3M Vet Enjoys Taking Risks, Knocking Down Barriers

Robert Hershock, group vice-president for the abrasive technologies group at 3M, was hired 34 years ago as a sales representative for coated abrasive products. He moved up the ranks through US and overseas divisions. Hershock believes there is considerable room for innovation in his field, and he has always enjoyed taking risks and pushing back barriers. Because he was allowed to create his own entrepreneurial atmosphere, he encouraged his people in the field to seek out new-product ideas constantly and new ways to use existing products. The company's more than 40 divisions operate like separate, little companies, each taking on its own personality, according to Hershock. At any given time, 40 to 50 new-product ideas are sprouting at 3M. Hershock enjoys proving that there still is a great deal of life left in older products. As a result, his direct reports and his organizations have been able to maintain several key older businesses as the premier divisions of the company.