Herb Schlater’s enthusiasm for Sidney was infectious. In fact, it is common lore in his family that he could bend any conversation back to how much he loved his hometown – Sidney, Ohio. His vision of growing this community for the greater good and his tireless commitment to serving others helped him to shape the small town that we all enjoy today. This visionary’s formal education ended after 8th grade as he was the oldest of ten children and was needed to help on the family farm outside Osgood, Ohio. Not having a secondary education made him value it all the more. He never stopped learning. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II from 1942 to 1946 where he learned the electrical trade. On his return home he was employed by Anderson Electric and worked there until 1953 when he founded Sidney Electric Company. With no large competitors in the area at the time, Sidney Electric grew unquestioningly successful with Schlater at the helm. Despite his success he remained the same humble community minded person he had always been.
Schlater invested his time, energy, and resources in the community. He founded the real estate business Fair, Inc. and partnered with other local businessmen to start Clinton Reality. Throughout the process of running these businesses, Schlater mapped the layout of the Fair Road development and exit 92 for I.S.-75. He actually balanced out the ratio of industrial businesses, commercial businesses, and housing placements throughout the area.
In 1975 Schlater bought land on Vandemark Road. At the time it was nothing but a two lane country road, but he saw a plan to develop Sidney towards the west. To help ensure the success of Sidney’s growth he actively brought more businesses to town. He and a few partners would buy land and build dependable industrial buildings. These buildings would draw the attention of new business owners, influencing them to bring their trade to Sidney. Afterwards, when a company became moderately successful and stronger, Schlater would sell them the building and start all over again. His vision was to build the community and he was willing to invest his resources, his time, and his credibility to make it happen. Mama Rosa’s, Aunt Millie’s, Edge Well, Advanced Composites, and the Hampton Inn are just a few of the building projects Schlater influenced.
His commitment to the Sidney community did not end with business ventures. His vision was to strengthen the community at large and he dedicated years of service to ensure Sidney’s success. He served on many boards over the years including, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Oaks, Wilson Hospital, Bank One of Sidney, Kiwanis, and others. If he was invited to serve, he never turned it down if it meant what was best for Sidney. Schlater conceived and implemented the idea of a softball league for girls. The Sidney Electric girls softball league has benefitted thousands of young ladies over the years.
When he saw a need, he got involved. Schlater served on the Community Foundation Board for twenty-five years. The purpose of this organization is to encourage people to invest in the people and passions of local communities- and of course, his beloved, Sidney, Ohio.
Herb Schlater was a successful visionary. He undoubtedly loved this community. Perhaps the only passions that surpassed the love of his hometown was his love of faith and family. He kept his Catholic faith at the center of his decisions and those greatly influenced his community efforts. His family, in particular his wife of over 50 years, Nettie, anchored everything else. Things do not happen by accident. Sidney is shaped today because of men like Herb Schlater. -With an 8th grade education and keen sense of community, he coupled his passion and his resources with his faith and family and worked tirelessly for the greater good.