Myrtle haworth barthmaier
Myrtle Hayworth Barthmaier, lost her husband unexpectedly in 1928 and became the president of four interrelated companies at the start of the Great Depression. Yet, with six young children at home and no prior manufacturing experience, the companies – Hayworth Roll and Panel, Alma Desk Company, Myrtle Desk and Liberty Veneer – not only survived but thrived under her leadership as the president and chairwoman of Hayworth Industries.
Manufacturing was in the midst of great change in the 30s and 40s. In a world of men, she was innovative and determined to succeed against all odds. A force to be reckoned with, Mrs. Hayworth Barthmaier continually upgraded equipment and expanded the plants, set new standards by streamlining the production lines, effectively implemented forecasting for manufacturing operations, and when necessary, was known to operate the machinery in order to get orders out the door on time. A saleswoman at heart, she established a coast-to-coast sales and distribution network with showrooms in High Point, Chicago, New York and San Francisco, and routinely secured new business by driving long distances over unpaved roads to gain new customers.
Personally involved in the design of products, she insisted on setting high quality standards by controlling the process from the veneer stage through delivery. By working side by side with her employees, the exacting Mrs. Hayworth Barthmaier became respected and loved – all the while raising her family and being actively involved in her community. Among her many philanthropic causes, she was as an advocate for women in the workplace through Altrusa International, a chairwoman of the board of the High Point YWCA; and a lifetime supporter of Maryfield (now Pennybyrn), a nursing care facility, and High Point College.
Mrs. Hayworth Barthmaier was greatly respected by her peers in the worlds of residential and contract office furniture manufacturing as a great leader who had an innate understanding of business, a common sense approach to solving problems, superior organizational skills, unquestionable ethics, and a resolute commitment to her customers.