TUCSON, Ariz. – Truly Nolen Pest Control Vice President of Safety and Insurance Bob Hartley, who started with the company on Jan. 9, 1970 on Speedway Boulevard, celebrated an amazing milestone in this day and age earlier this month – 50 years with one company.
The 78-year-old Hartley first became familiar with Tucson while serving as a radar technician in the Air Force on Mount Lemmon. After his honorable discharge in late-1969, Hartley elected to relocate to Tucson permanently and used a hiring agency to try and find employment. After a couple of temporary interviews, he had a 20 minute interview with Truly Nolen and was hired on the spot as a Termite Inspector.
With his hiring, Hartley, who knew nothing about bugs when he was hired but has become an encyclopedia of knowledge about insects and rodents, began a career path within the company that has seen him hold many roles throughout his career. From general manager and district manager to his current role, Hartley has been blessed to work with so many talented people through the years. “I first met Truly in the courtyard at our Speedway office a few weeks after I was hired,” said Hartley. “He asked me what my name was. I told him, and he told me to call him Truly.”
From this initial meeting, a strong professional relationship began as well as a friendship. When Hartley first became a district manager, he stressed to Truly the importance of each of his team members having proper eyewear, gloves, respirator, and hard hat. “Truly rolled my idea out across the company, and eventually had me join the executive team focusing on safety, chemicals, and vehicles.”
Hartley also found love in Tucson. He first met a young termite dispatcher for Truly Nolen named Susan Sealey back in 1970, when he asked her if she would have a cup of coffee with him. He then realized he did not have any money in his pocket, so he asked her to borrow five dollars. Despite the unusual request, a true romance was born. “Susan was my soulmate and we spent 47 years together working, playing, and traveling,” Hartley said. “She was a truly beautiful person.” Sealey passed away in 2016.
When asked what advice he would give to someone in terms of remaining with a company for a long time regardless of the field, Hartley said, “To ensure longevity with any company, pick one that has high standards and impeccable integrity; then, be flexible and roll with the ups and downs sure to come!”
“Bob is someone that has always spoken his mind – and that is something my father always appreciated about him,” said Scarlett Nolen, Truly Nolen President, who also pointed out Hartley’s 50 year dedication to her father personally as well as to the company is one that you do not find too often. “Bob’s career evolution starting as a termite technician and growing to a vice president and board member embodies the opportunities we hope our partners strive for.”
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