John F. Schulte
Machine Tool Builder
Machine Tool Distributor
John F. Schulte
Machine Tool Builder
Machine Tool Distributor
John's favorite quote: You can’t do today’s job, with yesterday’s tools and be in business tomorrow.
John was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended St. Marks Elementary School and Purcell High School in Cincinnati.
John married his wife Trudy in 1959 and together they had four sons: John (Jay), Glen, Doug, and David. He also has 12 grandkids.
John was a voracious reader, regular golfer, and wood craftsman. He was very generous with his time and his good nature. Volunteering at Good Samaritan Ministry and Good Shepherd Church where he was also a 4th degree Knight of Columbus.
It was typical of John that, when he joined an organization, whether it was a neighborhood association or church parish council, it was only a matter of time before he would be elected president.
He began his nearly 50-year career in the machine tool business with the R.K. LeBlond Machine Tool Co. in Cincinnati. He started in their co-op program in 1953 sweeping the shop floor, then moved on to machine service, supporting open houses and shows, as well as service supporting installations and repairs across the USA and Canada. After mastering service, in 1962 he wanted to turn his talents to sales, ending his 32 years at (by then) LeBlond-Makino Machine Tool, as Vice President of Sales. From there he joined the R.O. Deaderick Co. as a Partner, which in 1988 was purchased by the Robert E. Morris Company. There he served as Vice President and ultimately President until his retirement in 2001. He was also a “social member” of the Oriental Order of Groundhogs for 27 years.
During his time as National Sales Manager at LeBlond, John was instrumental in the launch of the LeBlond Baron Series CNC lathes that were manufactured in Cincinnati and in 1981, he led the charge of integrating the Makino Milling Machine Company, culture and products, to the LeBlond family.
At the R.O. Deaderick Company (RODCO), the 1988 change in ownership at RODCO coincided with the change in representation of the company’s primary machine tool supplier. So, after working at LeBlond and LeBlond Makino for 32 years and then representing their products for 4 more years, he made the difficult decision to cancel LeBlond Makino and begin the representation of Okuma Machinery.
Under John’s leadership, RODCO grew from a struggling company of 9 employees to a market share leader in the Southeast US with over 30 employees. John had a gift of seeing unique characteristics in very talented, young people and quickly built a service department, application engineering department and parts support, that was highly regarded by their customers.
John also had a gift for exceeding expectations of company owners and customers.
Career Inspiration
John’s early inspiration was his father. John’s father immigrated to the US from Germany in 1931 and was a tool and die maker in the Cincinnati, OH area. His father also built a number of special machines and mechanical devices for friends. He was quite an innovative and creative individual and John was intrigued with the mechanics of these machines. His father also owned a locksmith shop in Newport, KY and while in high school and college, John began to work in his father’s locksmith shop. There he learned his work ethic and many skills that proved useful throughout his life. John continued to do freelance locksmith jobs until the day he passed away; he would gladly help anyone that was locked out of their house!
Career Timeline
| 1985 - 2001 | R.O. Deaderick Company | Vice President & President |
| 1978 | LeBlond Inc. | National Sales Manager at LeBlond HQ in Cincinnati, OH |
| 1970 | LeBlond Inc. | Area Sales Manager in Wisconsin (established office) |
| 1964 | R.K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company | Sales Engineer in Northern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana |
| 1962 | R.K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company | Sales Engineer in Southern California |
| 1955 | R.K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company | Service Engineer traveling the entire US and Canada |
| 1953 - 1969 | R.K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company | Co-op position in Cincinnati, OH |
Career Timeline
Career History
Upon John’s passing, below are some comments from co-workers:
Message from Don Bowers (Vice President, Marketing at LeBlond (Makino), co-worker)
“In my early days at LeBlond and all our early days together at LeBlond Makino, John was the stable and reassuring bridge between old and new for many. He was Vice President of Sales when he left LeBlond Makino with responsibility for the sales of all products and services having successfully led the sales organization through a turbulent period of deep recession and reconciling the dual sales and distribution networks of both the former Makino and LeBlond organizations. His important leadership role was never fully recognized and appreciated by most. He grieved his separation from LeBlond Makino when responsible for that decision at Morris but demonstrated his professionalism and personal talent with the success of Morris thereafter.
John was a loyal and loving husband and father to his family as well as a warm, kind, and generous friend and colleague to the rest of us. We are all better for his presence in our lives.”
Message from Arnold Jones (President @ Midstates International / Kira America; Former President at Tree Machine Tool)
“You know that I knew (John) your father. Back when I was at Tree he would stop by Tree on business trips to Chicago or Milwaukee. He did this often and each time he would encourage me, always positive reinforcement. He didn’t really know me but he did it anyway. And his visits helped we through many difficult days at Tree. I will never forget him.”
Message from Jeanene Treu (Office Manager @ Midstates International / Kira America)
“I am sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I first began working for Kira. He sat and talked to me as if he had known me for years. I enjoyed the conversations we had through the years.”
Message from Don Lane (President of Makino Corp. and former colleague of John)
“So sorry to hear about John. He was a good guy. A very good guy.”
Message to Doug Schulte from Lee Morris (Chairman of Morris Group, Friend and Partner)
“I authored notes should I have the opportunity to share remembrances of your Dad as co-worker and partner.
Your father was quite a guy, and his memory will bind you to Paul and your family for the rest of your life.
- A work ethic that could only come from German upbringing
- The bearing of a leader … and the stature
- Strong family priorities that translated to leadership style
- Spiritually whole
- Genteel … and maybe a little gentle
- Always a gentleman … always pleasant
- Fair minded
- Deliberate … everything well considered
- Earnest … everything well principled
- Honorable … trusted by all
- Reliable
- Well humored
- Technically sound … did his homework
- Sound business priorities … customer first
- employees and suppliers next
- owners last
- Good judgment … founded in good family values
- Made decisions that made co-workers and the Morris family proud
- Maybe … a little hard headed – a little stubborn … “Germanic”
- In all:
- Likeable – Admirable – Capable – Gracious
- A thoroughly good person
Education
Attended Ohio College of Applied Science (OCAS) 1953-1955 in Cincinnati, OH where he received an Associate degree in Electrical & Mechanical Technology, as well as a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Informal Training:
While attending OCAS, John began a co-op position with the R.K. LeBlond Machine Tool Co.
Awards
John was responsible for the R.O. Deaderick Company receiving numerous awards for performance in sales and service. He was also the recipient of awards among his peers inside the Robert E. Morris Co. for outstanding performance and the ability to turn a profit
Sponsor(s)
Lee B. Morris – Partner and Friend for many years