We find ourselves in the position of sharing some bad news. Many of the readers of this newsletter may already know, however, for those that do not know, we have lost a long time Airways Agent, Mr. Rik Lowry. Rik passed away Sunday the 19th in the early afternoon with his wife, Mary Fran Lowry, as always, by his side. Rik had suffered a couple strokes that created the basis for other issues to lay claim to his life. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Rik started with Airways as an agent back in 1992. While still acting as a major booking agent for North American Van Lines, he felt he needed an expedited carrier to serve his client base. During those first few years we often worked with Rik in concert with North American in representing Trade Show Associations and Trade Show Management Companies in their efforts in getting the exhibitors safely moved in and out of Trade Show events. We often served as the Official Carrier on these shows. Over the years as our relationship grew, Airways became the majority provider of transportation solutions for Rik and his clientele. Rik eventually would need to take on a partner and thus with a substantial customer base hired Michael Hogan, Jr. Michael soon had the opportunity to buy into the business and by the time Rik had retired, he owned Lowry and Hogan out right.
Back in the early 90’s, we were accustomed to serving as the official carrier on events all over the country. Rik pushed us to take on bigger projects. We soon were the official carrier for The Super Show, a role we served for several years. He also made it possible to have Airways apply for and eventually be recognized as the official carrier for CONEXPO. Rik always went after the biggest and the best in the industry and so went Airways.
Over my thirty plus years in the industry, I have had the opportunity to work with many great salespeople. Rik was a great salesman. He really believed that a salesman had the highest calling of bringing two parties together and both benefiting with the salesman acting as the bridge in that relationship. Rik took pride in, and worked hard at, his calling. Rik taught a lot of us on how to take care of the customer and think outside the box when it was necessary. Though there were times when he would drive me and others a little crazy, it was that same drive that ran through his veins in every objective he pursued and allowed him to be so successful.
Many of us at Airways had the benefit and pleasure to know Rik on a personal level too. Dale Caudle and I introduced him to the motorcycling world, where it was not unusual to travel anywhere on a two-wheeler. We spent a lot of time becoming close friends on those trips as well as many times working on new business. In this endeavor, again, Rik was all in, earning several awards as an endurance rider. One such award was riding coast to coast in 72 hours.
Simply put, we have lost one of the giants of our industry. Rik became, by his own will and tenacity, one of the best salesmen of air freight, truck freight, ocean freight and highly expedited shipments for the nuclear power industry that we have ever worked with. We have lost one of our own. We have lost a great friend, mentor and one of the biggest characters to ever pass through the doors of Airways.
If you are one of the many to have met Rik, or counted him as a friend, please take a minute to reflect on the positive impact Rik had on you and our company.
Ken Center
CEO
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