Our Reputation is Tops - Electron Top

"WE" all have fond memories of working for Dad
as young children on days off and during summer
vacations from school. Some of our jobs involved
rolling wire-on for 5 cents each, packaging end
tips with screws for a penny a piece, hand cutting
swatches, and pasting sample cards for 25 cents
each. "WE" also engaged in sweeping the fl oor and
picking up hog rings in the trim shop, which "WE"
did not get paid for. Most fathers would like to
have their sons and daughters join them in a family
business. Our father was no exception. Dad was
receptive, but the boys and Kimmy wanted no part
of the regimentation that a training program under
Dad's scrutiny would bring. They had enough of
that through their school days.
Craig (Skip) was not overly enthusiastic about
academics in school, but he excelled in mechanics
and electronics. He was thrilled by any opportunity
to take apart, put together, or modify anything that
had an engine or battery. He built a dune buggy,
rebuilt a bulldozer for Dad, and learned how to
fly airplanes, both full scale and radio
controlled. After some interesting jobs,
mostly connected to the automotive
industry, Skip took some electronics
and computer pro- gramming courses.
Skip realized that computers could
satisfy his desire to work with his hands
without getting them dirty. His thirst for
knowledge, never ending ambition, and love for new
technology brought the new age to Electron . Skip
is responsible for all the computer programming,
our computerized cutting machines and the
composition of our advertising, catalog and top
patterns. Dad told Skip during one of his projects
“Read the book!”, he never stopped, and continues
to amaze us with his vast knowledge and
capabilities.
Fred III (Rick) a few years older than Skip; spent some
years in the Army where he became a medic attached
to a helicopter outfi t. After an honorable discharge he
pursued some college, became a manager of an
ambulance company and rescue team; an
EMT, certifi ed para- chute rigger, skydiver,
and a certifi ed scu- ba diver. All these
great accomplish- ments couldn't support
his life style so he decided that
he would give Dad another chance. Rick,
besides being loqua- cious, is a very ingenious
sewing machine operator and is responsible for many
fi xtures and special procedures.
Our Dad Passed Away February 2002
" We miss him terribly! "
THE THIRD GENERATION
PAGE 14
Kimberly (Kimmy) I'm much younger than my
brothers, but in 1988 I joined them at Electron after
working several years at JFK International Airport
as an Import Man- ager. One of my jobs
at Electron was to put this story
together. It was enjoyable, but
not nearly as much fun as greeting
customers on the phone and
managing the offi ce. Each month
I spend quite a bit of time putting the newsletter
together which we try to mail monthly.
Dad was inducted into our industry's "HALL OF
FAME" in 1986 and retired at the end of 1987. He
spent most of his spare time fl ying Radio Controlled
Model Airplanes with a bunch of very active Seniors.
Dad and Mom spent most of their later years driving
together between their different houses enjoying the
company of wonderful friends in each location.
"WE" were always delighted when Dad visited with us
at the shop and joined in the discussions.
"WE" derived a great deal of support from him as he
shared his 53 years of experience in the Auto Trim
Trade. Dad gave us the Motto, "Our Reputation is
Tops!". He said that he saw it on a truck that did
kitchen counters. It makes no difference because it
has become our incentive and responsibility.
Mom has recently joined us in the offi ce.
Its exciting to have her here. She was always at
Dads side during the birth and raising of Electron
and ballast for us kids at home while Dad was busy
with the company. She has seen Electron Top grow
from the beginning.
"WE" are proud of our Dad and Grandfather;
who gave us a strong foundation upon which
to build, with strong principles and skills to use as
tools.
"WE are not the beginning, nor the end."
Dad with the Girls.