Dick Goodall and his company, Dixon Valve, is looking more and more these days like the exception to the rule in American manufacturing. A profitable, privately-held company, Dixon continues to invest time and resources on their employees, and their community, rather than manage for short-term profit gains to be competitive. And it seems to be working. As one Chestertown’s largest employers, Dixon has grown from thirteen employees, when they moved to Chestertown in the early 1970’s from Philadelphia, to now over 350, and hundreds more around the world. While every year, the pressure on Dixon to reduce costs becomes more intense from pressures from China and other parts of the developing world, Dick and his team at Dixon continue to believe that keeping employees happy. employed (even through tough times) and involved in the process is the best way to keep your edge.
While Dick takes pride in his team’s achievements, he sees real threats to manufacturing in the years ahead. Unless a state like Maryland can create a pro-business climate similar to those found in Virginia and Delaware, the future of manufacturing in places like Chestertown will look increasingly dim. In his candid assessment, the time for local officials to send a message to Annapolis is now, before companies like Dixon Value go to other parts in the country, or other parts of the world, to create jobs.
Marty Stetson says
Chestertown is so very fortunate to have such a company as Dixon and to have it lead by a person such as Dick Goodall. He is one of the most honorable person I have ever know and I am proud to have him as a friend. He is saying what I believe and have said for a long time, Chestertown is more than just the “downtown”. It is a community of all the citizens of the town and we all need to work towards making it a good place to live for everyone. We need a vital downtown but we also should address the needs of all the citizens who live in our town. He is doing just that by providing jobs for some of our citizens.
StellaL says
Nice man but i am at a loss why the Goodall family feels the need to make money through land development.
When is enough enough?
D. Moore says
When are “enough” people hired and working, contributing to an economy and a community?
When are “enough” taxes and benefits paid by the evil developers of this country?
When is making money perceived as positive rather than negative?
When is “enough enough?”
John says
you all really got problems. I am 23 years old and live in Chestertown. There is nothing here, everyone is complaining about building and land. Get over it. Chestertown has to grow or die. All the people my age that i know, have left already. GROW OR DIE. We don’t need more houses, we need more jobs, things for the younger generation to do, and a better town government that is willing to make changes. Its not going to live being a “Historic Town” and nothing more. Keep downtown and build up around it. GROW OR DIE
StellaL says
Sorry John. Good luck finding a job…maybe the Western Shore is your kind of place? You know, move or die?
Beth Armstrong says
Having had work experience in government, private sector, public sector and non profits the Dixon model is by far the most advantageous to all employees. It’s too bad that opportunities don’t exist to employ more people from the area. The benefits Dixon provides, including profit share, the continuous improvement process and education are far superior than any company and organization I have worked for. Government needs to find a way to support and allow business to profit such as Dixon, their growth will benefit all in the community. StellaL, I’m sorry, you just don’t get it….
Carla Massoni says
A big thank you to Dick Goodall for this great interview. Our kids went to school together and graduated from Kent County High School. Dick has been a terrific supporter of education in all the years I have known him. His company is one based on excellence across the board. We should be grateful for the commitment Dixon Valve and the Goodalls have made to our community. What a great idea – let’s be known for something unique – our school system!
StellaL says
Beth Armstrong – that is not what I do not get. My comment was in regards to real estate development –
particul;arly the apparent approach to change the conservation land that Wilber Hubberd deeded.
That is what i was remarking on. Only.
connie schroth says
As long as I have known Dick, he has held the quality of local education among his highest priorities. He and his employees have supported the Character Counts! initiative in all our public schools – a program that advocates citizenship, leadership, and respect for one’s self and others. I admire Dick for being someone who acts fully on his beliefs and makes positive contributions to his community.
Jack Offett says
I am at a loss as to why StellaL would say to a 23 year old looking for a job, Good Luck, maybe you should move to the Western Shore. The Eastern Shore is not a state park. We do, in fact, need opportunities for people–including our own children.
Steve D says
Thank you Mr. Goddall for all you do to keep Dixon Valve the right type of company with the right leadership that America needs! It IS Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, then more Jobs for our existing unemployed and under-employed, for new arriving locals & for that next generation coming up, it is their time now. This governor talks out of both sides of his mouth about moving forward yet his policies damage everyone and everything resembling opportunity? As suggestion to many of the ‘Stellas’ on the Shore; perhaps pre-planned, openly marketed areas like Florida’s ‘The Villages’ are more appropriate for those no longer in the workforce contributing critically needed revenues but in fact removing far too much on balance, of capital for investment & growth? America’s social contract doesn’t work when it isn’t a strong two-way understanding of fairness, equity, shared sacrifice & selflessness. At the end of the day it was sunsetting generations, not their children & grandchildren, who over their lifetimes voted in & did not hold accountable the leaders who buried us with rules, regulations & incredulous spending policies that have our economy in the historic situation it is in today, and sadly may remain for many tomorrows.