Workplace Storytelling: Celebrating 75 Years of Innovation

In most businesses, longevity is a rare and precious achievement. So much so, The Harvard Business Journal believes 80% of businesses started before 1980 have ceased to exist, with another 17% expected to follow in the next five years. This makes us even more proud that in 2024, we are celebrating our 75th year in business (founded in 1949).

But if you're like me, this statistic makes you wonder, "How has Airline kept the momentum going for 75 years in an ever-changing market?" After talking to our employees, it breaks down into three parts: our commitment to customers, a clear company culture, and the incredible people who have driven our vision forward. Join us on a journey told by Linda Harter and Joe Brutschea through our past and present, and keep reading to see what the future holds.

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Linda's Journey | Joe's Experience | Future Initiatives | Additional Resources 

In Their Own Words: Employee's Stories

The best way to learn about our company is by hearing the stories from our past and present employees. Here are two of our employees' stories about their experience with Airline Hydraulics.

Linda's Journey with Airline Hydraulics

Linda Harter, a former Inside Sales Representative and Pneumatic Specialist at Airline who retired with 34 years of service under her belt,  played a significant role in shaping our company's legacy during a critical time of change. Here are some of her reflections, offering a unique perspective on Airline's history.

Linda's start at Airline was in 1984; she explains her experience as a woman in industrial manufacturing during this time.

"I came to Airline looking for an inside sales job. I had worked at other distribution companies as a clerk or secretary and had filled in for inside people numerous times in those places, but nothing ever came of it." She explains, "As a woman, it was hard to be considered for a technical job. Inside salespeople needed to know the products, how to use them, etc. Women were still seen as just order takers. Luckily, the gentleman at Airline gave me the job."

Pictured: In the back row, the second person from the left corner, Linda Harter,
a former Inside Sales Representative and Pneumatic Specialist with the rest of the small but mighty Airline Hydraulics sales and engineering team. 

Linda's first couple of years at Airline were spent moving around until she found her fit; she adds,

"After a few weeks of expediting orders with our vendors, I started working on the Hose and Fittings desk. I knew nothing about these products, but I was a quick learner. Later, I moved to the Pneumatics department and was there until I retired. "

At Airline, we see Linda as a trailblazer who has seen firsthand the transformation of Airline Hydraulics over her tenure. She remembers,

"Over the years, we went from filling out orders by hand, which were keypunched, to conducting all business on the computer. It was a huge change. We went through several business systems, always striving to improve productivity, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.  I always appreciated that Airline was willing to take chances and spend money to be successful in our business."

Opportunity and Gratitude

Linda's motivation to stay at Airline Hydraulics for 34 years was multifaceted. "I stayed for many reasons, but primarily, as a single mom, I could support myself, which changed my life for the better. I was given many opportunities for technical training, such as factory schools, etc."

When remarking about her overall experience with Airline, she states, "I loved the job, talking to the customers and helping them out. When I decided to retire at age 70, I was ready. I loved my coworkers and missed everyone, but it was time."

She adds her appreciation for former CEO Joe Loughran, saying, "I always appreciated the ESOP that was started by Joe Loughran. It was a win-win situation for the employees. I was always grateful he didn’t sell the company to another business but to his employees!"  

Pictured: Joe Loughran, former CEO, and Linda Harter,
a former Inside Sales Representative and Pneumatic Specialist

Even after retirement, Linda remains connected to Airline Hydraulics.

"Anytime I get invited back for any event, such as the OSSAD (Outside Sales Appreciation Day) picnic or Spring Fling, I always attend. I always stop by to visit whenever I'm in the area. The fond memories and the relationships I've built keep me coming back."

Is there a change Linda doesn't like? Kinda.

"The biggest change is the extent to which many work from home. I would miss the camaraderie, the give-and-take, and the personalities that make up a big part of the job."

Luckily, these days at Airline, we have many different in-person, remote, and hybrid working options for anyone who feels the same way. Learn more on our careers page.

Joe's Experience at Airline Hydraulics

Joseph Brutschea (Joe), a current Welder Fabricator Mechanic who also helps with the power unit integration at the Airline, embodies our company's core values and ethos. His journey and experiences highlight how Airline's company culture helps create promising career opportunities. Here's what he had to say about his journey and what keeps him motivated to work at Airline each day.

Pitched From Left to Right: Frank Mifflin, Health/Safety(EHS) and Quality Manager; Caleb Welty, Mobile Hydraulic Sales Specialist; Mark Steffens, CEO; Ed Brogan, Application Technology Specialist; Joseph Brutschea (Joe), Welder Fabricator Mechanic

Personal and Professional Growth

Joe’s relationship with Airline started back in 1997. His previous company was a customer of Airline, purchasing power units.

"I had no idea about hydraulics or anything when I started at that company", he shared, expressing how he was intrigued by the quality of the product Airline delivered.

