on customer service and retention has had input from all family members who include: Lee and Jeri Horwitz, Marilyn Horwitz (mom), Barbara Horwitz Brietigam (sister), Rebecca Horwitz Ingerman (daughter), Howard Inger- man (son-in-law), Shelly Horwitz (daughter), and Matthew Horwitz (son).
Lee is proud of his family’s strong bond
I believe our circumstances may be unlike most. My father and uncle started the company with no formal education and lots of hard work. After 4 years in the Navy, I also came into the business without any college. We tried to make up for it by being involved in national education programs in the industry. Move ahead 30 years, and we are sitting in one of the tough- est economic times of most of our lives. My daughter, who has a B.A. in psychology decided to move back to Fresno to help our company when a number of staff people decided to leave. My son, who is in his second year of college in San Francisco, is staying involved with our decision making and certainly wants to be part of what is taking place. So, although it took a lot of “hired guns” (non-family members to manage and grow), when it came down to it, it is the family that is putting up all of the financial equity, as well as much of the sweat and emotions to hold things together. There is no other situation than a family business that could give you these dynam- ics as well as such remarkable satisfaction of continuing to keep in place something that multiple generations provided products and services to multiple generations.
Community awareness
A&M has been active with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and switched a few years ago to the local chapter of The American Heart Association . They have, over the past few years, been honored by the BBB for ethics (2007), a finalist for the Institute for Family Business (2008), and most recently honorary membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, CSUF chapter (2010). Jeri has been, for a number of years running, on the executive board of Hadassah and the Central Valley Jewish Federation Board.
Lee’s recipe for success
Finally, a little story that tells a lot. In 1979, my first few months of working here, my wife and I were at an industry convention in Hawaii. I remember going up to our room, and laying my head on my wife’s shoulder crying that I’d never be able to be as comfortable or as well known as my father. My father was aware of the issue, so he encouraged me to get involved in the association on the east coast, which was a different group than he was active in. It took about 15 years for the 2 organizations to merge, but by that time, I had made a place for myself to feel quite involved. I always loved to have my parents acknowledge the different steps our company was able to accomplish. I make sure, to remind myself of this event often for the following reasons:
Yes, my father was a great business man. That does not have to detract or add to whatever I may be able to accomplish.
I may have been able to do some things in our town and our industry. That has no bearing on the level that my kids may decide to take their careers.
It is critical for all parties involved to have their self worth and be their own person. That is the only way to not only build on your individual strengths, but to remain happy while doing so.
FSM September / October 2010 17
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