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How a Vietnam Vet Built a Valve Empire — Rick Wentzel on Legacy, Innovation & Grit
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Rick Wentzel doesn’t just sell valves — he helped shape the entire North American valve landscape.
In this first episode of Fully Open (by ValveMan), host Gil Welsford Jr. sits down with Rick to talk about his journey from Vietnam platoon sergeant to co-founding Bonomi North America and launching game-changing valve and actuator lines across the country.
💡 What you’ll hear:
- How Rick pioneered the ball valve movement in the U.S.
- The Bonomi startup story and engineering principles that built trust
- Why specs alone don’t sell — and what it really takes
- Lessons on leadership, legacy, and long-term business growth
🔧 This isn’t just a podcast about valves — it’s about the people who keep plants running.
🔗 More from ValveMan: https://valveman.com
📧 Contact: [email protected]
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