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Robert E. Arbogast–The Third Generation of Ohio Willow Wood Unfolds
By Jodi Mills  As a member of the third generation of a treasured
family business, Robert E. Arbogast, commonly referred to as "Bob",
strives daily to fulfill his given role in continuing his
grandfather's legacy. A modest and unassuming gentleman, he and the
family of employees of Ohio Willow Wood, Mount Sterling, Ohio, work
towards one common vision.
This vision entails becoming a world leader in "leveling the
playing field" between the physically unchallenged and all the
people who find themselves at a disadvantage due to limb loss or
limb dysfunction. They believe this is one of the primary purposes
for their existence. The company's success since the early 1900s is
a testimony to their devotion to this cause.
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(Above, left) William E. Arbogast with wife, Mary Johnson Arbogast. (Left) Edwin Arbogast II, Bob’s father in his younger years. |
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Bob was born into an O&P manufacturing family.
His grandfather, William E. Arbogast, survived a tragic railroad
accident that led to the amputation of both legs. His fate
continues to impact the lives of others. Dissatisfied with the
prostheses available to him, he began carving legs from the willow
trees on his farm--thus the name Ohio Willow Wood. What followed is
nothing short of amazing. The Sterling Stump Sock was created,
becoming the standard sock within the industry. Edwin and John,
William's sons and the second generation of the family business,
enhanced the company's ground-breaking ideas by co-developing the
first semi-finished, lower extremity, above-knee prosthesis in the
US that incorporated interchangeable parts. The 60s brought the
SACH-Foot, the first cosmetically appealing solid ankle cushion
heel foot manufactured in the US. Grandsons Bob and Joe, the third
generation, joined the business and by the 1980s were infusing a
large dose of youth and energy into the company. This included
construction of a new plant along with an innovative research and
development department that focused on bringing new technology to
prosthetics and orthotics. The Carbon Copy II prosthetic foot made
its debut in 1984 as the first conventional lightweight,
energy-storing prosthetic foot to utilize carbon composites. The
year 1995 brought yet another first, a fabric covered gel liner
christened the Alpha® Liner. What was the mantra running
through the company? Take pride in being the first to develop
quality products that will ultimately assist the physically
challenged to live in comfort and lead a functionally normal
lifestyle.
Carrying on the Legacy
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Bob and friend, Eddy Mason, enjoy Ohio Willow Wood Company picnic. |
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It's quite a legacy to inherit, let alone live up
to. But Bob Arbogast is meeting the challenge with intelligence,
grace, and resolve. When asked what advice he would offer to
someone just starting his or her own O&P business, he stated,
"Maintain a high level of integrity and honesty in every situation.
Never, never waiver. And don't just treat others as you would
yourself. Treat them better." Ohio Willow Wood's goal is to refine
the products and processes they offer and continue to invest in new
technology that helps them to achieve their goal of "leveling the
playing field." He will tell you that although they may not always
perform as well as others, if those who perform better pause to
rest, Ohio Willow Wood will ultimately leave them in their wake.
The family of employees is both committed and determined to freeing
the spirit through freeing the bodies of amputees worldwide.
Honing Leadership Skills
Bob's leadership skills were honed at a young age. He received
the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth and was
awarded the Silver Beaver Award as an adult. Pursuing an
engineering curriculum, he graduated from the College of
Engineering of Ohio State University. Being involved in many and
varied causes and organizations has given Bob much satisfaction
through the years. Serving as the chairperson for the AOPA Board of
Directors was the highlight of his volunteer career to date. Bob
expressed it this way: "Chairmanship of AOPA was the most rewarding
opportunity I have received through service to my profession.
Through this experience I had the opportunity to interact with
individuals whose integrity and honesty is beyond reproach." This
is quite a testimony to his devotion and genuine love for his
chosen field and his colleagues. Being named as inventor or
co-inventor on over 20 US patents involving products that enhance
the lives of others has also been an exceptional achievement for
both Bob and his brother Joe, vice president of the family
business.
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Bob’s four kids in 1994: (from left) Lisa Arbogast-Jones, Michelle Arbogast-Paul, Ryan Arbogast, and Leslie Arbogast. |
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Being a man of integrity and honesty is reflected
in his personal life as well. Bob was born in Mount Sterling, Ohio,
and has lived there all his life. Involvement in many leadership
positions in his church, serving the community through chairmanship
of the local airport authority, chairperson of the local community
center, and village council member are significant components of
Bob's persona. His interests are many and varied: golf, auto
racing, home electronics, holding a private pilot's license,
assembling model airplanes and gas and electric model cars,
woodworking, inventing and fixing things. However his greatest joy
is derived from time with family "doing anything" as he so purely
put it. His love for his wife Patricia and their four wonderful
(his words) and infallible (their words) children is apparent as he
comments on their lives and achievements. Patricia is a tolerant
companion and loving wife that is "employed" as a Meals on Wheels
volunteer, a Bible Study Fellowship volunteer, and English and
reading tutor as well as numerous other positions that pay
employees with a "thank you" instead of a paycheck. Michelle, their
oldest, has a degree in sociology and psychology. She and her
husband are the parents of Bob and Patricia's grandchildren,
Katelyn and Isaac. Lisa, their second child, has a degree in
business administration and human resources management. Both she
and her husband are employees in the family business. Daughter
number three is Leslie who has a degree in public relations and is
pursuing a career in modern dance. Bob's youngest is Ryan, who
graduated from the College of Business Administration from his
father's alma mater. He too is currently employed at Ohio Willow
Wood.
O&P's Future: Bob's View
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Executive staff from left: Mitch Neff, director of human resources; Jim Colvin, director of engineering; Mark Ford, director of marketing; Bruce Helwagon, vice president of accounting. Seated in front, Bob Arbogast, president/owner. Not pictured: Ben Elliott, general manager; and Greg Neal, director of information technology. |
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What lies ahead in the future of orthotics and
prosthetics? If you ask Bob, he'll define it as "a tremendous
opportunity for the prosthetic community to make a positive impact
on the lives of those in need of our products and services
worldwide." He will also admit that there are obstacles to be
encountered along the way. "High costs associated with some new
technology can create moral issues that will need to be addressed.
Policing choices and assuring that each consumer receives no more
than that which is actually beneficial is causing great concern and
could potentially do great harm to our cause," states Bob. He
believes failure to apply sound clinical judgment throughout the
rehabilitation process, beginning with product selection and
justification, will result in increased scrutiny by payment
providers and could ultimately deprive candidates of all but the
most basic solutions. Bob expects the profession to continue to be
attracted to the technological advances available, but anticipates
it will strongly embrace technology that will assist in providing
innovations that help contain the rising cost of healthcare.
Is there anything that would make Bob wish he were 30 years old
again? Enjoying thoroughly where life has led him, there is little
that would entice him to do so--with one exception. He would turn
back the hands of time if he had the opportunity to play a
significant role in developing technology that improved the lives
of the least, put smiles where frowns once were, or instilled
desire and enthusiasm where dismay and defeat once lived. Now that
could make a mature man want to reverse the hands of time. 
Table Of Contents - May 2004
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