Autoquip Announces the Unexpected Passing of Service Manager Mike Calvert
The Autoquip family is profoundly saddened to announce the loss of Mike Calvert. Mike was well known amongst our customers in his role as Customer Service Manager. Mike was a force in the industry and within Autoquip. His knowledge of our products and his untiring commitment to customer service will be greatly missed. We know many of you have fond memories of working with Mike.
Mike has been with Autoquip for 44 years. He started in the plant after high school, and because of his deep knowledge of the equipment design and technology, he moved into inside sales and customer service where he became respected by many customers and throughout the industry. Mike was passionate about the company, always lending advice and passing his knowledge to other Autoquip employees.
Mike leaves a legacy of passion, dedication, and knowledge. He has demanded a high degree of customer service. He has left behind many employees, in all areas of the company, who have learned from his knowledge and experience. The success of Autoquip today is no small part because of his hard work. Mike’s contributions will be with us for many years.
Autoquip extends our thoughts and prayers to Mike’s wife Wanda and his entire family.
Tributes to Mike Calvert:
“Mike was dedicated, caring and enjoyed a good laugh. A staunch supporter to do what is right; integrity was everything to Mike. If you wanted to make him smile, just ask him how the grandkids are doing…. He will be missed!!!” Chris Kuehni, President of Autoquip.
“Mike’s passing is a shock to all Autoquip and all our customers who have worked with him for many, many years. His passing is both a personal and professional loss to me. Mike and I have enjoyed friendship and work companionship for over 20 years. I will always remember “conversations” when Mike thought someone, including me, were not doing what was best for Autoquip or best for our customers. You simply did not want to get in his way when it came to taking care of “his” customers. Mike will leave behind a legacy that present and future Autoquip employees will and should be measured against. Besides being a great and loyal Autoquip person, Mike was just a very good person. We are better for knowing him.” Louis Coleman, Sr. Director of Sales & Marketing.
“Mike was a wealth of information with Autoquip products and installation. He was a “Go to Guy” with questions be it of old or new. He always enjoyed telling stories of past and present with a huge dose of laughter to add embellishments. I will always remember and miss my good friend.” Donnie Crabtree, Inside Sales Manager.
“Mike was not only the first call to make when in a pinch while working on our equipment, but he was extremely caring about those he worked with, kind, funny and always prepared with a good story. Mike is deeply missed!” Daniel Burton, Customer Service Manager.
“Mike took his role in managing product support very personally and everyone he helped knew he wasn’t just supporting our product; he was supporting them. The friendships Mike cultivated over his many years are innumerable. Customers from across the country have expressed to me their sympathy for both Mike’s family and the Autoquip family in ways seldom heard in our industry. I will miss Mike as a source of certainty through any challenge we face, but more importantly as a friend. We will long realize and remember his contribution to the Autoquip family.” Steve Castle, Regional Sales Manager.
“Mike was the kind of man that helped build what we are enjoying at AQ today, his work, knowledge and personality cannot be replaced for his generation got it done with a side of humor always kept you on your toes. His love for his family and Grandkids is second to none, I recall seeing him at baseball games and his smile while watching them was bigger than Oklahoma, he will be terribly missed by those that loved him and us few that got a chance to work with him. I will miss my amigo.” Jose Zamora, Buyer.
Mike was my first friend at Autoquip. We set next to each other for several years and enjoyed the typical office banter and laughs together. He was always willing to help me get up to speed on our equipment and was there any time I had a question. We joked that he was part of the marketing team as well as customer service. We shared a special bond as co-workers, but he was also my close friend. We checked in with each other on personal and family matters. I will miss him greatly.” Julie Rice, Marketing Manager.