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ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION APRIL 14, 2021 Page 21 Gladys Bird: Always Smiling and Always Inspiring By Jeff Wigley, Past President O ur industry and our Association were saddened on April 4th as we learned of the passing of one of the most vibrant, charming, and uplifting people in our history: Gladys Bird. She and husband Ron founded the Ameri-Can Company in 1988 as the original restroom trailer company. Born on July 30, 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia, she grew up in Towson, Maryland and graduated from Towson High School in 1949. As those of us who knew her, we can only imagine that she would have been voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by her classmates. Gladys married Ron Bird on November 19,1983 and this wonderful partnership extended beyond total love and devotion to entrepreneurship and success. Along their journey together, always committed to helping others, in 1984 Gladys founded a homeless shelter in Indianapolis. In 1988, Gladys and Ron founded Ameri-Can Engineering in Argos, Indiana to produce a revolutionary new product in our industry, the restroom trailer. In 1984, PolyJohn developed the first restroom trailer, the Crowd Pleaser. The Birds' took ownership of this product line when PolyJohn elected to spin off this business unit and to concentrate on their new burgeoning line of innovative plastic portable restrooms. Always a team, Gladys and Ron, worked hard to innovate, to expand and to promote the industry changing restroom trailer. Gladys' positive attitude and caring personality was an inspiration to the entire company as their operation grew and new employees came on board. She was an ambassador for Ameri-Can and enthusiastically attended industry trade shows and conventions to assist portable restroom operators into entering this new and exciting marketplace. Soon, the product line expanded to a wide variety of styles and types of trailers, and with Gladys' innovative and creative mind, shower trailers and even laundry trailers eventually emerged. Unquestionably, Gladys and Ron set the standards for restroom trailers that carry forth to today. Never one to concentrate only on herself and her company, Gladys became actively involved in the PSAI and served on several committees. She further dedicated her time and commitment by serving for several years on the PSAI Board of Directors. Gladys was just as committed to enjoying life as she was to enjoying business. The Birds' enjoyed cruising. That is an understatement. In their 38 wonderful years of marriage, this fun- loving couple embarked on 48 cruises to locations all over the world. Gladys' love of life literally extended throughout the world. Gladys and Ron were also dedicated leaders not only in business but also in their personal lives. Their commitment to the Indiana Men's Soccer Team is amazing. From 1982 to 2008, some 26 years, they did not miss a game! The Birds were recognized for their support and contributions to this organization. Their many years of support for the PSAI did not go unnoticed as well. In 2005, Gladys and Ron were jointly awarded the prestigious Andy Gump Distinguished Service Award. Continued on page 22