|
The Lyman Group is a reflection of the philosophy, values and work ethic Harvey Lyman, company founder, was know and respected for, attributes he instilled in the company since its start. This page is a tribute to what Harvey stood for and what he will always be remembered and respected for.
After serving as a Captain in the US Army Air Corp/Signal Corp in World War II, Harvey married his wife of 55 years, Josephine, in 1944. Settling in the small agricultural community of Walnut Grove, CA, Harvey became well known by local growers in his early years there as an ag chemicals sales representative for the Chemmergic Company.
Ambitious and motivated to develop a better locally oriented agriservice business to serve growers in the Walnut Grove and Clarksburg areas of the Sacramento River Delta, Harvey formed a partnership known as Ag Chemicals Inc., in 1951, then went on to buy his partners out in 1954, forming the Harvey Lyman Ag Service and Harvey Lyman Ag Chemicals business. (Learn more about the history and evolution of the company on our History page.)
Harvey’s legacy to the company is the strength of his character, his commitment to grower service, loyalty to company employees, his effectiveness as a business manager and leader and his involvement in community service. He served as President of the Walnut Grove Rotary, and was a recipient of Rotary International’s prestigious WPHA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Long time employees remember Harvey’s early years and the tireless hours he invested in building and growing the business in the 50’s and 60’s. No job needing to be done was too menial for Harvey, and every customer and employee was valued and appreciated.
Often referred to as a “gentleman’s gentleman”, Harvey instilled a “we” company mentality (“we” meaning the company and the growers it served) since day one of company operations. He could see and understand the customer’s perspective, and earned grower and supplier trust through the bond of his word and his handshake. His “we” mentality and commitment to grower service became a trademark way of doing business for the Lyman companies, and remains as such today.
Harvey worked side by side with his oldest son Les, upon Les’s return to the business after college and a stint with Shell Ag Chemicals, Inc. Harvey supported Les’s gradual transition to a full time company leadership role. Their working relationship was an effective one, with Les sharing and building upon the philosophy, values and work ethic Harvey had so well ingrained in the company, and Harvey embracing and supporting the need for modernization and changes that Les was effectively able to envision and bring to reality.
Harvey’s greatest joy centered around his relationship with wife Josephine and sons Les, Scott and Tom and their extended families.
|
