UFH: Bob Mimlitch III and Tony Norman

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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