Donald E. Noble

Donald E. Noble (1915 - June 2002^[1])

Donald Noble was born January 21, 1915 in Lansing Michigan and raised in Cleveland Ohio.

EDUCATION AND WORK HISTORY

Donald earned a degree in Business Administration from Wester Reserve University in 1941. Donald worked through the Depression while in university at National City Bank of Cleveland, starting as a simple messenger and advancing over his eight years of employment to a management position. Donald then moved to Wooster OH to join the Wooster Rubber Co, predecessor of Rubbermaid Inc., initially as chief accountant and assistant office manager. Donald was named CEO of Rubbermaid in 1959 and made huge advancements for the company up to his retirement in 1980. During his tenure, Rubbermaid made the transformation from rubber products to plastic products, increased sales and developed a business plan which provided innovation through research and development. He increased sales over 1100 percent from $24.5 million to $305 million. Net earnings during his time as CEO increased from 21 cents to $2.96 per share. He was an extremely involved in all aspects of the company, taking time to get to know every single employee in all areas. He was often found on the factory floor speaking to assembly line workers whom he knew by name. To Donald, it was crucial to personally know each of his employees, their families and lives so that he could ensure they were happy in their job and they knew how important they were to the company. Donald knew that without the factory workers the company would not exist and ensured that he did all he could to show his appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Donald E. Noble was a noted benefactor to the College of Wooster, where he served on the board of trustees for 41 years. He also quietly made many philanthropic gifts to the local community, often anonymously. With his wife Alice he formed the Donald and Alice Noble Foundation in Wooster, Ohio. In 2002 Donald built The Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster OH as a gift to his beloved wife and to benefit the city. Donald and Alice held a special place in their heart for ice skating because it was what they did for their very first date in January 1934 and every year after to commemorate the date anniversary. Donald and Alice were able to share a special sleigh ride (the sleigh was on skates) at the grand opening of the ice rink just 10 days before he died. His entire family, many friends and town members helped celebrate the opening with them. The event was an extremely emotional time for those who loved Donald, especially as he had been battling cancer and his ability to attend the opening was uncertain. He also helped found TechniGraphics, Inc. a mapping and engineering services company in Wooster, Ohio.

FAMILY

Donald and Alice were married on July 8, 1939 and had a very happy marriage for more than 60 years. Together they had four children; Richard, David, Jeanne and Nancy. They also had many loving grandchildren; Andrew (Richard's and Madeleine Miller), Donald Jr, and Robinson (David Noble), Elizabeth and Matthew (David and Gayle Noble), Katherine, Sarah, and Laura (Stuart and Jeanne Langford) and Lily and Stephan (James and Nancy Holland). Donald was extremely devoted to his wife and family. He provided great love and support for every member and made a strong positive impact on each of their lives.

References

1. http://nobleice.com/about/nobles-story/ Noble's Story. Retrieved Dec. 2, 2013

• Noble, Donald E. (1996). Like Only Yesterday, The Wooster Book Company. ISBN 1-888683-15-5.