Pro-Cut Founder and Norton Exec Paul Schubert Dies

June 1, 2005
DALLAS Paul Schubert, founder and president of Pro-Cut Products, died April 27 in Dallas. He was 70. Schubert began his career as a jobsite tool salesman

DALLAS — Paul Schubert, founder and president of Pro-Cut Products, died April 27 in Dallas. He was 70.

Schubert began his career as a jobsite tool salesman for a contractor equipment dealer in Philadelphia in 1956. Over the years he held positions of branch manager, area manager, regional manager and national sales manager and vice president with several manufacturers of cutting, sawing and drilling products. He founded Pro-Cut in 1983 and led the company to considerable growth.

Schubert sold Pro-Cut to the Norton Co. in 1989, remaining as president and chief operating officer of the Pro-Cut division. In 1992, Schubert was promoted to director of marketing, Norton Superabrasive Division and in 1993, took on additional duties as Norton sales training director, North America operations.

Schubert was a well-known and highly respected figure in the rental industry and wrote for a number of trade magazines, including RER. He received the National Special Service Award from the American Rental Association in 1989 and served on the manufacturer liaison committees of both ARA and the California Rental Association. He was the first manufacturer elected to the board of directors of the ARA in 1994. He produced two video training cassettes for members of ARA and the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association.

Committed to his community and charities, Schubert contributed money and volunteer time to organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Paralyzed Veterans of America Association, Habitat, the Visual Blind Society, the Optimist International Club, and the First Church of Christ Scientist. He also was a youth basketball referee for many years.

Schubert is survived by his wife Laurie, daughter Debra, son Paul and a grandson.