From Bob’s Desk: A time for reflection and transition

By Bob Bacon

Early November always holds special meaning for me, marking a time of reflection and gratitude. It was on November 9, 1971—53 years ago—that my father passed away at the young age of 37 after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer. He left behind my mother, Carolyn, to raise three boys: John, just 1½; Dan, 11; and me, 13. Despite this immense loss, we managed to persevere, supported by each other and the kindness of so many others along the way.

Eight years later, in 1979, I found my way to Elm. Not long after, I brought Dan and John along with me. Those early days at Elm were transformative. Bob Schmidt, Elm’s founder, fostered a culture of opportunity, ensuring there was always meaningful work to be done. His dedication to serving customers quickly and with high-quality solutions set the foundation for what Elm is today. Alongside Bob Houghton and Paul Asselin, who are still here, we worked tirelessly to build a company that thrived on collaboration and innovation.

Elm has given me more than just a career—it has been a journey filled with growth, mentorship, and countless opportunities. Over four decades, I have been fortunate to work with exceptional people who have taught and inspired me, shaping the leader I became. This culture of mentorship remains a cornerstone of Elm’s success.

As I reflect on these years, I also recognize that the time has come to pass the torch. After 24 years leading the company as its president, I feel confident that the next chapter for Elm is ready to be written. Together with Keith, Mike, and the board of directors, we’ve worked thoughtfully to identify a successor who embodies Elm’s values and vision—someone who can guide the company forward for the next 15 to 20 years.

It’s with great pride that I announce Tim Rzeszutek as Elm’s next president. Tim joined Elm in 2000 as an apprentice and has risen through the ranks over his 24 years, proving himself as a leader, technician, and innovator. His deep understanding of our business and his commitment to Elm’s core values make him the ideal person to take on this role.

Effective this December, Tim will assume the executive leadership of Elm. I will remain as Chairman of the Board and non-executive president, continuing to mentor and support Tim as he steps into this new chapter.

I am in good health and fortunate to be able to make this transition on my own terms. But early November always reminds me how precious time is, and I know the company’s future is in capable hands. The ESOP ownership transition is complete, our Elm Essentials have been articulated, and our next generation of leaders is ready to carry the torch.

To all of you—our team—I thank you for your dedication, integrity, and shared commitment to keeping Elm strong. Together, I am confident we will continue to move Elm forward, delivering skillful, rewarding work with safety, responsiveness, and reliability at our core. Thank you for making this journey one I will always treasure.