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October 2, 2009
57 Years Young
We held the official opening of our New York office last night with a reception for clients and staff. The party was timed to coincide with the 57th anniversary of the founding of the company by Dan Edelman. I thought you would enjoy seeing the painting of my father that is in the 16th floor lobby at 250 Hudson Street.
Why did my dad, who was director of the Toni Company, decide to go out on his own? He was prompted, according to family lore, by a visit from Bill Ruder, co-founder of Ruder and Finn, who sought the Toni account. Dan was not overly impressed by the RF offer, nor was he happy about Mr. Ruder flirting at dinner with his then girlfriend, now my mother, Ruth. Dan walked into the CEO’s office at Toni, unveiled his plan, and was told to pack his bags. But the co-owner spoke to Dan a half hour later and promised that Toni would become Edelman’s first client.
I recited a prayer for a new office given to me by my Hebrew tutor (yes, even at my late age, trying to master the language), followed by the poem "To Succeed” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I attach them for your reading pleasure.
May the owner of this business be blessed
And always find success in whatever he faces.
May his livelihood increase in abundance
And may it always be close to the city.
May God send this business success and much goodness
And in this place may happiness be forever pervasive.
To Succeed…..
To laugh often and love much, to win the respect of intelligent persons, and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to give one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is, to have succeeded…. Ralph Waldo Emerson
I concluded by paying tribute to our clients and to our people. They have enabled us to operate as a private, ethical and creative enterprise.
Posted by Edelman at October 2, 2009 2:49 PM |
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Comments
Huge congratulations to you and the juggernaut known as Edelman! What a company have created. I wish you all only the very best in the coming exciting years.
Barry
Posted by: Barry Collodi at October 2, 2009 4:45 PM
Great story and posting! Still one of the highlights of my time at Rockfish Interactive has been the meal and visit with Dan and your family in his home. What a terrific entrepreneur and successful company to admire and learn from. Thank you!
Posted by: Kenny Tomlin at October 2, 2009 11:10 PM
Thanks for sharing the insightful anecdote on the founding of Edelman - and for ending with some of Emerson's most inspirational words. I've had that poem tacked up on every desk/office wall since I began my career and turn to it often.
Posted by: Jess Flynn at October 5, 2009 9:40 AM
Thanks for sharing the RF and Toni story, and continued best of luck to you and your NY office.
All my best, Thomas
Posted by: Thomas Graham at October 9, 2009 1:19 AM
Congratulations to you and your talented team. The story presents an interesting image back to the 50s.
Posted by: Johnny Zhang at October 12, 2009 3:30 AM
Your blessings so thoughtful, and kind.
Best wishes for continued success in a crazy world that needs more dreamers and visionaries who can make things happen with integrity, collaboration and considered impact.
C
Posted by: Carol Cone at October 12, 2009 6:32 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!! Belatedly. So delighted for your blessings!
Posted by: Linda Stone at October 16, 2009 2:44 AM