In early February 2020, many helped celebrate Daniel French, our company Chairman and CEO, on his 50 years of service with the French Oil Mill Machinery Company. Dan joined the company in 1971 first working in the factory as a machine tool operator. He worked his way up in the company to become the third generation of the French family to serve as President, a role he held from 1982 until 2013.
Celebrating a Half Century of Growth and Achievement
On February 9, United States Congressman Warren Davidson surprised Dan with an on-site visit to present him with a framed copy of the remarks made in the Congressional Record honoring Dan’s career and service.
On February 11, Dan’s daughter, Tayte French Lutz, the company’s Director of Marketing, corporate Secretary and Treasurer, presented Dan with letters of congratulations from United States Senator Rob Portman, Ryan Augsburger on behalf of the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association, multiple company board members, a Proclamation from City of Piqua Mayor Kris Lee, and a Certificate of Service from the company.
Values, Service, and Community Involvement
Under the leadership of Daniel French, we have grown through the emphasized core values of customer first and continuous innovation. These values are embodied by our work supplying custom equipment built to last for our customers around the world. Throughout his career, Dan’s business management and efforts have improved the lives of countless employees and colleagues.
Dan also espouses partnership with the company’s many stakeholders in the Piqua community and beyond. Many companies, industry associations and civic organizations have benefited from Dan’s contributions.
Dan’s tradition of service and “giving back” started in 1966 when he joined the U.S. Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served five years active duty, including service in Vietnam, before joining French Oil. After coming to the company full time, Dan continued his military service in the USAF Reserve, until he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1994.
To quote Representative Davidson, “Southwest Ohio is a better place thanks to people like Daniel French.”