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"WE!"
"WE", is a story spanning three generations of a family engaged in the Auto Trim & Convertible Top Industry that eventually led to the creation of Electron Top Mfg. Co. Our Dad, Fred W. Strauss Jr., deplored the use of the word "I" in conducting business. He often reminded us that the book Charles Lindbergh wrote about his solo accomplishment crossing the Atlantic in 1927 was named "WE", in recognition of the support received from others. Our story cannot match that of Lindbergh's heroic deed in significance, but "WE" hope it will keep us ever mindful of the help and support one gets from family and business associates.
The late Henry Yudt (1897-1989), our Grandfather, was born in Hungary and started his apprenticeship at age 12 in a carriage factory in Budapest. In 1920 he came to America and while learning to speak English worked in the custom auto body building shops that flourished in New York City at the time. By 1930 he went into the Auto Trim business as "Richmond Hill Auto Top", in a rented store in Queens, NY..
Fred W. Strauss Jr., of a later generation than Mr. Yudt, was trained as an aircraft mechanic, and went to work for Grumman Aircraft Co. in 1940. He worked until 1942, when he enlisted in the Navy flight program to fulfill a life long ambition to become a Naval Aviator. After being commissioned as a Naval Aviator in 1945, he married Henry Yudt's daughter, Catherine, our Mother. Upon returning to civilian life in late 1947, he returned to Grumman until mid 1948, then went to work for his father-in-law in the Auto Trim & Convertible Top Industry.
THE BIRTH OF ELECTRON TOP
In 1958-59 a few years after the introduction of vinyl coated convertible top materials, the electronic fused (heat sealed) seams appeared on factory tops. This created a problem for a completely custom trim shop like Richmond Hill Auto Top. It meant that "WE" would have to buy our convertible tops from the larger less quality oriented manufacturers, or invest in heat seal equipment and learn how to use it. During the same period of time, the late 50's, the mixture of old and new ideas grew gradually from making convertible tops by cutting, fitting, and stitching each and every top individually, to a unique semi modern pattern and production method. "WE" chose to buy heat seal equipment and were probably the only custom trim shop to heat seal their own convertible tops. Almost before the equipment was in place, knowing the reputation of Henry Yudt and Fred Strauss for quality and craftsmanship, "WE" were approached by several jobbers who were interested in selling convertible tops made by Richmond Hill Auto Top.
In 1960, out of one of the oldest trim shops in the northeast, Electron Top Mfg. Co., was born. In 1965 Dad bought an airplane, a Cherokee (180) and flew around visiting customers. I'm sure some of you still remember his visits, since most of you are still valued customers. For the next few years he left the manufacturing in the hands of some good key men. However, in the normal evolution of things one key man left Electron Top and became a very successful marine canvas man. A year or so later our foreman was offered a job as a service manager in a family owned Toyota dealership near his home (an offer he couldn't refuse). Our Dad rolled up his sleeves and went back to the hands on production and pattern making with special attention given to Mercedes and other Imported convertibles.
He vowed never to stop working with his hands again. Dad always said "The harder he worked the luckier he got!".
"WE" all have fond memories of working for Dad as young children on vacation days and during the summer when off from school. 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.
Dad was inducted into our industry's "HALL OF FAME" in 1986 and retired at the end of 1987. He spent most of his retiremnet time flying Radio Controlled Miniature Airplanes with a bunch of very active Seniors. Dad traveled quite a bit with Mom, who kept everything in tip top shape at home, their camp in the Adirondacks, and apartment in Florida. "WE" were always delighted when Dad visited us and joined in the discussion at the office. "WE" derived a great deal of support from him as he shared his 40 years of experience with convertible tops and trim, 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.
We are proud of our Dad, and Grandfather, who gave us a strong foundation upon which to build and some strong principles and skills to use as tools.
"WE are not the beginning, nor the end."
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