As seen in the Tried & True Fall 2024 issue
When Robert Boyd first walked into Fratco’s Francesville Plant, he was stepping into a world that was entirely new to him. Having spent years in the seed corn sector, Robert was no stranger to hard work, but the challenges of a busy yard supervisor role in the pipe industry were a different kind of test. He approached this new environment with an open mind and a strong determination to contribute meaningfully to his team. His willingness to take on this challenge and grow in a new industry has been a key factor in his success at Fratco.
As Yard Supervisor, Robert quickly found himself at the heart of the action, managing a team of eager, young workers who shared his drive for excellence. What stands out most to Robert isn’t just the work itself but the spirit that his team–and Fratco as a whole–brings to every task. “They’re always trying to do better,” he says with a smile. It’s this collective energy and the shared goal of constant improvement that makes the yard more than just a place of work—it’s a space where ideas come to life and where every day brings a new opportunity to tackle problems in creative ways.
One of Robert’s most memorable moments came early in his time at Fratco, during a chance encounter with Chris Overmyer. Robert recalls the day vividly, explaining that he was still new and still nervous. “Me and Chris were talking and at the time, I didn’t even know he was the CEO. I thought we had an average guy here. So he gives you no indication of who he is; he doesn’t give off any vibes like that. I’m talking to him as if he was just a standard customer walking in.”
As they continued their conversation, Robert’s initial impression didn’t change. “So we’re out and he’s looking at some pipe, and I’m trying to explain it, and he’s asking all kinds of questions. Then we get out there and he was telling me about some improvements that he thought we could see and I’m like, okay a little different coming from a customer.”
It wasn’t until later that Robert learned just who he had been speaking with. ‘He never told me who he was until I got back and he walked right through the office and then Jason, the project manager, said, ‘How was that visit?’ And I said, ‘What do you mean?” He responded, ‘That’s Chris Overmyer.’ I said, ‘No… this is such a nice guy!’” The moment was humbling, yet it also reinforced Robert’s belief in the kind of leadership that Chris embodies—leadership that’s approachable, grounded and deeply invested in the people who make up the company. While embarrassed at the time, he told us, “In my previous position, upper management didn’t even know my name.”
Robert speaks with pride about the atmosphere in the yard, where colleagues feel more like family, and where everyone looks forward to coming to work each day. He was quick to note the impact that each little decision has on other parts of the industry in the long run, and how that plays into his team’s daily role. He explained to us how, “Even the smallest mistake or imperfection can end up costing someone millions of dollars down the line through things like crop loss or flooding.” It’s this perspective that motivates Robert to put a strong emphasis on doing work the right way the first time.
From day one, Robert has brought a spirit of hard work and a commitment to excellence that has left a lasting impact on his team and the entire Francesville yard. Robert’s ability to navigate challenges and inspire those around him has made him an important figure in the daily operations, where his influence is felt in every task and project. In the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of the Francesville yard, Robert has not only found his stride–he has set the pace.
