Musings about our President Elect and the Four Way Test
by Burns Hargis
With Ross Plourde being the incoming President of Club 29, I thought a little background might be of interest. Ross is a long-time colleague of mine. We have been law partners off and on for 45 years. I say off and on because I was with the Bank of Oklahoma for 10 years and OSU for over 13 years.
It all began when the FDIC closed Penn Square Bank on July 5, 1982. My then law firm, Reynolds, Ridings, and Hargis, was the only approved FDIC law firm in Oklahoma, thanks to our Senior Partner, Norman Reynolds, who had represented the FDIC in an earlier matter. Norman was nearing retirement and left it up to me to decide whether to accept the engagement. I certainly knew nothing about closing a bank, but I didn’t let that little fact dissuade me. So began a decade-long chaotic journey.
Early on, I realized I needed help, lots of help. We were a small firm and were being swamped with matters arising out of Penn Square and other bank closings and all the attendant issues. I knew a commercial law professor at OCU law school named Alvin Harrell. I asked Al if we could hire some of his time and expertise. He said he really didn’t have the time but was very impressed with a recent graduate who was working at the Attorney General’s office named Ross Plourde. When I interviewed Ross, I too was impressed. He joined our firm in October 1983. He had a little adjustment from working for the state to private practice. He was to start on Columbus Day but asked if the office was closed for the observance. I assured him that the office would definitely be open!
Ross and I have been partners “off and on ever since.” In 1989, I decided to run for Governor. It was a curious decision after many years of closing banks, suing Directors while also Chairing the Department of Human Services Commission. (Most Republicans are not big fans of the “welfare department.”) I was appointed to the position by Governor Henry Bellmon, which is a job you get if you don’t give the Governor enough money!
But, hedging my bet, Ross and I joined the firm then named Hartzog, Conger, Cason so I had a place to land if I didn’t win. (Fellow Rotarian David Walters did!). While I was touring the state looking for votes and money, Ross and others took care of our clients so I had some income. I didn’t win the Republican nomination. In 1994, Ross and I joined McAfee & Taft, and he has been there to this day.
Ross spent a good deal of time representing clients in Bankruptcy Reorganizations. Ironically, Rotary’s Four-Way Test was birthed in connection with a possible bankruptcy. In 1932, creditors of Club Aluminum Company, who were owed $400,000, asked Herbert J. Taylor to try to save the company from bankruptcy. Herbert agreed and, with a $6000 bank loan, began the process of rehabilitation. One strategy he adopted was to develop a code of conduct for all company employees. That code became known as the Four-Way Test. In making decisions, Herbert and every employee asked the questions: Is it true? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Hence, advertising was reviewed in light of the Four-Way Test to be certain there were no questionable claims. Customers and competitors were also approached the same way. Club Aluminum was reorganized and became a very successful enterprise. In 1943, Rotary International adopted the Four-Way Test, and in 1955 Herbert J. Taylor became President of R.I.
My long association with Ross confirms that he has lived his life, both personally and professionally, guided by the Four-Way Test before he joined Rotary. He will be a fine leader for Club 29.
Well said Burns!
Great recap of historical events and the path of two Rotarians along the way.
Thanks for the history re-cap, Burns! The failure of Penn Square Bank has impacted many Oklahomans over the years. It was interesting to learn you were so involved.
Thanks Burns for a very educational and entertaining history of you and Ross and the Four Way Test.
I love hearing the history and context. Thanks, Burns!
Burns, I ditto ALL of the above comments!!