business success lies in his mustache. Never reveal your entire face it shows weakness!!

ma said...

Hey Luke, the man in the first picture is the one we agreed to be our daughters husband. You got a GREAT DAD. You should wirte a book. LOVE YOU. See you Saturday. ma

Pat said...

Where did you"ll come up with this pic. I don'T ever remember seeing this . He does sorta look like one of those ole timee cowboys.