Hi all,

Next July will be my 50^th anniversary here at Abel Womack. For all kinds of good reasons, I have decided that to be the right time to hang up the gloves. This will, therefore, be my last year end blog, for which some of you might be rightfully thankful:>)

This has been another record year here at Abel Womack, both in revenue and earnings. I couldn’t be more proud of our team, our competency, and our culture. We still have a huge backlog of equipment sales due to extended lead times and an awesome, always-growing aftermarket business, so next year is looking good as well.

Personal insights

Now, on to a few macro comments. I had lightened up on them the last couple of years but feel the need to weigh in again. These are my opinions and have no more value than those of anyone else, though I find too many strong opinions come from the uninformed. Let’s all agree that it’s our responsibility to actually try to find out what’s going on. That requires vigilance and the willingness to listen to all sides- not just those who happen to agree with our inclinations. I find too many people defend their positions without any interest in the facts; they simply don’t want to know.

1. We need a strong immigration policy- no more delays. This is a country of immigrants, and we were successful in immigrating the Jews, Irish, Italians, and many others- we can also do it now.
2. Let’s continue supporting Ukraine; we cannot let Putin win. It’s not only about beating him and causing his demise, which would be huge, but it will be a testament to the world that we won’t tolerate unsolicited attacks on sovereign nations and other unacceptable behavior. The bad guys must know they won’t win, so don’t even try.
3. The attack from Hamas was horrible, and Israel has the right to try to eliminate terrorists who openly admit wanting to annihilate their country and people. We should therefore fully support Israel but also use that influence to dial back the terrible toll this war is having on innocent Palestinians. There’s a line in a great old song by Buffalo Springfield “nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong”. War is always ugly but let’s try to get Israel to win it as mindfully as possible.
4. What has become of this country… after the issues that created the BLM movement, then the attacks on Asians when our then president called Covid the Chinese virus, and now blatant antisemitism. We are not only going backward, but the moral fabric that has bound us together as a country for generations is seemingly deteriorating. It used to be completely unacceptable to attack the weak or the elderly, but now it occurs at a nauseating pace. And not long ago, mass murders were big events- now they are so common they are sometimes not even the top headline. WTF! We need new leadership that brings us back together and inspires us all to be our best.
5. I try never to wish ill will on others, but I’m hoping Trump and Biden have age-related setbacks and just go away. Biden is too old, and Trump is, well…you fill in the blanks. I am so hoping someone normal and powerful rises up, wins the election and wows us all. I couldn’t care less what political party- just that they ‘get it’ and win back our hearts and minds.

Final thoughts

So, let’s be kind to everyone and hold each other accountable for everything we can influence. Remember, what makes us the same is so much greater than what makes us different; that the most important light is the light we cannot see.

I heard something long ago about retirement that stuck with me. That being retired is the hardest time in your life because, for the first time in our lives, we actually have to learn how to live it. I’m dying to see what that’s like.

Best Wishes. Over & out.