The Hole Story®
The sole survivor of a Boeing
B-17 Flying Fortress shot
down during World War II,
Robert L. “Bob” McNichols
pledged to lead his life and
business according to Christian
principles. He believed in the
highest level of service, a
dedication to his employees, and
an appreciation for the customers
he had the privilege to serve.
Following discovery by a farmer, Bob was sent to prisonerof
war camp Stalag Luft I, where he remained until his
liberation on May 1, 1945. Seven years to the day after
his release from Stalag Luft I, Bob and his wife Phyllis
founded McNICHOLS CO.
When Bob started the business in 1952, he focused
on selling products with “holes” such as Perforated and
Expanded Metal. This focus led to the motto “The Hole
Story®,” which symbolizes the Company’s philosophy as
well as its products. Bob trademarked The Hole Story®
and advertised it in the 1975 McNICHOLS®
Master Catalog. This began the tradition of “hole”
references such as “Hole Products” and “The Hole Team.”
After the unexpected loss of Bob in 1981, his son Gene
took the reins. Gene carried on his father’s legacy by
growing the business.
In 1990, Gene introduced the “Service, Quality and
Performance” mission. The words embody the spirit of
the organization — including its emphasis on customer
service, high standards for quality (demonstrated by
our ISO 9001:2015 certifi cation), and dedication to
performance.
McNICHOLS has grown from a small family business
into a national corporation with 19 locations across the
country. The essence and spirit of the founder remain
ever-present. Bob’s faith gave him the courage to build
McNICHOLS on a Christian foundation. “To God
be the Glory” was one of his favorite sayings.
As McNICHOLS continues to grow beyond its
66th year in business, the third generation of the
McNichols family — as well as every member of The
Hole Team — act as stewards of Bob’s legacy.
Providing Hole Products Through Superior
Service, Quality and Performance …
That’s The Hole Story®!
OUR ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS TEAM IS
Architects, contractors, and designers choose to incorporate
McNICHOLS® Designer Metals into their projects because of
their versatility and beauty. Selections include Perforated and Expanded
Metals, Wire Mesh, and Textured Metals in a myriad of materials and
styles. Our Architectural Products Team understands how options like
confi guration, material type, gauge, open area, recycled content, fi nish and
other variables may infl uence your design for a successful project. We are
ready and Inspired to Serve® you!
ON THE COVER: Visitors to Dash-Park, a multi-use development
with green space in Onalaska, WI, are greeted with a modern, LED-lit sign
at the entrance that features McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal,
Round, Aluminum, .1250" Thick (8 Gauge), 3/8" Round on 9/16" Staggered
Centers, 40% Open Area.
McNICHOLS® VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
For more than 66 years, customers have made the consistent
choice to trust McNICHOLS with their Hole Product needs.
Many customers also look to us for metal processing and fabrication
services. We would be honored to demonstrate how we can expand
our services to meet your application requirements. From welding
and cut-to-size to notching and Stair Treads, we are ready to
fabricate Hole Products to your specifications.
©1989-2018 McNICHOLS CO., The Hole Story,
and McNICHOLS are registered trademarks of
McNICHOLS CO. All rights reserved. No part of
this book may be reproduced in any form without permission.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Please note that product photographs are not actual size.
Application photos refl ected are typical of Hole Products
in use that can be supplied or have been supplied by
McNICHOLS CO.
McNICHOLS CO. is ISO 9001:2015 certified.
866.754.5144 mcnichols.com ©2018
Bob McNichols, Founder
(1922 - 1981)
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