Mike Sill II and his father Michael R. Sill enjoy time off together at the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend in 2002.
A great mentor
"As the third-generation leader of RMS, I benefitted greatly by the legacy created by my dad," commented Sill. "He was a leader in our industry, and hardly a day goes by without a customer, supplier or employee asking how he's doing. My Dad has a way about him that is very easy to warm up to, and he doesn't forget a face or name. His philosophy has always been that it doesn't really matter who you are or what you do for a living, as long as you work hard and are dedicated.
"Even though my dad has been retired for more than a decade, we still talk every couple of days. He frequently asks about customers and employees. He is a guy who really cares about people more than just selling equipment. It is a great life lesson, because if you care about the person, you are more likely to be in tune with what he needs. He's also taught me not to be afraid of problems, which he says, 'are the fun part of being in business.' He's right, in that solving problems and finding solutions make life interesting. It's also where customers put you to the test, and is our greatest opportunity to perform and keep them coming back.
"I recognize how lucky I am to have my Dad as a mentor," acknowledged Sill. "He's in the background cheering us on and he gives great advice. He reads people and situations so well. It is rare to have someone like him to serve as a sounding board."
Business expansions
One of the first big growth moves Mike II pursued occurred in 1997, early in his tenure. That is when RMS acquired one of Iowa's
A group of RMS managers and the Iowa sales team pausing for a photo at the Des Moines branch includes: (L-R) President/CEO Mike Sill II; Southern Operations Sales Manager Larry Smith; Territory Sales Managers Gary Kosman and John Sleiter; VP Sales & Marketing Dave Johnson; Territory Sales Manager Doug Miller; Used Equipment Manager Brian Durfee; Credit & Finance Manager Jeff Boraas; Territory Sales Managers Delane Wolter, Brad Johnson and Bob Newman.
The RMS Rentals sales team is made up of (L-R) Territory Managers Tim Rients and Jeff Sisk, Sales Manager Mark Rossi, and Territory Managers Tom Randall and Jim Everson.
RMS Corporate Sales Administration Manager Liz Kragthorpe and Rental Manager Rick Zweber are very involved in equipment inventory management.