J. Roger FRIEDMAN

President of Lebhar-Friedman, Inc.

My father, Arnold D. Friedman, started Lebhar-Friedman, Inc., a publishing company, in 1925. We usually had lunch every Wednesday. It was during these meetings that he spoke about values and imparted advice gleaned from his success, advice based on principles that still apply today.

The first of these values was honesty. “Treat other people as you would want to be treated yourself,” he said. “Never cut corners. A business arrangement or deal can only be successful and long-lasting if it benefits both parties.”

He also cautioned me: “Admit when you are wrong. Be more flexible and not so rigid. If you become fixed in your beliefs and opinions, you will be ossified and eventually unable to move.”

He valued equilibrium. “Have a sense of balance in your life,” he said. “There are far more important things in life than business . . . there is your family, your home, your health, and you must be able to enjoy the pleasures of life. We are only going to pass through this world once!” In other words, when things got difficult and problems arose, my father would always say “Illegitimi non carborundum est” (“Don’t let the S.O.B.’s wear you down”).

Then there was the lesson taught by a friend at General Foods, an individual by the name of Clarence Francis. Mr. Francis attributed his success, as my father did and I do, to the fact that he never hired people he didn’t like. Life is too short to have individuals within your business family whose company you do not enjoy and with whom you do not want to spend any time. Individuals we hire should have the same values, the same ethics, and a similar outlook on life.

Last, but not least, my father had a great sense of humor, and I was fortunate to have inherited that valuable trait. Many times in business dealings involving large sums of money and a number of people, a sense of humor turned out to be my greatest asset in sealing a deal or just easing the tension at a difficult moment.

My father’s outlook on life was based on his southern upbringing, his belief in fairness and a “do unto others” philosophy. These values are as relevant today as they were seventy-eight years ago.

Treat people how you want to be treated