FALL 2024

46 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

46 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK IN MEMORIAM Allen Goodman (1930-2024) Allen Goodman, born on January 21, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to Gussie and Willie Goodman, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, surrounded by his family. Allen played a key role in the growth of his family’s business, Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co., a company founded by his father in 1912. What started as a small Brooklyn operation with just four employees has grown into a fourth-generation global manufacturer, importer, and distributor of RivetKing® branded products, now celebrating over 112 years in business. Allen joined Industrial Rivet in 1948 and took over as president in 1955. Under his leadership, the company expanded its reach, seeing significant growth and development. Over the years, Allen earned the nickname “The Rivet King” due to the company’s role as a distributor of some of Bethlehem Steel’s products. Industrial Rivet stocked, cut down, and produced various sizes of rivets, providing the New York Metropolitan and Tri-State areas with minimal lead times. What began as a nickname evolved into a slogan during the second generation, a brand in the third, and eventually became a globally recognized product line by the fourth generation. Even though he stepped back from a leadership role in later years, Allen remained actively involved in the business, working in accounts receivable and collections into his early 90s. He continued to provide invaluable advice and counsel to the third and fourth generations of family leadership. His children, Bill and Joanne, built on Allen’s foundation, making key acquisitions and broadening the company’s portfolio of products and solutions. Today, OBITUARY under the leadership of the fourth generation, Industrial Rivet continues to thrive, with Steven Sherman and Taryn Goodman working alongside Bill to continue Allen’s legacy of innovation and growth. Allen was also a proud veteran of the Korean War, where he ran a post exchange (PX) for his fellow servicemen. On February 3, 1951, he married the love of his life, Edith “Edy” Stark. They shared 73 wonderful years together. He was predeceased by his daughter, Joanne, in 2016. Allen is survived by Edy, his son Bill, and seven grandchildren: Steven Sherman, Traci Cohen, Keith Goodman, Taryn Goodman, Mark Goodman, Michael Zaiss, and Zoe Zaiss. He also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren. Allen was known for his love of cars, especially his 1959 Lincoln Continental, and for his craftsmanship, building intricate model boats. A man of humor, Allen famously quipped that he would retire at 100, a testament to his deep commitment to the family business. His legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and love for his family, and all will remember him not only as a “Goodman” by name, but by nature. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in his honor. ALLEN GOODMAN

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 47