Monday, October 27, 2025
Distribution: (800) 510 0384
Washington DC
New York
Toronto
Press ID  
  • Login
The Hudson Weekly
  • Financial
  • Blockchain
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Cybersecurity
No Result
View All Result
  • Financial
  • Blockchain
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Cybersecurity
No Result
View All Result
The Hudson Weekly
No Result
View All Result

Robert E. Griffin, Longtime Escalade CEO and Chairman, Has Passed Away at Age 89

Sylvia MacIntyre by Sylvia MacIntyre
April 18, 2024
in Sports
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Robert E. Griffin, former CEO and Chairman of Escalade, Inc. passed away in St. George, Utah, surrounded by his family on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the age of 89.

Mr. Griffin was instrumental in transforming Escalade into the highly regarded sporting goods and recreation products company that it is today. Leading Escalade for fifty-three years in various roles, and later as unpaid advisor to anyone seeking his wise counsel, Griffin recognized the importance of diversifying the company and product offerings from an established archery-equipment business to a multi-category industry leader. During Bob’s steady and visionary leadership, the company grew its sporting goods business from sales of $800,000 in 1962 to sales of $155,000,000 in 2015. Griffin commented on Escalade’s success: “We learned early on that the demand for sporting goods is very seasonal, and the popularity of certain items runs in cycles. There are ups and downs you can’t control, so we began broadening our product base to make sure that all of our eggs were not in one basket.” Escalade’s reputation for quality products, leading brands, dedicated employees, and sound business practices stems from his vision, ethics, and leadership.

HudsonNewsroom

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Desert Safari Tour in Dubai

Cheap Golf Balls That Play Like New: The Benefits of Choosing Refurbished

The Rise of Live MLB Betting: How Moneyline Odds Shift in Real Time

Griffin was a humble, generous, and faithful friend who maintained close relationships throughout his life. He was a life-long learner who balanced his daily rituals with calculated risk-taking and certitude. One of Bob’s mottos was “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” His successes outweighed his failures.

“Without Bob Griffin none of us would be here today. I cannot begin to recount the many contributions Bob made to our company, to our industry, and to our communities. He was a modern-day renaissance man: visionary, businessman, teacher, philanthropist, athlete,” says Escalade Sports CEO & President Walt Glazer.

Griffin, born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, trained in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1957. After serving as an officer in the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps, Bob went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 1960. Following graduation, Griffin aspired to work for a company in which he could develop an ownership stake. Bob placed a small advertisement in the Wall Street Journal seeking an opportunity and stating, “equity ownership is more important than salary.” That ad piqued the interest of Robert Orr, future Indiana Governor, who was an early venture capitalist and investor in Evansville; the two hit it off right away. In 1962, Griffin had the opportunity to “live what he talked about” when he and a group of investors, including Orr, purchased Indian Archery and Toy Company. In 1973, Escalade, Inc. was formed with The Williams Manufacturing Company merger, and Griffin rolled his ownership stake into this new company, which began trading on the NASDAQ that year. He was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Escalade in 1976 and continued in that role until 1999. He retired as Chairman of the Board in 2015. After retiring, Bob maintained his iconic office overlooking Maxwell Avenue and continued to greet everyone by name with a hospitable “Good Morning.”

Griffin valued education, believing that it led to an improved quality of life and helped people make better decisions. He became a major benefactor to the University of Southern Indiana. In 2014, his leadership gift funded the construction of the USI Griffin Center. Bob continued to engage with his undergraduate alma mater and regularly attended Notre Dame football games. He supported the Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government, as well as the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture. Bob was instrumental in the launch and support of the Galvin Science & Engineering Scholars program at Notre Dame.

Griffin remained physically active throughout his life and developed a keen interest in health care. His lifelong interest in skiing began in Aspen, Colorado in the 1960s, and he later shifted to Utah. He worked out regularly at the YMCA and enjoyed bicycling. He could be seen tooling around town on his vintage black Indian Scout bicycle. Among his proudest achievements was to introduce the first health risk-based insurance incentive program in the United States at Escalade.

