UFH: Bob Mimlitch III and Tony Norman

[CD47-Bot]

Thread created automatically to discuss UFH Honoree: Bob Mimlitch III and Tony Norman.



Name: Bob Mimlitch III and Tony Norman
Date Honored: 12-31-2005
Years involved w/FIRST: 13
FIRST Team(s): RackSolutions.com/L-3 Communications Integrated Systems &, Greenville High School (0148), FIRST / Other (0000)
Role: Official FIRST Suppliers
Quote: Work hard, play hard.
Bio: Bob and Tony are former FIRST team leaders who founded Innovation First, Inc., and have supported FIRST as suppliers since 1993. While it has been a few years since either has been on a FIRST team, Bob described their role: “We were each the team leader for a few years, and we both mainly worked on the robot brainstorming and mechanical design. That was always the thing our team was best at; coming up with successful ways to play the game, and the things we learned doing that still serve us today. Estimate and prototype, iterate, experiment to see what works best; always try to find the simple elegant solution to the problem. When we founded IFI, we made these some of our primary principles.” Tony added, “We were also both FIRST field coaches.” Even during their days as FIRST mentors, these two worked tirelessly to support the program behind the scenes. Throughout the early days, they helped trouble shoot the FIRST control system. Tony stated: “Back then, there were some serious issues. We had a system that wasn’t designed for our needs, FIRST asked us to help them track down problems. Since then we’ve become one of FIRST’s biggest suppliers, and we also provide them with sponsorship. We’re proud to be a company founded from FIRST, that now comes back to support the program that spawned us. We’ve had all kinds of financial advisors tell us FIRST isn’t worth our time, but they just don’t understand the hidden payoff that comes from being a part of this program.” Their efforts as a supporter of FIRST have expanded to many levels within the program; not only do they provide technical support at every regional, but they’ve been honored to participate on the Game Design Committee during the pre-season. For them, FIRST is a year-round commitment.

They each have some inspiring memories to share; they both mention how cool it was that in their rookie year they were able to win a national championship. Tony says: “I remember walking down the hallway to the field before the finals matches, and hearing the roar of the crowd getting louder and louder.”

Tony and Bob both mention how great it was to win the Founder’s Award in 2003. Tony said: “It is really an incredible honor. The Founder’s Award is selected by Dean, not judged by a group. To have him publicly recognize our efforts and present us with that, was unexpected and overwhelming.”

Bob talked briefly about the students: “During our time as mentors we had the chance to work with quite a few students. It was always great to see them mature and grow up. There were definitely a lot of success stories, and a lot of kids I’m very proud of.” Tony added: “It’s the same story you hear from a lot of mentors, but most people don’t expect to hear it from a FIRST supplier.”

They also had a bit of advice for FIRST participants: “You’re learning a unique method and philosophy for problem solving. FIRST is an incredible experience, make sure you take something away from it. Take advantage of the mentors and engineers you work with, while you have them. Their time is valuable, so make sure you make the most of it. They’re willing to teach, if you’re willing to learn. Just think of all the people in the real-world who would love to get an hour of time with some of the mentors you see every day.”

Congratulations to Tony Norman & Bob Mimlitch, our 49th Unsung FIRST Heroes.


Nominated By: confidential

[Amanda Morrison]

Congratulations to Bob Mimlitch and Tony Norman, our next Unsung FIRST Heroes.

[Billfred]

Congrats, y'all! Keep up the good work!*

* unless that involves waterproof Victors

[John Neun]

Congratulations Bob and Tony, two heroes of FIRST! I'm very glad to know you.

This award is a great, positive way to start the year and a new season. Happy New Year!

[Mike Martus]

Congratulations to both of you. Well deserved for sure.

I have worked with both of you on several occasions and I must say I have never learned more is such a short span of time. You take the time to explain what is going on and are true teachers of technology.

You are both always willing to go above and beyond the call to get a team up and running searching out that one little error in the application of the control system.

Thank you for all the assistance you have given Chief Delphi #47.

See you at the events.

[tiffany34990]

Congrats two the both of them!!! They add to the list of many great mentors!

[Jay Trzaskos]

Congratulations Bob and Tony! I have had the honor to talk to both of you on a number of occasions and I am looking forward to the experience many more times in my FIRST career. You guys really do deserve this, so once again... Congratulations

Jay

[Bharat Nain]

Congrats Bob & Tony.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Congrats Bob and Tony. Few people in this organization know how much we owe to you and IFI (you have to have been around a really long time). Thanks for being a part of this group and making the great products you turn out. Congratulations!

[phrontist]

Your stuff is really top notch. After taking the time to understand any one of your products, I never find myself asking "Why did these @!#!!$ idiots do it this way?". Every IFI product I've come accross is well thought out, well documented, and simply works as it should even when a rabid pack of 8th graders has tried in earnest to destroy it.

[Rich Kressly]

Congrats Tony and Bob! After having gotten a chance to know you a little, I figure the best way I can honor all you have done is to simply say that this recognition surely doesn't s#@k! ... Keep on rockin' and thanks so much for looking past those financial advisors!!!

(trust me everybody, Tony and Bob will both smile when they read this - there's no need to be horrified)

[Karthik]

Congratulations.

The work the two of you have done at IFI for FIRST, has really changed the course of the program. The IFI control system (first used in 2000, IIRC) was a huge leap ahead from the previous system. This technological advancement allowed FIRST to move into the future. Without your fantastic products so much of the inspiration that takes place would not be possible. Thank you for that.

[DCA Fan]

Congrats, and thanks for all the stuff that you have done for FIRST. Truly a labor of love, and we appreciate it highly.

[Andy Baker]

This is well deserved recognition for Tony and Bob. These guys have done countless things for FIRST and they have made a huge impact on the entire community. They still give much effort each year to make sure FIRST and teams have successful FIRST seasons.

Personally, I thank these guys for being friends over the years and for giving me opportunities and great memories.

While IFI has won the Founders Award, Tony Norman and Bob Mimlitch need to be looked up to by everyone in FIRST. This UFH recognition will hopefully let more know what these guys have done for the overall FIRST effort.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

[MikeDubreuil]

Congratulations guys,
I always appreciated the way you come to every regional. That level of support is really phenomenal. Not to mention your products are so well designed that they require little support in the first place. You should be quite proud of yourselves with your accomplishments. You have brought the price of a robotic control system down to the consumer level. At the same time you allow the user unprecedented access to the features of the PIC microcode while at the same time making it easy enough for children to use. Awesome