HOPE – Students in Terri Hoglund’s Noble Impact classes at Hope High School learned Thursday that success in business and life comes from a willingness to solve problems.\r\n
\r\nHope entrepreneur and inventor Carroll Rowe offered insights on the development of the patents he holds which have become the basis for the success of Rowe CAFS LLC and its related business.\r\n
\r\nRowe CAFS LLC is the Hope Public Schools Manufacturer of the Month.\r\n
\r\n“All of life is solving problems,” Rowe said. “I’ve had several ideas; some of them worked.”\r\n
\r\nAfter graduating from Hope High School in 1961, Rowe said he worked as a mechanic for the John Deere Co. upon completion of a two-week course dealing with tractors. He said he farmed, ranched, worked as a mechanic, welder, metal fabricator and built metal buildings for 20 years before coming across the idea that resulted in the development of the Rowe Compressed Air Foam System now used on fire trucks worldwide.\r\n
\r\nRowe holds U.S. patents involving the CAFS technology, as well as others involving farm equipment such as a round bale hay transport system and modifications to the round bale hay rake.\r\n
\r\n“I got to thinking about how to move round bales with a pickup truck,” he said.\r\n
\r\nAdhering to the maxim to “use what you’ve got,” Rowe worked out the concept while sitting at his kitchen table one night, using a saucer and toothpicks. “You don’t have to be high tech to make an invention.”\r\n
\r\nHe said when asked what got him started, he emphasizes the connection between desire and need.\r\n
\r\n“If you want to invent, pay attention to what’s needed,” Rowe said. “See if a solution already exists.”\r\n
\r\nThe key is solving the problem and taking the lead.\r\n
\r\n“It doesn’t matter what field you’re in, there is room for improvement,” Rowe said.\r\n
\r\nAfter he was elected fire chief of the Washington, Ar., fire department, one of the volunteer firefighters mentioned an idea he had seen in action in Pittsburgh, Texas, to use compressed air foam to fight fires.\r\n
\r\n“They only had small units to fight grass fires,” Rowe said. “On the way home, I looked at him and said, ‘I can make that better.’”\r\n
\r\nThe main problem was the mix of compressed air and water to react like blowing bubbles in soapy water with a straw. But, once he devised a means to introduce the water and air into the mix, the Rowe Compressed Air Foam System was born, and it is continually improved to meet the needs of an ever-changing fire industry, Rowe said.\r\n
\r\nHe said two things have been critical to solving problems and marketing his ideas: a fundamental grasp of math and clear communication skills.\r\n
\r\n“Math will always be useful, even if only to count your money,” Rowe quipped.\r\n
\r\nClear communications skills eliminates misunderstanding, and gives one an advantage in business, Rowe said.\r\n
\r\n“If the answer is ‘No’, you don’t need to elaborate on that,” he said.\r\n
\r\nRowe also advised the students to embrace an enjoyment of reading that is connected to whatever field they enter.\r\n
\r\nRowe CAFS LLC is operated from its facility at 4205 Hwy. 278 West, near Hope.\r\n
\r\nTim Rowe and his father, Carroll Rowe, produce specialized foam based fire suppression systems for which Carroll Rowe holds multiple U.S. patents.\r\n
\r\nThe Rowe Compressed Air Foam Systems include skid units and OEM installation kits for all major fire truck manufacturers. Rowe produces its specialized systems for municipal, industrial and volunteer fire departments worldwide.\r\n
\r\nRowe Industries LLC is involved in research and product development and Rowe Big Rig LLC provides diesel mechanics services.\r\n
\r\n“Business development is about finding the solution,” he said.\r\n
