Gene
Bullard
For those of you
who did not know my uncle Gene, the picture in the
upper right corner will not mean to you what it
means to those who knew him well. The picture is
exactly as you would see him if you walked into
the business he worked so very hard to create,
Bullard International . This particular
picture is in his first shop on Shoreview Rd. He
is sitting at his desk which was situated in the
center of all the action, and a straight shot to
the front door so as to greet all who entered.
Gene treated you
like you had come to his home for a personal
visit. No one left without a handshake, personal
attention or a “How ya doin' Bud.” Not to mention
a well stocked fridge exclusively devoted to
Miller beer, leaving some room for soft drinks. We
had everything imaginable for the patrons to
quench their thirst on many a hot day in Dallas,
Texas. You might be surprised, if it was your
first time to visit, to see the owner himself stop
what he was doing to make sure you had something
to drink and serve you himself. Gene felt that you
were in his home and he was your host. Anyone who
made a visit to Bullard International would tell
you this story. They would also tell you of his
patience while answering every question you might
have on pretty much any subject. He was a
bottomless well of information, and he was always
happy to share facts, tips or details simply for
the asking.
One of many things
I learned under the tutelage of my uncle Gene was
how important it is to give the best customer
service possible and as he put it, be "squeaky"
honest with your customers. Gene also believed in
providing premium products and he knew when he
introduced
“DIAMOND
II®” ,
there was no doubt he
had accomplished his goal. This reputation remains
intact some 25 years later.
As Gene would say, “Come on in this house,”
look around. If you knew my uncle, you will enjoy
taking a walk down memory lane. If you didn't know
this great man, you will surely enjoy this rags to
riches story of an honest country boy who made
good.
We miss you, Gene!
Silvia Davis
When
was
“DIAMOND
I®”
introduced?
In the year 1970
Gene Bullard developed the very
FIRST
commercial thread epoxy offered to rod
builders. Developed in 1970, “DIAMOND
I®”
became the largest selling such finish ever to
hit the market. Because this was the FIRST of
its kind ever to be developed, he recognized
problems with this first formula. After several
years of testing, Gene then introduced his much
improved second formula, “DIAMOND
II®”
This consequently led the way for others who
later developed similar products, some of which
still remain on the market.
DIAMOND II ®,
often imitated—
but never
duplicated—even today.
Upon the release of
DIAMOND
II®
Gene was quoted as saying,
“I believe this new
finish will be the most important thing
to happen to the custom fishing rod industry
since the introduction of the tubular fiberglass
rod blank.”
—and he was right!!
The bitterness of
poor quality
still remains…
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after the
sweetness of low cost
is forgotten...
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Thank you!
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My
forever thanks to Lee
Houser. The face behind
the toothless smiling
face of Ol’ Snag.
Without Lee's wonderful
talent, though it was
delivered as a joke, we
wouldn't have had the
pleasure of that
toothless grin all these
years. Lee is married to
Barbara Houser, Gene’s
one time, vice president
and general manager—and
my friend who I admire
and of whom I think a
great deal.
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rights reserved.