Help others succeed, Lowellville grads told

LOWELLVILLE — Help others succeed, a 1976 graduate of Lowellville High School told this year’s graduates.

“I’m convinced the best way to be successful is to help others succeed,” commencement speaker and business owner William Graban told the 54 graduating seniors and their families Sunday.

After graduating high school, Graban completed his education at West Virginia University, graduating in 1980.

“There wasn’t much happening in 1980, with a recession much as it is now,” he said. “I just wanted to get a job.”

He got in his car and drove until he found one, ending up in North Carolina. He eventually opened his own business selling hardwood lumber all over the world.

“We help [customers] succeed, and as a result, we succeed,” Groban said.

His best strategy, he shared, is to learn from other people’s mistakes.