Hall of Fame--A Major Leaguer

It proved to be the right choice. Bracken remained a CSR for two years, then became plant manager in 1963, vice president of manufacturing in 1964 and president in 1975. Mission accomplished, but it was hardly a happily-ever-after proposition.

"In 1975 when I became president, the company had ran into tough times," he recalls. "We worked for the bank the first couple of years, and that worked out well for us. I had a good relationship with Bob Danner, who was chairman of the board. With his help and with the employees' help, we made the company turn around quickly."