Sidney Siegel was proud to have been a pioneer in the promotional products industry. But for the native New Yorker, the roles of father, husband and grandfather were even more important.

After Siegel’s passing at age 92 at end of March due complications from COVID-19, that’s how family and friends will remember the founder of Industrial Contacts (asi/62567) – as a warm, humorous, lover of life who was as big a success in his happy role of family man as he was in business.

Three generations (from left): Daniel, Sid and Steve Siegel.

“My dad has always been my inspiration,” Steve Siegel, president of Westbury, NY-based Industrial Contacts and Sid’s son, told Counselor. “He was an entrepreneur with much at stake when he started Industrial Contacts. As the owner of a small business, he had to work hard and give it his all every day. He demonstrated that no problem was insurmountable. He applied these same principles to raising a family. My work ethic, business understanding and family balance all derive from his influence. It continues to empower me today.”

Daniel Siegel, Steve’s son and vice president at Industrial Contacts, shared similar sentiments about his grandfather.

“My grandfather was a true role model for me both in and out of business,” Daniel told Counselor. “His guidance, strong will and values have paved the way for the person that I have become. There wasn't a task too large or project too small that would keep him from going the extra mile. Nothing brought me more joy than connecting with him over our shared passion for the business. I take great pride in knowing that I'm able to follow in his footsteps and continue nurturing the business he considered his ‘baby.’ ”

Mindy Siegel-Mevorah, a senior VP at Industrial Contacts and Sid's daughter, said: "Not only was Sid Siegel my father, but he was my professional mentor. He taught me his unique sales techniques, and the value of developing a solid professional reputation. Whenever I went with him on a client sales call or to industry events, I was so proud to be Sid’s daughter. He was always charming and gregarious, and just completely likeable. His eyes lit up when he smiled, and he definitely had a charisma that put people at ease. Moreover, he taught me to be honest and upfront with everyone in business, and I hope to continue in his footsteps and always be proud to be his daughter."

Born on April 11 1927, Sidney Siegel studied accounting in college, but never had a taste for the subject. He preferred the energy, excitement and opportunities inherent in frontline sales. That motivated him to take a sales position with Award Incentives – a job he landed on his final day of college.

Naturally adept at sales and infused with a strong entrepreneurial streak, Sid seemed destined to soon be his own boss – and that’s just what he became, founding Industrial Contacts more than 60 years ago.

As son Steve tells it, the business was one of the first true promotional products companies in New York. While Sid lacked a ton of capital, he was resourceful, ingenious and full of moxie. He built off his background in emblematic jewelry to grow Industrial Contacts into a promo/custom manufacturing powerhouse, and was ahead of his time in his move to source internationally.

“Industrial Contacts was one of the first companies to work with Japan; this was at a time well before China became a player,” Steve told Counselor, noting that Industrial Contacts worked on a bevy of interesting custom projects, including custom-shaped radios in the form of football helmets for the NFL. Brut, Pepsi and top-shelf liquor brands were also end-clients.

“The liquor industry soon became his niche,” Steve noted. “Some of his most prominent work included ceramic figurines, metal signs, and Lucite bottle embedment. He also invented the ubiquitous metal table crumber, and created and produced the physical award for the Clio Awards.”

Sid was among first in promo to launch a company store catalog, which he established for brands like Pepsi and Met Life. In 1974, Sid’s creativity and achievements led to Counselor writing an in-depth profile article on him and Industrial Contacts.

“It was his charismatic personality combined with his sense of humor that truly made a lasting impression,” says Steve. “He never started a conversation without a friendly joke.”  

After he retired, Sid’s heart was always with the business. He’d call his son and grandson all the time to see how things were going. Sure, he’d impart advice, but he was even more keen to listen.

“He was always interested to hear our stories and our successes,” says Daniel. “It really brought him a lot of joy to see the family continuing to run the business and for the business to be doing well.”

A member of Muttontown Country Club for 45 years, Sid enjoyed playing golf and tennis. Still, his favorite pastime was being with his family. “Nothing took precedent over spending time with family,” Steve says. “Nothing brought him more joy than that.”

Today, Sid’s legacy lives on through his family and Industrial Contacts. The company continues to follow his footsteps with a strong focus on the beverage industry. “He will be sorely missed,” says Steve.