Book of Memories for Leonard Jacobson

Condolence From Bruce Victor

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 14:28:22 EDT

Len JACOBSON..for whatever success I have or will have was the most important part of it.He saw things that others could not and always had the courage to make decisions that may not of been consistent with others but were the right ones to make.I never left a meeting with him that i was not a better person as a result of.

Condolence From Joe Trybulec

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:35:19 EDT

When I think about Len Jacobson, I think of character and discipline. Two pillars essential and prevalent with the young men he trained.

Condolence From steve hester

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:44:49 EDT

Back in the good old days --- Mr. Peck was the revered leader to all of us. He always dressed great, always had a kind word to everyone, was so positive, and commanded such respect. Mr. Jacobson was the enforcer. He was physically intimidating, was so smart, had such a quick wit and demanding presence that he made all of us youngsters ( at least me) respect but also fear him. One early memory was being called into his office when I was a divisional - where he proceeded to grill and criticize me for some infraction in a small group of stores. My reaction was to express frustration at the "corporate bureaucracy that hampered me doing my job". Towards the end of my speech he turned around, reached into a drawer in his credenza, took something out of it, turned back around to me, reached out and gave me something in his hand. It was two aspirin - he told me that " when he was feeling that way the aspirin would always help" !!!!! I also remember his retirement speech at a Year End Meeting - where he had all of us standing and cheering and thinking that we worked for the greatest company ever. Mr. Jacobson ( Len - we called him that) was one of my favorite bosses of all time. I still think of him and remember him fondly. He was simply a great leader and a great man.

Condolence From Scott Berry

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:41:35 EDT

Len hired me the day after I graduated college, for $4800 a year. Best decision I ever made as it was for most of my career, a great company and between Ben Peck & Len, I learned so much, not only about business, but about life. Len was the epitome of a great executive...tough as nails and 100% fair. He would listen to the ideas of a young rookie, like myself and if he thought I had a good suggestion, he would change his mind and tell me to do it my way. I still share great stories about Len with other old "Wohlies" at times. June was a wonderful person and very nice to me. My deepest and sincerest condolences to his family. He was VERY special. Scott Berry

Story shared: memories of Len

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:24:41 EDT

Len was a mentor and very effective teacher for many of us a Wohl Shoe Co. Without his direction and support I would never have achieved the success I attained with the company. I will remember him for my entire life.

Blaine Jungers

Condolence From Bill Peck

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 09:32:07 EDT

My father Ben Peck and Len worked together at Wohl Shoe Co for many years. When my father was President Len was the Executive VP of Wohl Retail. My father had great respect for Len My father passed away Jan 16th 2009 at the age of 90.It was a great company because of the leadership of Ben and Len.They left every one that worked at Wohl with great memories. Bill Peck

Condolence From Cliff Rozar

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:44:48 EDT

For most of my 30 years with Wohl Shoe Co, Len was THE BOSS....Executive Vice President of the Retail Division. Our department, Personnel, as it was called then (now HR) reported to him. Being several notches lower in rank, there were many occasions where Len questioned my judgment on decisions, but did it in a way that it was always a learning experience for me. Throughout my career with Wohl, and later as VP-Personnel Director at Cloth World, when I had to make a decision, many times I would ask myself “What would Len do in this situation”. After his retirement and move to San Diego, I had the pleasure of visiting him when I was there on business trips and he and June were very gracious hosts. He always wanted to know about the family and extended an invitation to visit him on future trips, which I did. We also maintained email contact (yes, Len had an email address) for several years and I still have several “snail mails” that he sent following up my visits with him in CA. Len....you made a tremendous impact on my life and how I approach making decisions not only in business but my personal live as well. Rest in Peace...God Bless. Cliff Rozar