Steven Friedman, former president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Holding Co. (AAHC), of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 21, from a stroke.
On April 1, Friedman became a consultant for AAHC, where he had served as president and CEO for 19 years. AAHC became a shareholder of the Automotive Distribution Network (The Network) in 2015. Prior to his time at AACH, Friedman was a national sales manager for Peterson Manufacturing.
David Prater, president of The Network, commented on Friedman’s passing. “Being in the auto care industry in Memphis, it was impossible not to cross paths with Steve Friedman. He was the ultimate professional and a wonderful person. The Network mourns his passing and offers its condolences to his family,” said Prater.
Below are details from his obituary, as posted originally in the Herald Tribune on Aug. 24:
Born on December 27, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Sidney Stifft Friedman Jr., and Ann Barnett Friedman. He married Betsy Noel on Nov. 12, 1994, in Sarasota, Florida, and is survived by his wife, his two children Nathan Friedman (19) and Audrey Friedman (17), his parents Sidney and Ann Friedman (Memphis and Longboat Key), his brother Sidney Friedman III., (Longboat Key), his sister Ellen Friedman Kaplan and her husband Brad Kaplan (Atlanta), and many nieces and nephews.
Steve attended the University of Florida, from which he received his undergraduate degree and his MBA.
The phrase “he was one of a kind” was never more appropriate than to describe Steve Friedman. He possessed a zest and a passion for life that was beyond exceptional. Whether it was a simple act, like mowing the lawn or going for a jog, or a more ambitious effort, like landing a big tarpon or running a multi-million dollar enterprise, Steve completely relished the experience, and always like it was for the first time. This enthusiasm was positively infectious. Steve was indifferent to nothing, and he wouldn’t let you be indifferent either. He brought you in, with his smile, with his laugh, and with that ever-present twinkle he had, as if you both were privately enjoying the best possible joke. His favorite and frequently repeated expression was “living the dream,” and he tried to and seemed to, everyday. He took nothing for granted, neither his business successes nor his good fortune in being able to fish – his grand and favorite pursuit – nearly every day. And, he especially did not take for granted being able to enjoy regularly the company and love of his mother and father (who was his best friend), and his brother and sister, and, of course, his beautiful wife and two wonderful young adult children. His was a full life, and one that every hour he realized and embraced. To say that he will be missed by his business colleagues, his many friends, and his family falls short of the mark. He was much loved and much appreciated. And, best of all, he knew it. Yes, he was one of a kind, and we will surely not see his like again.
Donations may be made in memory of Steve Friedman to Mote Marine Laboratories or Coastal Conservation Association of Florida.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 11, at Temple Israel in Memphis, Tennessee.
