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In Memoriam: Marvin Wilt, Chairman, Bells Promotional Products
Issue: 2009dec
Marvin Wilt, chairman of the board for Austin, Texas-based distributor Bells Promotional Products, Inc. (UPIC: BELLSPPI), died on December 4 after a short illness. He was 93. Wilt was born in Landesburg, West Virginia, in 1916 and married Emma Lois Mewis in 1945.
Wilt joined the promotional products industry in 1973 when he jointly purchased Austin-based Bells Advertising, before becoming a full owner in 1983. Wilt’s sons, Terry and Randy, joined him in operating the distributorship.
Under Wilt’s leadership, the firm expanded into the national healthcare and high technology market and in 2003 an advertising agency was added. Wilt, who was married for 64 years and was active in his local church, became a business leader without completing a formal education. At the age of 15 he was selling for the JJ Newberry Co. in Florida and later became an award-winning stationery salesperson for Austin’s Steck Publishing Company.
Wilt never officially retired and was often seen at the office working on a daily basis, asking for reports and contacting clients.
“Dad honed his selling skills in the ’50s and ’60s and believed in strong relationship-based customer service,” says Terry Wilt, president. “Bells continues with many longtime employees, no doubt because they saw the strong work ethic and dedication that Dad had for his company.”
Marvin is survived by his sons, many grandchildren, three sisters and a brother. Services were held at Cook Walden Funeral Home in Austin, Texas, on December 11. Memorial contributions may be made to Austin Baptist Church. Click here to read more about Wilt’s life and accomplishments.
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Copyright (c) 2005-2010 Promotional Products Association International. All Rights Reserved.
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