Two years before retirement, Hardy became a SCORE volunteer counselor in 2003; a job he believes can make an enormous difference in the lives of those starting a business. As Hardy sees it, one his most important tasks is to listen carefully to clients and understand who they are and where they want to go in business, and then help them to evaluate their readiness for starting a business. “It is best if he can help them come to this conclusion themselves.” He wants people to avoid the painful process of starting a business before they are ready, and then failing, owing money to banks, and possibly losing what they have.
Hardy has considerable expertise in the areas of manufacturing, cost accounting, growth, business plans, cash flow issues, export and import, international business, inventory, and mergers and acquisitions.This information is invaluable, and it is free – one needs only to ask for help.
In 1983, Hardy was chosen as President and CEO of Goldschmidt Chemical, a German owned company, with an interest in developing the U.S. market. His task was to open a chemical plant in Hopewell, Virginia, and sell chemical products to other manufactures for use in their products. So Hardy with his wife and two daughters moved to the Richmond area of Virginia.
“I know what it takes to build a company from the ground up” says Hardy. “The new plant started with 17 people, and had 650 people when I retired twenty-two years later.” Hardy has extensive experience is in the area of business growth. He says his people skills became most important to the growth process because keeping good employees is of utmost importance. He became involved in all HR issues and all aspects of employee relations. It became one of the most important components of his job.
Hardy has been ‘giving back to the community’ for quite a while. As CEO, he and the CEOs of other chemical companies met with local officials to inform them and the residents of Hopewell about what was being done to improve the quality of the air and water. Hardy was involved in the Hopewell School Foundation which gave money to needy children so they could attend community college. Many employees volunteered their time to tutor local students who needed help. They also supported community projects. The Hopewell residents appreciated what was being done on their behalf. In 2006 to 2008, Hardy was elected as Chairman of the Richmond Chapter of SCORE. In 2008 he became Assistant District Director, for the Virginia SCORE district. Hardy has vast knowledge and experience in just about all aspects of business. He has a keen and insightful mind and a very gentle manner. These traits, combined with excellent people skills, makes for one exceptional SCORE counselor.
