Industry leader Elliot Lehman, 97, died of natural causes on Thursday in his Wilmette, Illinois, home, according to his son, Ken Lehman.
The Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Association (AASA) marked the passing of Lehman, a longtime co-chairman of Fel-Pro and industry visionary, by recalling his many outstanding contributions to his company and the industry.
Lehman led Fel-Pro with Lewis Weinberg, fellow co-chairman and brother-in-law, for more than 50 years. Under their leadership, the gasket manufacturer became widely recognized and respected not only for its products but its employee relationship programs. His family-friendly policies earned Fel-Pro a loyal workforce with low turnover – and a highly respected brand known for its quality.
Lehman and Fel-Pro have been consistently honored by Fortune and Working Mother as an innovator in creating a family-friendly workplace. Lehman initiated groundbreaking policies such as family leave, flexible hours and job sharing.
“Elliot was renowned in his commitment to his company, his employees and to the aftermarket, and for building one of the strongest brands in the industry,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “He mentored many of today’s aftermarket leaders. We all benefitted from his high standard of business ethics and love of the industry.”
Lehman was a longtime member of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association’s (MEMA) aftermarket programs and served as chairman of its Board of Directors in 1982. MEMA recognized Lehman for his support of the association and contributions to the industry with its highest honor, the Triangle award, in 1989.
He also was named Motor Magazine’s Automotive Aftermarket Man of the Year and was honored with the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association’s Leader of the Year award. Lehman was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1993.
He is survived by his wife, Frances; sons, Ken and Paul; daughter, Kay Schlozman; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A service honoring his life is planned for Saturday, June 4.
