Rick Robinson dedicated 28 years of his career to HOTSTART. As the company’s CEO from 1990 until he retired in 2011, Rick helped the Spokane-based manufacturer of industrial engine heating systems grow into an international leader with 180 employees at locations around the world.
Now, Rick is expressing his thanks to the people who continue to drive the 75-year-old company’s success. In 2017, he created the Rick Robinson HOTSTART Scholarship Fund at Innovia Foundation to benefit the children and grandchildren of HOTSTART employees. The first scholarship from the fund, in the amount of $5,000, was awarded in May 2017.
“As a family-owned business, HOTSTART has a long history of taking care of our people,” said Rick, who now sits on the board of directors as part-owner of the company. “I wanted to give back to the employees, and I think the most important gift you can give anyone is the opportunity to get an education.”