DUBUQUE, IA – As the second-generation owner of HODGE, Butch led the company from 1978 to 2003, guiding it from a modest beginning with just ten team members and laying the foundation for the growth we see today.
HODGE was founded in 1958 by Butch’s father, Walter J., and it saw tremendous growth under the leadership of Butch and his late wife, Bev. Their commitment to putting employees first and supporting the community – through both good times and challenging ones – left an indelible mark on our company culture. This legacy of philanthropy is one that Butch instilled in his three sons, who have, in turn, passed it on to the fourth generation.
Butch’s leadership was characterized by an eagerness to grow and evolve the business. When he took the reins, he seized the unique opportunity to partner with the Dubuque Packing Company as a warehouse provider for their dry goods, including salt, sugar, casings, and packaging. This was a pivotal moment that required the company to expand to a second shift and invest in equipment to get the material to the factory. Under Butch’s guidance and in collaboration with his sons Tim and Mike, HODGE not only supported Dubuque Pack but also became a key player for John Deere. That’s when the company began mounting tires, which was the first job John Deere contracted outside of their factory in Dubuque.
“Butch was pretty laid back, but always he wanted to get the work done. He was a good listener and treated people fairly. He was great to work with.”
Ding Bell, long-time team member at HODGE
Butch also saw potential where others might not have. That’s how the Material Handling business unit got its start. Butch recognized the need for in-house forklift service within the company's warehouses, transforming a simple idea to reduce HODGE’s own expenses into a new revenue stream.
Butch’s ability to connect with people, whether during a game of golf or in the warehouse, built lasting relationships that fueled HODGE’s growth.
As we celebrate Butch’s life and the legacy he leaves behind, our thoughts are with the entire Hodge family and all those who knew him as a friend or colleague.