Rogel Knew what he was getting into with the folks at Willamette: The 85-year-old company had a reputation for fierce independence That was what drew Rogl,e a chemical engineer who grew up in a small wheat-farming town in eastern Washington, to Willamette in the first place It was also a company that prided itself on the loyaily of its employees When Rogle resigned as chief executive swindells insisted he leave the company that very day.