It was the first really hot beach weekend of 2002, but that didn’t stop the tide of people heading to the Concordville Inn, just north of the Delaware state line in Pennsylvania
It seemed as if most of Delaware’s, as well as some of Maryland’s, New Jersey’s and Pennsylvania’s, contractors had packed the banquet hall to pay homage to one of their own — Fulton Owensby Sr. Owensby is founder and owner of State Line Machine Inc., one of the mid-Atlantic’s leading full-service heavy equipment companies.
The surprise salute, held Sunday, June 30, had been planned for months by family and friends to honor the entrepreneur for his contributions to the community.
“We really can’t call it a retirement dinner,” said Forrust Miller, State Line’s general manager and Owensby’s son-in-law, who coordinated the entire event.
“We don’t know if and when Fulton plans on retiring. Anyone who knows Fulton knows he may never retire,” he said.
“We knew my Dad would never officially retire,” said daughter Sherry Miller, explaining the motivation behind the surprise banquet. “We wanted him to hear all the wonderful things that everyone thinks about him.”
It really was a surprise for Owensby Sr. who said he came to the Concordville Inn with all intentions of celebrating his wife Naomi’s birthday.
“Things like this can be kind of hard on the heart. It’s bad for the blood pressure, too,” Owensby Sr., said. “Still, it’s nice to hear this kind of stuff when I’m alive, and not when they’re shoveling dirt on your face.”
The approximately 150 in attendance reflected back on their years of association with Owensby from a wide variety of perspectives: family, friend, business associate, and neighbor, to mention a few. Photographs showcasing various parts of Owensby’s life, including his renowned antique toy collection, were proudly displayed.
State Line prides itself on being family-owned and operated with Fulton Jr., serving as sales manager.
“It’s really fun working with him. I’m the third generation to be working here,” said Heather Miller, Owensby’s granddaughter. “It’s nice to be part of a family-owned business.”
The “family-centered” nature of the business was welcomed by many of those who joined in the celebration.
“Fulton’s a straight-shooter, an honest guy and a gentleman. We’re sort of competitors with him, but still friends,” said George Schulz, of Giles & Ransome Caterpillar.
“He’s a wonderful guy,” said Edwin M. McKeon, founder and publisher of Construction Equipment Guide. “He’s a real straight arrow. He runs a great business and is well respected. Look at the turnout here tonight.”
Bill D’Antonio Sr., retired owner of D’Antonio Construction Co., came to the event with his son. Bill D’Antonio Jr., owner of D’Antonio Excavating Inc., of Clifton Heights, PA.
“Fulton is a great man,” said D’Antonio Jr. “He runs a great business. I have never had a problem with them. They are always available to help you out. His son-in-law Forrust is a real gem.”
State Line Machine was founded in 1966 and has been servicing the heavy-equipment industry for 35 years in the four-state area of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.
Originally the business consisted of one building housing an undercarriage rebuild shop and an office. Today, it has grown to a full-service facility encompassing two shop buildings, a 10,000-sq.-ft. warehouse, office and showroom facilities.
A new facility in Laurel, DE, was recently opened to serve the needs of businesses in lower Delaware and the eastern Shore.
State Line’s vision remains the same — to continue to meet the growing needs of contractors while still maintaining the personalized service that customers have come to expect.
State Line is well-known for its reputation as a premiere quality undercarriage repairing and rebuilding shop. The company’s skilled mechanics are qualified and equipped to help with any service problems — electrical, hydraulic, engine, or drivetrain. In addition, the company also provides field service, welding and bucket rebuilding services.
During Sunday’s event, Owensby Sr. took some good-natured ribbing about his toy-collecting hobby. The hobby outgrew its original showcase and has expanded to the point that a toy and collectible division called “Rare Finds” was added to the business.
“No one ever retires from construction,” said Steve Batzel, owner of Lazy B Construction, Middletown, DE. “Maybe now Fulton will shift his focus from playing with the big toys to playing with the small toys.”
Owensby and his wife Naomi greeted each and every one in attendance.
Charles “Pete” Greer. grew up with Owensby Sr. They played together as children and worked together as adults.
“I worked for his father and for him,” said Greer. “The Owensby family are great people to work for. Still, I can’t see Fulton Sr. retiring. He can’t quit. That’s just the way he is.”
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