[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 43 (Monday, March 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2344-S2345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                RECOGNIZING MARTIN HILDRETH COMPANY, INC

 Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, I am privileged to recognize Martin 
Hildreth Company of Rockwell City, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  Martin Hildreth founded the Martin Hildreth Company in 1954 to 
provide excavation contracting services in Rockwell City and the 
surrounding counties. Martin started the company after serving in the 
U.S. Army during the Korean war. He began his civilian career working 
with his father Ben in the petroleum industry at Hildreth Mobile Oil 
and Hildreth Super Service before embarking on his entrepreneurial 
journey. In 1990, Martin's son Tom joined the company full-time and 
currently serves as the president. Martin Hildreth Company has remained 
in the same location on High Street in Rockwell City since its 
inception, offering excavation services to the telecommunication and 
utility industries and gravedigging for cemeteries throughout Calhoun 
and the surrounding counties. In 2009, Tom's wife Theresa joined Martin 
Hildreth Company as their chief financial officer. In 2023, Martin 
Hildreth passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and service 
to the Rockwell City community.
  Martin Hildreth Company is truly a family-owned and operated 
business. Tom and Theresa's son David serves as vice president, marking 
the third generation of the Hildreth family legacy. David Hildreth 
started at the company part-time at the age of 14 and plans to lead it 
following Tom's retirement. In the near future, David's son Collin will 
be the fourth generation to join the family company.
  The Hildreth family is actively involved in both the Rockwell City 
and Calhoun County communities. Tom Hildreth is a legend in the sport 
of wrestling. After a decorated college career at Westmar College, Tom 
coached wrestling at the high school and middle school levels and was 
inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Iowa High 
School Athletic Association Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition to 
serving as chief financial officer for the Martin Hildreth Company, 
Theresa also serves as executive director of the Calhoun County 
Economic Development Corporation. Service to the

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country is also integral to the Hildreth family. Three of Tom and 
Theresa's children have served in the armed services. Martin Hildreth 
Company was awarded the ESGR Patriot Award for their dedication to 
supporting employees who are serving in the military. Due to their hard 
work, the Martin Hildreth Company celebrated their 70th business 
anniversary in 2024.
  I want to commend the Hildreth family for achieving their American 
dream and operating a fantastic small business. Congratulations to the 
Hildreth family and the entire Martin Hildreth Company team on their 
incredible commitment to our communities. I look forward to seeing your 
continued growth and success in Iowa.

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