David Smith
Fred was my boss in 1988-89 as I worked at FLC machines while attending school at LSCC in Leesburg. He was a colorful guy from the day I met him. I'll never forget my job interview where he hired me on the spot while cursing "like a sailor" at the guy he was speaking with on the phone. He ran a tight ship and communicated expectations very clearly.
One thing that sticks out to me about Mr Fred was his uncommon generosity. My wife and I were broke and I was in school trying to get an education and we were having a baby at the same time. Once my son was born and the word got around, Mr Fred came up to me, asked a few questions about the baby and casually slipped me a fifty. Doesn't seem like much, but it meant the world to me and he made me promise not to tell anyone.
He left an impression not only on me but everyone that had the pleasure of working for him.
Rest in Peace Mr Fred!
David Smith (roll-form machine painter)
