ABOUT HAL
Hal's Climb
Hal's life focused on three things: God, family and service. From a young age, Hal had a servant's heart. Serving in the U.S. Army, Hal learned the value of a strong work ethic and dedication to a cause.
Hal's business, The Little Giant Ladder Company, was inspired by a German ladder prototype in the 1970s. He brought the idea back to the United States, patented it and began Wing Enterprises in his garage. He traveled more than 300 days a year, meeting people face to face, building relationships and selling ladders. Within the first year, he sold more than a half a million dollars of ladders.
You see, for Hal, it was always about putting people first. He understood the value of a handshake and of an opportunity versus a handout.
Hal always said, " If you concentrate on building a business and not the man, you will not achieve. But, if you concentrate on building the man, you achieve both." During his career, Wing was named to the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum Hall of Fame, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in the West, Who's Who in Finance and Industry, Men of Achievement, and the 2005 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He also served in both U. S. presidents Ronald Reagan's and George H.W. Bush's administrations as a representative at several national conferences on small business. He was also mayor of Springville, Utah—his hometown—from 1997 to 2001.
Hal loved cars and motorcycles. His collection of historic and pristine cars numbered 100 at its peak. He enjoyed music and played the bugle. He also knew how to yodel.
Hal was known for his generosity to employees, friends and strangers. He quietly helped many people and organizations. In 2011, work was completed on Utah Valley University's new Hal Wing Track and Field complex. He made a sizable donation to fund and build the complex at the university.