The Red Baron of I-85: A True Tale from Frank Girard of Whimsical Wanderings

2025-06-06

In this heartwarming and humorous episode of Whimsical Wanderings, podcast host Frank Girard takes us back to the glory days of Southern textiles—when his dad, the founder of Central Yarn and Dyeing in Gastonia, North Carolina, ruled the roads between his three bustling plants in a silver Mercedes-Benz. Nicknamed “The Red Baron” by his employees, Frank’s dad became a legend on Interstate 85, zooming from factory to factory so fast that his car antenna bent ba...

In this heartwarming and humorous episode of Whimsical Wanderings, podcast host Frank Girard takes us back to the glory days of Southern textiles—when his dad, the founder of Central Yarn and Dyeing in Gastonia, North Carolina, ruled the roads between his three bustling plants in a silver Mercedes-Benz.

Nicknamed “The Red Baron” by his employees, Frank’s dad became a legend on Interstate 85, zooming from factory to factory so fast that his car antenna bent back from sheer speed. Whether checking dye lots, spinning yarn (literally), or beating the clock, he was a blur of motion, dedication, and style.

🧶 True story
🚙 Family legacy
👔 Southern industrial charm with a whimsical twist

Frank brings the story to life with signature warmth and wit, honoring a man who moved fast, cared deeply, and may have been the first known textile CEO with a personal speed record.

If this story made you smile, share it with someone who loves family legends, fast cars, or fantastic storytelling.

🎧 Follow Whimsical Wanderings for more true tales that race down memory lane—just not quite as fast as Frank’s dad.

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