Masear to Retire after 46 Years at Black Bros.

When Bill Masear started at Black Bros. Co. back in 1979, he was offered a bit of wisdom: “It’s eight hours of work for eight hours of pay,” his father preached. “Anything more is out of the kindness of their hearts.”

Forty-six years later, Masear still clings to those words. The current Director of New Markets and Emerging Technology and Western United States Sales Representative is set to retire Aug. 1. Frank Bromenschenkel, who recently completed 18 months of training under Masear, will take over the territory.

“Black Bros. and I have served each other well,” said Masear. “It’s a great work culture, and I’ve worked alongside great people. Best of all, I never had to worry about going into a plant and hearing about junk machinery. Black Bros. sells quality. It’s a luxury most salesmen don’t have.” 

Bromenschenkel brings a military background as well as vast technical skills to his new position. With admittedly much to learn about machinery sales, traveling with Masear afforded him an inside look at the job.

“Bill definitely grinds on the road,” Bromenschenkel said. “His philosophy is you need to be in front of the customers. You need to be in-plant and see what they are doing. So, I look forward to the challenge, starting with building those customer relationships and being available and accountable. I also want to work to expand our customer base and our markets more than anything else. Getting into places we’ve never been. Finding those companies that want and need our machines, but they just may not know it yet.”

Known for his talkative nature and quick wit, Masear has been a constant force for venerable Black Bros. in each of his roles but found his true home in sales starting in 1996. He has since earned a reputation as a knowledgeable and respected advisor across the company’s many industries.

“He’s been our leading sales rep for a long, long time,” sixth-generation owner Evan Caroll said. “He’s so valuable to our team here and a big part of our success. Not only with (selling) our usual lines and machines but also pushing us into some very custom work — even by Black Bros. standards — and introducing us to new markets all because of his can-do mentality. He’s really helped push our company to its full capability.”

All in a day’s work for Masear, who was originally hired to paint the factory walls during second shift. This led to shop roles as a Machinist, Fabricator and Assembler before he moved to Customer Service and leading Black Bros. Training Seminars. He credits much of his success in sales to his predecessor Walter Weiland, who mentored him with memorable one-liners like: “Never be afraid to climb on a machine and fix it.” 

“There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping a customer fix their problem,” Masear said. “That’s what they remember and the reason they come back.”

Carroll doubled down on Masear’s knack for providing solutions but also pointed out the road dog’s skillful ability to connect with customers. 

“Bill’s effort, the care he puts into talking with people and having those face-to-face interactions is so important,” Carroll insisted. “He doesn’t just know the purchasing guy or the Plant Superintendent who is overseeing the equipment. He knows the operators and the people inside the front door — just about everyone at every facility he walks into. He’s shown how important those connections are and why you make them.”

Masear mentioned one line that has worked to get him past gate keepers over the years: “I’m from Black Bros. and someone here is going to want to see me.” He also recalled the best compliment he ever absorbed came as he worked his way to the proper decision maker: “He’s not a normal salesman, he actually knows something!” Both zingers are incredibly true and incredibly Bill Masear.  

“That’s what I’ll miss. Those relationships with customers you’ve known for 15-20 years or longer. The ones that are always happy to see you,” he said. “But Frank is going to be just fine. He’s led the way this entire year. He’s a very good conversationalist and has never met a stranger. The main difference between us is just 40 years,” he quipped.

No doubt — come Aug. 1, Black Bros. and its industries will be without one of their best. “Bill will be greatly missed because of how good of a person he is and how well he does his job,” said Carroll.

Any customers or friends who would like to send Bill a farewell or congratulatory message may do so at bmasear@blackbros.com. Even better, stop by Booth #2400 at the upcoming AWFS Fair in Las Vegas to provide your in-person sendoff.