His business may look a bit like a mess, but Richard Duck knows where everything is. A power drill hung here, a hammer hung there. After 57 years of collecting, the longtime sheet metal worker has built up quite a tool collection.
And, at 86 years old, he’s still at it every day.
“It’s what I do,” said Duck, affectionately known as “Bud,” who is the owner of Duck’s Sheet Metal, 2200 E. College Ave in State College. “I get on my table and make something — something that will make someone happy.”
Most of Duck’s work these days is from walk-in customers. If someone has an older item that needs a part replaced or repaired, it can be difficult to find. So, Duck makes it.
He opened his sheet metal shop in 1960. But, he had joined the Air National Guard as a senior in high school in Madisonburg, and in 1961, he was called to active duty. He closed the shop and shipped out to Germany, after previously having served in Korea.
Coming home in 1961 and trying again to make his metal shop thrive was challenging. Banks didn’t want to loan to him, but he slowly built the business. Then, in 1965, he had to rebuild his building 30 feet behind its original spot, because road crews were going to widen College Avenue.
“You just keep going. Looking back will not get you anywhere. My dad told me that he couldn’t afford to send me to college — that I would have to use these,” Duck said, pointing to his head and hands.
Duck feels that he has done just that, and his work ethic has allowed him to continue in business. In the early days, he did a lot of ductwork and put in hundreds of furnaces in State College. Since his double-knee replacement in 2000, he confines his work to the shop.
He gets a lot of repeat business, especially small jobs from loyal customers. The shop still makes prototypes for various projects.
Although Duck can talk tough — he is unhappy about the recent enacting of tariffs on steel — he has a big heart. He has been collecting wheelchairs, crutches and other items for many years to lend to people who have a need. But, he was unhappy when he heard some of the wheelchairs he gave away had been sold.
Duck believes in fair pay for work, but you have to be willing to work. As the sign above his tables states, “New incentive plan — work or get fired.”
Duck’s accomplishments include serving as president of the College Township Lions for six years and president of the State College Plumbing and Heating Association for 16 years. He also is a 50-year member of F&AM Masonic Lodge 700 in State College and a member of Tall Cedars, including serving as supreme director for one term.
