1961 is proving to be a very big year for the Nissen Trampoline Company, with visitors
arriving from near and far.
First, the Russian gymnasts toured through, followed closely by the Japanese. Last month, all of the Nissen sales representatives showed up to learn about the new products and now, the former Fred Medart sales group was in Cedar Rapids to meet their new owner...George Nissen.
Back Story:
Besides gymnastics apparatus, the 88-year old Medart brand handled all types ofgymnasium equipment, mats and a variety of P.E. education supplies. Nissen Co.
was positioning itself to be ready to sell a full range of gymnasium equipment
to schools across the country, who in turn were expanding their facilities to handle
the first wave of Baby Boomers just reaching school age.
One interesting fellow who walked in through the front door was professional trampoline performer, Dick Albershardt! He was making quite a name for himself on the show circuit, and had a special request for my father: his current 5' x 10' trampoline had become too cumbersome for overseas travel. George Nissen's solution? He produced a frame that could be broken down into 14 separate pieces, and could fit into 7 suitcases to be shipped anywhere and...quickly rebuilt by Dick before each show!
A growing business needs more employees...and so many were coming on board folks were having a hard time recognizing each other!
Here's a little good humor from the women in the Sewing Room who, "Sew the frame pads for people who miss the bed!"
A page of Nissen employee "newsy-news."
Gone are the days when employee's vacation locations are published in the company newsletter. Here we find 26 Nissen employees scattered around the USA and Canada!
Do these newsletters spark a memory? You are invited
to share your own stories and comments below.
______________________________________
"Nissen's - - a great place to work!"
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment! It will be posted soon.