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 metal 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 certification), and dedication
to performance.
Today, McNICHOLS remains a family business
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
67th 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®!
WHAT IS ECO-MESH®?
McNICHOLS ECO-MESH® is a modular, double-sided Wire Mesh
framework grid that fosters organic environments to create lush green
walls. To increase strength, this grid system is constructed with two layers
of Wire Mesh that are framed by a corrosion-resistant steel channel. The
Mesh layers are secured in place with a horizontal, zig-zag “bridge wire”
that is alternately welded to both the front and back layers of the panel.
These Mesh panels are made from heavy, woven, intercrimp wires that are
strong, yet flexible enough to adjust to increasing vine loads over time.
Made with LEED-friendly recycled materials, ECO-MESH® is commonly
used for screen walls, canopies, arbors, partitions, column covers, and
facades, and can be installed in both indoor and outdoor settings.
©1989-2019 McNICHOLS CO., The Hole Story,
Inspired to Serve, ECO-MESH, ECO-ROCK,
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 reflected 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.
The Hole Story®
Bob McNichols, Founder
(1922 - 1981)
®