The Armory Life (TAL):yo tell us a little about yourself.
Where were you born, where did you grow up, etc.?
Carol Reese (CR):Im just a country girl when it comes down to it.
After that, I went to Orion High School in Orion, Illinois.
TAL:How did you meet your future husband, Bob Reese?
So, he followed me until I stopped, which was at my home.
Then, he asked me on a date.
I thought, Gosh, hes a good-looking guy.
I think I should!
Bob had been activated as a member of the National Guard for Korea and was stationed in California.
He came home on the troop train, and we were married.
The next day, we took off for California.
TAL:After California, you all decided you wanted to come back to the Geneseo area?
I got some jobs here and there to help make a little money.
We started farming, raising hogs, and planting beans and corn.
It was very hard work, and unfortunately, we were not making enough money to support us.
With a family of three boys, money always seemed like it was in short supply.
TAL:Was farming what you and Bob saw as the future for the family?
In fact, he was a great shot.
This led to him starting a business as a surplus dealer.
He started buying these parts and bringing them to the farm in our red farm truck.
We realized we really had something here.
Can you tell us a bit about this?
Once they got there, Bob and Denny realized there was a great opportunity.
I said, Yes!.
I trusted their judgement, but I also appreciated his making me a part of the decision.
Thats why we took this huge risk, and it was the right thing to do.
Im so glad we did.
TAL:In our interview with Denny, he mentioned how important a role family plays in Springfield Armory.
Can you tell us your thoughts on this?
CR:Looking back, I am amazed at what we managed to accomplish.
It was a lot of hard work, but it was all worth it.
I remember, in the early days we would have board meetings at the family dinner table.
It was all about the business, but it was the family together working on it.
It was important to us that we spend time together like this.
Can you tell us your thoughts on this?
CR:I agree.
The success of this company is an amazing legacy.
The boys carried on the tradition of what we were trying to do with the company.
Our legacy is what the boys have done, and the company we created.
It looks like they listened!
CR:Bob was the most humble man you could ever meet, despite all he had accomplished.
If you asked him what he did, he would just say, Im still raising hogs and corn.
He would never brag; I never heard him do it even once.
But I know deep down he was very proud of what the family had accomplished with Springfield Armory.
TAL:Guns were clearly a big part of Bobs and the boys lives.
Do you have a passion for firearms?
CR:I actually wasnt raised around guns.
But I developed a love of hunting and would go deer hunting on the farm.
After I took my first 10-point buck there, I was hooked!
I also loved turkey hunting here on the farm.
I think the future of Springfield Armory is looking very good!
We truly appreciate it.
CR:Thank you!
