MIKE MOEHRL -- THE WORLD'S GREATEST TWO-WAY RADIO SALESMAN

Mike Moehrl Honored With "Superior Achievement Award" From GE

Mike Moehrl received a well-deserved honor at GE Mobile Communications' International Sales Meeting in Orlando in mid-February. His award from GE was unique -- the first of its kind -- which recognizes his many years of sales achievement with RACOM where he is often the Number One salesperson.

Mike joined RACOM in April of 1978 after several years as Marshall County Engineer.  Mike had become acquainted with RACOM's President, Gregg Miller, when Gregg called on the county.  Mike was contemplating a career change and the two began talking about opportunities with RACOM.   It was still during the "ground floor" phase of RACOM's development as a leading supplier of two-way radio.

Mike's determination, combined with his organizational skills and hard work, were key to his success.  Miller says, "Mike planned each day, usually several weeks in advance, scheduling appointments from early in the morning until dark.  He knew firsthand how essential good communication was to the people he called on."

With an unrelenting focus on sales, his hard work, integrity and emphasis on customer service helped him build a strong customer base.  In 1981, Mike purchased 6% of RACOM's stock and became a vice president and director.  In the spring and summer of 1982, RACOM made long-range plans to expand its business through the construction of a wide-area radio/telephone network in the Midwest, the first of its kind in the country.  It was envisioned that Mike would play a significant leadership role as the company grew.

Life changed for Mike in 1982.  While riding one of his registered Appaloosa horses near his acreage south of Marshalltown on a beautiful October afternoon, his horse fell after stepping in a hole.  Mike toppled to the ground.   Unable to breathe, he lapsed into unconsciousness.  Mike had broken his neck and severely damaged his spinal cord.

Then, a remarkable series of events occurred in which radio communications played a major role.  Stopped at the intersection near where Mike fell was Dorothy Scott, one of Mike's farming customers.  Dorothy had her GE portable radio on the car seat and radioed her husband, Bob, that Mike was injured.  Bob was at Southard Implement, a John Deere dealer and RACOM customer.  He quickly notified the ambulance service of Mike's serious condition.

Dorothy and Mike's riding companion began performing life-saving CPR.  An off-duty paramedic who lived a short distance from where Mike lay motionless in the ditch heard the ambulance call on his GE radio and arrived  before the ambulance and directed the efforts to stabilize Mike.  Mike was transported to the Marshalltown Hospital and from there he was flown by Life Flight Helicopter to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

"The shock of this happening to Mike numbed us all," Miller said.  "At first, Mike wasn't expected to live through the night, but remarkably, he hung on.  It was a relief to learn that he would survive, and at the same time it was incomprehensible to fathom Mike's evolution from a strong, athletic guy of 41 to a quadriplegic, always dependent on a respirator and around-the-clock care."

Mike has done a lot more than just survive.  After the initial eight months of hospitalization in Des Moines and at Craig Institute in Denver, Mike returned home and soon resumed his sales career with RACOM.  He began by phoning customers using a telephone headset.  Later he made personal calls on existing customers and new prospects in his specially-equipped van, provided through the fund-raising efforts of his former Marshall County Highway employees and his fellow Lions' Club members.  His nurse/driver/sales assistant then and now is Dorothy Scott, the customer and neighbor who played such an instrumental role in saving Mike's life on October 14, 1982.

It is really quite remarkable when you realize it takes about 4 hours of care before Mike can even be up in the wheelchair and another 2-3 hours before bedtime.  Mike cannot move a muscle below his shoulders and cannot breathe on his own.  He has a dedicated group of people committed to his care 24 hours a day.

Many people marvel at Mike's bright outlook and wonder how he maintains his positive attitude while facing such a difficult physical condition.   Mike says, "Every day I thank God for life itself.  I also thank Him for the many loyal customers who are not only customers but also friends.  I am also thankful for the entire RACOM organization which has helped me to continue in sales and be productive. The greatest miracle is all the close friends God has given me since my accident.  And, most of all, I thank Dorothy for making all of this possible."

GE's "Superior Achievement Award" to Mike emulates the theme of the sales meeting:  "Simply the Best."  Your co-workers and customers have always known that about you, Mike.  Congratulations!