Bob Bickert, former president/owner and current managing director/business development of Crown Products LLC, announced his retirement April 1, 2013 after 18 years of exceptional leadership with the Mobile, Alabama-based supplier.
Bickert propelled Crown Products from a small, struggling company in 1996 to a well-respected supplier in the promotional industry. Within five years into Bickert’s leadership, the company made Inc. magazine’s list of fastest growing companies for two consecutive years. He did this by building Crown Products on a foundation of strong customer service and a “Whatever it Takes” philosophy—still the company’s motto today.
In 2005, EBSCO Industries acquired Crown Products, though Bickert remained an active leader within the company. “Bob’s achievement in this industry is extremely amazing; developing strong relationships with both customers and competitors,” said Bobby Wasden, vice president/general manager of Crown Products. “I told Bob that whenever I think of Crown, I will think of Bob Bickert. This will be shared by many; current and past employees, customers and the promotional products industry.”
Bickert said he is proud of Crown Products’ accomplishments and is looking forward to retirement, new challenges and new opportunities to help people.
“The company is in a very good state in terms of the management team, new products, and the ‘Whatever it Takes’ philosophy,” Bickert said. “This is a very good time for me to leave the organization to find some new opportunities to help people.
Bickert added, “However, I will miss all the wonderful employees at Crown and my many friends in the industry. It has been a great run.”
For more information, visit www.crownprod.com.