Griffin was an accomplished investor and remained actively interested in the markets. Bob learned about stocks in high school and gained early boardroom experience when he engineered the sale of Obear-Nester Glass Company in 1967. Bob’s friend and Evansville restauranteur, Andy Guagenti, identified Wendy’s as a significant new franchise opportunity. Griffin and Guagenti set up a meeting with Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, secured the Utah territory, and formed a rewarding partnership in 1975 that built, owned, and operated more than two dozen Wendy’s restaurants throughout the state. In 1991, Bob also led Escalade’s successful investment in the renowned Swedish table tennis company Stiga Sports, and he developed a long-standing relationship with the Bandstigen family, partners in the business. Most recently, Bob was an investor in Regency Properties and served on their Board of Managers. Regency develops commercial real estate in county seats throughout the United States. Griffin thought of his philanthropy not as a donation, but as an investment that should be leveraged to provide a compelling return to the community.

Griffin was highly active in the Evansville community and received many awards for his service. In 2003, USI recognized his leadership and service with conferral of an Honorary Doctorate degree. He was elected to Evansville’s Business Hall of Fame in 2008. Last year, Bob and Judith, his wife of 59 years, were recognized with the Dr. William Wooten Champions of Youth First Award.

He is survived by his wife Judith; daughters Robin, Molly, and Amanda; son Patrick;  brother Richard; eleven grandchildren; and many extended family members.

Griffin will be deeply missed by his family, the Escalade family, and those he met, mentored, and inspired throughout his life. Visitation will be held on April 19th at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel in Evansville, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will take plan on April 20th at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Newburgh, Indiana.

Sylvia MacIntyre

Sylvia MacIntyre

Public Editor

More from HW Newsdesk

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Desert Safari Tour in Dubai
Sports

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Desert Safari Tour in Dubai

September 23, 2025
Cheap Golf Balls That Play Like New: The Benefits of Choosing Refurbished
Sports

Cheap Golf Balls That Play Like New: The Benefits of Choosing Refurbished

September 17, 2025
The Rise of Live MLB Betting: How Moneyline Odds Shift in Real Time
Sports

The Rise of Live MLB Betting: How Moneyline Odds Shift in Real Time

September 8, 2025

HW Newsroom

doTERRA's Global Convention Demonstrates Multi-Tiered Empowerment Model
Arts

doTERRA’s Global Convention Demonstrates Multi-Tiered Empowerment Model

by Nicole Choquette
October 22, 2025

Salt Lake City hosted doTERRA's 2025 Global Convention from Sept. 18-20, drawing attendance exceeding 10,000 individuals through combined in-person and...

How Does External Storage Enhance Your Investment Strategy?

How Does External Storage Enhance Your Investment Strategy?

October 21, 2025
Neutec Group Partners With Bioz to Enhance Scientific Product Validation

Neutec Group Partners With Bioz to Enhance Scientific Product Validation

October 21, 2025
California's Lancaster Introduces Hydrogen-Powered Backup Traffic Signals to Boost Public Safety

California’s Lancaster Introduces Hydrogen-Powered Backup Traffic Signals to Boost Public Safety

October 21, 2025
A Complete Review of Spin Samurai Casino – the Perfect Choice for Australian Players

A Complete Review of Spin Samurai Casino – the Perfect Choice for Australian Players

October 21, 2025
Every Child in America Doesn’t Need Therapy

Every Child in America Doesn’t Need Therapy

October 20, 2025
Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise Than You Think in the Windy City

Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise Than You Think in the Windy City

October 20, 2025
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Casino Operations

History of Lightning Link Casino Slots

October 20, 2025
4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Pet Comfortable Year-Round

4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Pet Comfortable Year-Round

October 19, 2025
Tom Vukota Delivers Returns Through Secular Trend Execution in Colorado Workforce Housing

Tom Vukota Delivers Returns Through Secular Trend Execution in Colorado Workforce Housing

October 19, 2025
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Medicine: Dr. Michael Everest’s Perspective

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Medicine: Dr. Michael Everest’s Perspective

October 16, 2025
Are You Under 40 and Want to Invest? Here’s Where to Begin

Are You Under 40 and Want to Invest? Here’s Where to Begin

October 16, 2025
No Result
View All Result

Headlines

A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a DTF Printing Business

How to Use Feeding Bra Properly: What Every Mom Should Know

Discover the World of Prop Firm Trading

doTERRA’s Global Convention Demonstrates Multi-Tiered Empowerment Model

How Does External Storage Enhance Your Investment Strategy?

