Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1346654
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION MARCH 3, 2021 Page 12 Pioneer of Our Industry: Al Hilde…continued from page 8 Another important advantage to these units was that the walls and doors could be shipped in flat pieces, and with the tanks and the urinals, could then assembled on location. With this innovation, growth expanded throughout the country at a rapid pace. Continuing Growth and Change International growth then began as Satellite capitalized on the successful manufacturing and delivery process that had been perfected stateside. The United Kingdom and Germany became the primary distribution outlets in Europe. As you will remember, Toi Toi and Dixi began in Germany and, of course, long-time PSAI member Lothar Vermillion was instrumental in the growth of portable sanitation in Europe. Can you envision conversations between Al and Lothar as they tried to build the acceptance and growth of portable sanitation throughout the world? Al Hilde continued to grow his company on an international business with the export of his products to Japan, Australia, and many other countries in Europe. In 1986, son Todd Hilde joined Satellite Industries as new product manager. It was not however, an automatic transition from completing college and immediately beginning work with his father. According to Todd, "two of the requirements for us boys (Todd and his 2 brothers) to join the business was, number one, to get a college education, and number two, go work for someone else for a couple of years." Al was wise in his plan for his children to obtain an education and to work elsewhere in order for them to be exposed to new ideas and experiences so as to prevent "tunnel vision" when and if they joined the company. Finally, in 1988, Al sold the rental and service division of Satellite to BFI so the company could concentrate on the manufacture and production of its products: portable toilet equipment, service trucks, and deodorizers and cleaning supplies. According to Todd, in the same interview with the Minnesota Historical Society, "Our products division was competing against the service region. There was a conflict of interest there. The more our service division gained in popularity, the more other people wouldn't want to buy from us because we were a potential competitor (in that market)." In 1995, Todd Hilde took over the leadership of Satellite. International expansion continued at a rapid pace with more offices and warehouses being established in Europe as well as in the Asian-Pacific region. Today, Satellite, and its business unit, Satellite Shelters, continues to grow, to expand, and to support its customers and the PSAI. Work in the Community Al Hilde's story does not end here. As he has given back to portable restroom industry as well as his unwavering support for the PSAI, he has also served his community. From 1968 to 1978, just as he was building his business, he also served as Mayor of Plymouth, Minnesota. In addition to running his business and serving as Mayor, Al has also served in various of community organizations in and around the Twin Cities area. Continued on page 13