Due to certain circumstances, Joe moved to a smaller company, which he described as an indirect competitor of Airline —“it was apples and oranges.” He learned more about hydraulics there since they didn't require his electrical skills. This job also exposed him to metalworking and welding. However, he soon spotted the signs of stillness and lack of advancement opportunities.

After years of learning and refining his skills, Joe decided to join Airline. "I knew I wasn't going anywhere there. So I figured it was time for me to jump," he shared.

He dropped off his resume at Airline, met the manager, and came out feeling as if he "screwed the interview up." However, Airline saw the potential in Joe, seeing more than just his test results and welding skills. Only 20 minutes later, he received a job offer. Surprised and excited, Joe says they "basically welcomed me into the Airline family." 

A Place to Thrive

Joe's experience thus far at Airline has been nothing short of transformative. But it wouldn't have happened if he hadn't tried something new and embraced the unknown. He graciously said, "I'm willing to try and okay with failing. I don’t want to continue failing, but I want to learn and grow." This perfectly captures the essence of Joe's and Airline's success over the years.

He recalled a moment when he motivated younger Airline staff. He saw them gawking at the welders in awe and, after giving them the proper safety gear and a quick demonstration, saying, "You can't be afraid. All you're doing is melting metal. What are you going to do, weld it to the table? Just pull the trigger and go."

With these simple but powerful words, he turned a seemingly complicated task into something approachable, reducing their fear and encouraging them to explore something new beyond their comfort zone. The result? They loved it. They took away not just a skill but also a good lesson – don't be afraid to fail; sometimes, the failures on your path are stepping stones to success.

Foot on the Gas

Joe describes Airline's culture as unique because of its flexibility and relentless pursuit of improvement: "We have to be nimble and willing to go above and beyond to get the job done. Through our creativity and innovation, we find unique solutions to challenges others might shy away from."

It's true. We believe in setting ambitious goals and striving to go above and beyond. Joe explains, "We try for higher sales figures, higher benchmarks. That’s a high watermark, but it is achievable. We strive, push, and aim to reach the next floor of the high rise," Joe adds. "At no point do we rest on our laurels."

What keeps Joe motivated to keep working hard every day?

"Well, there's probably a bunch of reasons I work at Airline," Joe starts. "The number one reason is I get to work alongside great people who are just as passionate about their jobs as I am." 

Joe also highlights the variety his role at Airline offers: " I do different things every day. Whether I'm working on a car shredder one day or working on a nuclear application the next, it's a whole range of everything," he adds, appreciating the diversity of tasks.

An Anchor of Character

Joe is a very humble person, so he might never say this himself, but he is one of the pillars of the communal spirit at our Bensalem headquarters. Joe is a big part of why many other people are motivated every day. Other coworkers like seeing his smiling face, always offering tours to people and being proud of all the work he and his colleagues do daily.

"I like showing people the magic behind the scenes and connecting what we do with their daily life, from the car parts made with hydraulic presses to their designer handbags crafted with hydraulics." Joe adds, "It's cool getting to see the spark of interest in their eyes; it feels rewarding."

Speaking from personal experience, I can say this makes someone who doesn't work on the floor feel less intimidated and more connected to the tangible and interesting jobs we work on daily.

Future Initiatives

Community Connections

At Airline, we highly value STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), leading through example, and providing essential skills for future careers in technological world. A recent example of this is our dynamic STEM education program partnered with La Salle Academy. We're sparking the imaginations of future engineers and technicians by giving students a glimpse of the fantastic world of industrial automation.

Tools for Success

We cherish our people and love to see them grow. That's why we're ramping up our professional development programs. With our extensive network of vendors and leadership within the company, we're laying out more specialized training and certification courses. Our goal is to nurture existing talent and gear up the team for the exciting challenges and opportunities on the horizon. By cultivating a culture of continuous growth, we aim to keep our folks sharp and ready to take on anything.

Adapting to the Modern Work Landscape

In the post-pandemic world, flexibility is the new superstar. That's why we're flexing our work arrangements to ensure a happy work-life balance and attract a greater pool of expert professionals. Whether it's remote or hybrid work or flexible hours, we are dedicated to creating a space that fits everyone's needs. Interested in being part of our amazing team? Visit our careers page to see the open remote, hybrid, and in-person positions.

Reimagine Work with Automation

Automation isn't just a buzzword for us, it's in our DNA. We're constantly probing for innovative ways to incorporate it into our operations. By automating mundane tasks, we let our employees flex their skills and focus on strategic activities. This not only makes things super-efficient but also amps up job satisfaction by letting our team partake in work of deeper significance.

Broadening Our Horizons

Growth isn't optional; it's what we're wired for. Airline Hydraulics is branching out into fresh territories organically and through strategic mergers. By amplifying our reach, we are set on enhancing our market persona and boosting the value of our ESOP stock, making it a win-win for all our employee-owners.

For those of you who are inspired by our story and want to be a part of this incredible journey, we invite you to join us. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting your career, Airline Hydraulics offers opportunities for growth, development, and making a meaningful impact.