[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JOHN R. LINDAHL, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED BRYANT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 1999

  Mr. BRYANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent and one 
of America's top entrepreneurs, John R. Lindahl, Sr., founder and 
recently-retired Chairman of State Industries, Inc. in Ashland City, 
Tennessee.
  After flying 64 missions as a B-26 bomber pilot in World War II, John 
returned to Tennessee and went into business for himself making coal 
and wood-burning stoves out of a garage. By 1948, John took his small 
State Stove and Manufacturing Company in a new direction and began 
producing water heaters.
  With some 150 competing water heater companies in the early fifties 
as his competition, John Lindahl let nothing stand in his way. He sold, 
delivered, and installed water heaters himself, running this small 
operation often from his car. With John's hard work, his dedication to 
free enterprise and commitment to quality, State Stove and 
Manufacturing became State Industries, one of the world's largest and 
leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heaters and 
water system tanks.
  Relocating in the early sixties to Ashland City, Tennessee in my 
district, State Industries boomed into one of the most modern and 
efficient plants in the industry. Occupying a 1.6 million square foot 
plant and employing more than 2,000 employees, State Industries now 
grosses sales in excess of $400 million.
  Well-known for his devotion to his employees, service and building 
strong relationships with customers, John Lindahl, Sr. is proof that 
the American dream is possible through commitment, loyalty and faith.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity today to 
congratulate John Lindahl, Sr. on his truly remarkable success and 
impressive legacy. Along with my colleagues in the House, I send my 
best wishes to him for a happy and healthy retirement.

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