Stanley Malless

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Tennis Player and Advocate. In Indianapolis he was known as "Mr. Tennis" but he was also well-known around the world for his dedication and contributions to tennis. He graduated high school at age 14 and at the age of 15, he received a scholarship to attend Purdue University where he lettered in both tennis and basketball. He graduated with honors in June 1934 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. While at Purdue, he was a member of the ROTC. He fought in World War II serving in the US Army with the First Armored Division. In 1943 as captain, he was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry under fire. He retired from the US Army as a Colonel. On September 1, 1946 along with two friends, Ralph M. Burns and Ora E. Hooker, he founded Permanent Magnet Company. Each brought experience to the partnership. In addition to his degree in mechanical engineering, he had experience in magnet manufacturing with Chrysler Corporation and Chevrolet Commercial Body. On April 1, 1948, the company incorporated as The Permanent Magnet Company, Inc. The company experienced great success and continued to expand throughout the next several decades. Their magnets were used in the Apollo vehicles that completed the first Lunar Mission. He was a consultant to the Atomic Energy Commission. In the early 1960's he was co-owner of several Indy 500 racing cars the most notable drivers being Eddie Sachs and Jim Hurtubise. However, his favorite sport was tennis. He was a city and state doubles champion. His efforts in bringing tennis to Indianapolis also aided the city in its efforts in revitalization of the downtown with the building of Indianapolis Tennis Center in 1979. He served on the Olympic Committee and through his tireless efforts tennis was reinstated as an Olympic sport in 1984. Throughout his life he was involved in many tennis organizations and served as president of the Central Indiana Tennis Association, the Western Tennis Association, which is now the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Midwest Section, and the USTA. He was inducted into the USTA Hall of Fame and was an International Tennis Federation Honorary Life Counselor. He also helped the sport advance with technical improvements along the way including computer rankings, the point penalty system, electronic line-calling, and satellite and seniors tournaments. He negotiated the first-ever U.S. Open television contract. He loved tennis and played the sport into his 90s, but he also loved to travel. He liked to tell about the many places he visited which was nearly every country, but the one he liked to brag about most was his trip to the South Pole when he was 89.