Article Number : 1065 |
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| Date | 5/18/2006 10:57:30 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1065 |
| Abstract | Delray Beach, Fla.—He was passionate about his business, dedicated to his customers, committed to his legion of friends and always made time for family and fun. He was an accomplished drummer, having played professionally in his early years... |
| Article | Delray Beach, Fla.—He was passionate about his business, dedicated to his customers, committed to his legion of friends and always made time for family and fun. He was an accomplished drummer, having played professionally in his early years. He was indomitable and survived debilitating illnesses through the years, never daunted, always optimistic, until April 15, when he died of heart failure at his home here. He was 82. He also maintained a home in Sharon, Mass., where he spent his summers. David Izen loved music and learned to play the drums as a teenager. During World War II, he joined the service and was assigned to the Army band, where he honed his skills as a drummer. After his discharge, he and his brother joined a local band and played nights. He adopted the name David Ives while a musician and during the day David Izen supplemented his income as a peddler, selling a variety of products to anxious as well as reluctant buyers. He was indefatigable and thrust himself into both jobs, often going from one to the other with little or no sleep. In 1965, he decided to get involved in business and purchased Quality Rubber Products from his brother-in-law, Elliot Glassman. The company distributed stair treads, tile and other rubber products. Izen reorganized the company and it grew steadily in size and volume. Eventually, he added carpet lines, built a large warehouse and office complex in the Avon Industrial Park (Mass.) and changed the firm’s name to Quality Carpets, Inc. He worked at the business relentlessly, often putting in 16- to 18-hour days. He developed a solid customer base and served them as a supplier and as a friend. Often he was a consultant, a teacher and a business partner. He understood the retailer and his problems, and he was always ready to help. His total dedication to the business fueled its success and made it preeminent in the New England area Quality became a member of the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) and at convention dinners he would be coaxed to the stage and perform at the drums to the delight of the audience. He was talented and charismatic and involved in the industry. He never missed an NAFCD convention and could always be counted on for his support. His business was flourishing and in 1986 he decided to sell Quality Carpets to Richard and Robert Stone; the former became president and the latter executive vice president. And David Izen retired. He spent his winters in this resort area and his summers in Massachusetts. He was a philanthropist and contributed generously to worthy causes. “He was like a father to me…and a brother. He was a confidant and an advisor, always there for me,“ said Mark Woods of Ideal Floor Covering, a Massachusetts retail specialty chain. “He was there for so many people. Our relationship spanned 26 years and he was a friend for every minute of it. His popularity followed him and he made friends in and out of the industry. He was a gentle man, caring and involved, and was always ready to help. So many will miss him.” Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; daughters Cheryl Leghart of Lynn, Mass., and Joan Schwelling of Bedford, N.H.; a grandson, Ethan Schwelling, and sisters Marion Jacobs and Blossom Cohen. Donations in his memory may be made to Lahey Clinic, 41 Mall Rd., Burlington, Mass. 01805. |