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In 2007, we began the ‘Leap Ahead’ project. The purpose was to look at the longer term future to see what we would like to do. The goal was to develop a blueprint of the ‘Plant of Tomorrow.’ We tried to involve as many people in this process as possible and the results were very …

In 2006, we implemented the first large capital project to improve the quality in many years – a mixing system for the pavers. Consistent color had been difficult in the past as we were measuring all ingredients by hand. The new system ensured that each color batch had the exact same ingredients, ensuring consistent color. …

At the meeting of the Board of Directors in July 2005, Lynn Morrison retired and I was elected president and CEO. Steve Fellows became the vice president of production. Other personnel changes included Mike Longo retiring in December 2005. To replace Mike Longo, I approached Colby DeHoff, who had been with WG for several years …

In 2003, Sterling Abbey retired as a director after 27 years of service. To this day, we still have the Abbey motion at the end of the meeting, as Uncle Sterling was always the first one to say the meeting was over and it was time for lunch. Uncle Sterling was married to Ann Whitacre …

In 2002, our Alliance plant manager, Larry Johnson, was to retire. There was discussion between Lynn and Dad about who would succeed him. Dad felt that I should have the final say in the replacement as he had convinced me to take over for Lynn upon his retirement. Dad suggested I speak with Steve Fellows, …

In 2015, WG President and CEO Janet Kaboth continued her father’s story. This is Janet’s story: I will endeavor to continue the Whitacre Greer story from the point where Dad finished in 1999. The years from 2000 to 2010 found Whitacre Greer solidifying its market in the paver market as well as internal management transitions …

WG has a promising, profitable operation now, however, many challenges remain. Will clean air act amendments eliminate the market for fireplaces and firebrick? Will clean air act regulations make the control of hydrogen fluoride kiln emissions prohibitively expensive? Will silica dust be ruled a probable carcinogen and in-plant dust control regulations be prohibitively expensive? Will …

During the 20th century, the Whitacre company fortunes climbed to four peaks, hopefully we are just starting up No. 5, and descended sharply into three valleys. It is improbable that the company could have survived the losses brought on by falls into the valleys without the substantial land assets purchased in the first years of …

Five years ago, Robert Hunker purchased the Whitacre mansion, restored it impressively and reintroduced the sport of fox hunting to the area. After a 50-year layoff, I resumed my riding activities, part of a second childhood, I suspect. My equestrian ability may be rusty as I am writing this history while mending some bones after …

At the annual meeting in 1997, Lynn Morrison succeeded John Jr. as CEO. In 1996, although paver sales continued to increase, the growth of earnings was interrupted by sales and operating decisions that just didn’t work out. Some problems may have come from “growing pains.” Regardless, I was 70 years old, very unhappy with 1996 …