Retiring doesn't mean he's quitting

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — Wanna send a little chill into future community fundraising efforts?

Announce that Ron Nilson, a local fundraising kingpin for the past 15 years, is retiring as president of Ground Force Worldwide without mentioning his plans for the foreseeable future.

Nilson, who serves on several boards of local nonprofits, said he has received many inquiries about his future since his mining equipment manufacturing company recently announced his retirement as its president.

"They’re saying 'Congratulations,'" he said. "'What are you doing now?'"

The answer, he said, is he'll continue to help with community fundraising, serve for nonprofits and retain his roles as owner, CEO and chairman of Ground Force.

Releasing his role as president will allow him to step away from many of the day-to-day operations of the business.

"As Kenny Rogers says, 'You've got to know when to hold 'em; know when to fold 'em; know when to walk away; and know when to run,'" Nilson said. "I'm in a better position now to prepare my successor for running this company while I am still here."

Nilson's successor, Luke Stavros, has worked at the company for 12 years.

"Luke has proven himself both persistent and resilient in the face of adversity and has always impressed our customers," Nilson said.

Stavros' previous titles at Ground Force included regional sales associate, sales manager, director of sales and marketing, and chief sales officer.

"This is an industry and company I've grown to love, an industry that's part of who I am and part of my family," Stavros said. "Ron has been an incredible mentor to me from a business perspective, but also as a family man and from the spiritual side as well. I owe a great deal of credit to him."

Phil Duckett, Ground Force's chief operating officer, said Nilson has laid a great foundation for the company, and Stavros is capable of leading it into the future.

"We may even be a little more focused," Duckett joked while standing next to Nilson's desk, which is covered with organizational paperwork about upcoming community fundraisers, materials to help build character and faith, and a book called "A Journey in the Palm of His Hands" he's working on for family about his testimony.

"The most important thing to do is know who God is and it starts with, 'It ain't about you,'" he said, referring to why he's writing the book.

Nilson said roughly half of his time away from home is spent on community service.

He has served on the Kootenai Technical Education Campus (KTEC) board and helped lead the campaign to gain voter approval of the technical school from voters in the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Lakeland school districts.

Nilson has also been on the board for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce and Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County and helped lead building projects for those nonprofits. His other involvements have included, but are not limited to, a warming shelter, the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, North Idaho STEM Charter Academy, Special Needs Recreation, 4-H, Helping At-Risk Community (HARC), 3Cs and a therapeutic ranch. He is also a guest speaker at nonprofit events and formerly served on the North Idaho College board.

Over the years, he has helped raise nearly $20 million at community fundraisers.

"Why am I so involved?" he said. "Because I can be, and I love this community. This community represents the most important value we possess in the U.S. — taking care of each other."

Knowing others, he said, is a reason nonprofits associate Nilson with fundraising success.

"I'm in a unique position of knowing a lot of influential friends," he said.

Nilson said he was kicked out of high school six times before he graduated. His father was an alcoholic.

"It was a distracted home life," he said.

Nilson started work by changing industrial acid tanks for a manufacturing company and was determined to show his supervisors he was worthy of climbing the manufacturing ladder every step of the way.

When Nilson purchased Aresco, which later became Ground Force Manufacturing, it had eight employees. It grew to as many as 235 five years ago and, with the market roller coaster, it now has 130.

Ground Force produces more than 30 types of mining equipment that is shipped to customers in more than 60 countries.

His background, he said, has given him a heart to help those who have struggled get on the right path.

"I'm blessed to say that I love the drug addicts and that I employ a lot of the ex-drug-addicts," he said.

While Nilson remains steadfast about continuing to assist nonprofits, diving back into politics is uncertain.

"That's not my intention right now," he said, adding he may become involved by helping candidates run if he sees a need.

Community leaders who've worked with Nilson are relieved he'll still be involved in the community while slowing down with his business.

"His commitment to career and technical education has made it possible for students to learn skills that will serve them their entire life," Post Falls School Superintendent Jerry Keane said.

Jamé Davis, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO, said Nilson "epitomizes community."

"As one of the first people we met upon moving to North Idaho 10 years ago, he and (wife) Pam were so generous with their time and friendship, inviting us to events and helping to get us established into the community," Davis said. "It left such an impression on us, that Ryan (husband and Boys and Girls Club executive director) and I try to do the same for new couples who move into our area. Ron is a gentle giant who has made an immense impact in our community."

Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson said it's obvious Nilson is so involved because of the compassion he has for others.

Four years ago, a few hours before Jacobson was asked to speak to legislators about community banks, he received word his father had died. Nilson was one of the first people Jacobson shared the news with.

"His words were not of banking, chamber of commerce or politics, but words of kindness, support and encouragement," Jacobson said. "Ron has a big personality but an even bigger heart."