In 1972, Fuller Brush opened its manufacturing plant in Great Bend, and not long after that, Richard Zimmerman began working for the company. Today, he still works for what is now Fuller Industries at the same facility.
In fact, Zimmerman is one of several long-time employees at the Great Bend-based legacy commercial and industrial chemical and brush maker. All of whom have found a home there.
“We are so proud to boast of such longevity here at Fuller,” said Joe Mann, Fuller vice president and general manager. “It shows we have a great loyalty from our staff, and this is a great place to work.”
Now, as the company grows and expands, the need for more employees is growing as well, he said. “We are poised for some big things out here, and we need to add to our dedicated team to come along with us.”
“It’s been a lot of fun, a lot of work, but a lot of fun,” said 50-year employee Zimmerman who works in the maintenance department, noting there have been a lot of changes since he started. “What I like is that it is always different, you’re not doing the same thing every day.”
Valerie Starnes who has been with the company for 43 years and is the lead customer service representative said also loves her job, and has used Fuller products herself over the years.
“Taking care of our distributors means a lot to me,” Starnes said. “I have also met a lot of friends along the way.”
Below is a list of long-time Fuller employees and their years of service:
Five-plus:
Skye Jenkins
Ryan Zimmerman
Neal Dreiling
Cory Gros
10-plus:
Scott Johnson
Timothy Crisler
Roger McPherson
Angelica Martinez
Maria Lourdes Mijares
Lilia Ramirez
Maria Reynosa
Araceli Pasos
Laura Gonzalez
20-plus:
Christina Kober
Sabina Rincon De Flores
Maria L. Arias De Garcia
Aaron Dillon
Annie Whaley
Brett Hughes
30-plus:
Dean Henning
Shannon Dehaan
40-plus:
Valerie Starnes
50-plus:
Richard Zimmerman
About Fuller Industries Inc.
Based in Great Bend, Kan., with a rich heritage dating back over a century to the Fuller Brush Man, Fuller Industries is a leading American manufacturer of industrial products, including cleaning chemicals and supplies, as well as brooms, mops, brushes and more. Fuller serves manufacturing, commercial, institutional and agricultural clients nationwide. Call 620-792-17111 or visit Fullerindustriesllc.com.