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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
We did it again!
All of us at e Representor wonder if we could nd ERA’s early cornerstones that helped lay the foundation for our proud association. Well, we did!
is issue features two of our cherished Hall of Famers: Bernard C. Newman, Jr. and Joel Schwartz.
Before you even start reading this WATN (Where Are ey Now?) column I feel compelled to share the enthusiasm and energy these two gentlemen radiated. Bernie came across as sharp and energetic just as he did when he carried the proverbial salesman’s bag, and indeed, he was an exceptional salesman. He probably still is!
When I called Joel, I asked his secretary for his cell phone number. She responded, “You just missed him!” Yes, he is still active at 79 years young! I humbly thought that all reps at that age were retired enjoying the fruits of their labors, but au contraire, Joel is still at it because he loves it.
by Harry J. Abramson
Founder (Retired) Electronic Salesmasters Inc.
Harry Abramson founded Electronic Salesmasters Inc. in 1972. He established industry notoriety by virtue of his rm’s peak performance, hundreds of articles and speaking appearances at ERA’s na- tional conferences and chapter meetings and sister trade association MANA. He has an electrical engineering degree from Temple University and entered the elec- tronics industry as an engineer at RCA in Camden, N.J.
His ERA involvement includes serv- ing as vice president of the Components Group and president of the Ohio Chap- ter. Under his leadership, the chapter was awarded the National Chapter of the Year Award. Abramson recently was recognized with ERA’s prestigious Life Membership Award.
You can reach Harry J. Abramson at 216-406-4119 or email him at hja725@yahoo.com.
Read on to see why these two guys are phenomenal.
Where is Bernard C. Newman, Jr. now ...
— Harry J. Abramson
Nancy and Bernard C. Newman, Jr.
My involvement with ERA began in 1956 when I was hired by the F. A. Daugherty Co.,
a Buckeye Chapter member, to cover western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In 1960, I
left to establish the Newman Sales Company, subsequently joining with a half-dozen other Pittsburgh-based reps to form the Keystone Mountain Chapter of ERA. Following several terms as Chapter Delegate, I was elected to serve on ERA’s Executive Committee (XCOM)as the association’s Treasurer. After four years on the XCOM, the last two as senior VP of Activities, I was appointed to the ERA Insurance Trust Board of Trustees, a position I held until becoming ERA’s Chairman of the Board in 1989.
Retirement in 1991 opened the door to a wide range of volunteer opportunities, and at
some point in the past 28 years, I have taken ad- vantage of quite a few, including a counselor at a crisis intervention center; taught students pursu- ing a GED; a reader to the visually impaired; a participant in a medical mission to Guatemala; tutored in our local literacy program; and even served as a tour guide on a WWII submarine! Quite a variety, but each rewarding in its own special way.
None of this journey would have been pos- sible without the love and support of my wife, Nancy. Our marriage of 68 years has produced three daughters, ve grandchildren, and so far, seven great-grandchildren. Unfortunately, we’re the only ones left in Pittsburgh, but travelling to places in California and Florida to see them is always great fun, and something we try to do as often as possible.
I have always been proud of my profession and to have been an ERA rep. In April 1991,
at the association’s biannual conference in New Orleans, I was inducted into ERA’s Hall of Fame as its 17th member. To be so honored by one’s peers is as humbling as it is gratifying.
ERA enjoys a prominent presence in today’s electronics industry. As every old-timer well knows, such was not always the case! Sustaining the existing level of in uence will be an ongoing challenge. I am con dent that ERA’s members, and their leaders, are equal to the task.
Where is Joel Schwartz now ...
As a manufacturers’ representative since 1965, I’m still proud to be an active owner and President
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The Representor | Summer 2019 17
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?