Neutec Group Partners With Bioz to Enhance Scientific Product Validation

Trending

How Online Casino Platforms Are Embracing Safer-Gaming Tools and Regulation
Cybersecurity

How Online Casino Platforms Are Embracing Safer-Gaming Tools and Regulation

by Craig Richer
October 24, 2025

Online gaming has developed at an immensely fast pace over the last ten years, from a niche...

Ryan The Son Turns Recovery Into a Sport on Recovering Athlete

Ryan The Son Turns Recovery Into a Sport on Recovering Athlete

October 24, 2025
A Beginner's Guide to Starting a DTF Printing Business

A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a DTF Printing Business

October 23, 2025
How to Use Feeding Bra Properly: What Every Mom Should Know

How to Use Feeding Bra Properly: What Every Mom Should Know

October 23, 2025
Discover the World of Prop Firm Trading

Discover the World of Prop Firm Trading

October 22, 2025
  • Kunming Biodiversity Fund Endorses 22 Landmark Projects to Combat Biodiversity Loss

https://ritzherald.com/kunming-biodiversity-fund-endorses-22-landmark-projects-to-combat-biodiversity-loss/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #environnement
  • Why Adaptability is the Ultimate Business Advantage: Insights From Dustin Pillonato

https://madisongraph.com/why-adaptability-is-the-ultimate-business-advantage-insights-from-dustin-pillonato/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • Bridging the Gap: Greg Kutzin on How Business Analysts Can Drive Change in Diverse Industries

https://madisongraph.com/bridging-the-gap-greg-kutzin-on-how-business-analysts-can-drive-change-in-diverse-industries/

#GuestPostService #SponsoredPost #DigitalPR #SEOAgency #ContentMarketing #MediaCoverage #BacklinkService #AuthorityBranding #FounderLife #MarketingAgency #EarnedMedia #PressReleaseDistribution #LinkBuildingService #StartupMarketing #NYC
  • Waad Sartawi: The Future of Drama Writing

https://marketsherald.com/waad-sartawi-the-future-of-drama-writing/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #writings #book
  • Nick Warner, Lobbyist Powerhouse – Turned – Business Coach, Shares his Experience and Insights on Leadership & Strategy With Victor Migalchan on California LIVE Podcast

https://fairmontpost.com/nick-warner-lobbyist-powerhouse-turned-business-coach-shares-his-experience-and-insights-on-leadership-strategy-with-victor-migalchan-on-california-live-podcast/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #california #podcasting
  • Weber Financial Group Redefines Client-Centric Service in Newport Beach

https://belmontstar.com/weber-financial-group-redefines-client-centric-service-in-newport-beach/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #lawyerlife
  • New Jersey Students Turn to Trade Careers as College Costs Rise: A Path to Debt-Free Success

https://fairmontpost.com/new-jersey-students-turn-to-trade-careers-as-college-costs-rise-a-path-to-debt-free-success/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #newjersery
  • Sprouting Into the Spotlight: Doug Evans Makes Waves on Shark Tank

https://marketsherald.com/sprouting-into-the-spotlight-doug-evans-makes-waves-on-shark-tank/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #healthyfoodie

© 2025 The Hudson Weekly. Published by The Ritz Herald. Editions: Markets Herald • Lincoln Citizen • Madison Graph • Belmont Star • Fairmont Post

Address: 1177 6th Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Removals: pr@hudsonweekly.com. Phone: (718) 313-5252. M-F: 9AM-5PM. Privacy Policy

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Financial
  • Blockchain
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Cybersecurity

© 2025. The Hudson Weekly