Harvey Brodsky Moves On

It is always difficult when someone we liked and had time for moves on, especially when the circumstances surrounding that person's departure appear to have been less than amicable. On the 5th October, long standing Managing Director of TRIB, Harvey Brodsky issued his last newsletter to TRIB members. It reads...

"During a conference call today called by TRIB president Mike Berra, Jr. at 2:00 PM Pacific Time, and including Bob Majewski and Wayne Jackson of the TRIB Board, I was informed that today would be my last day as the Managing Director of TRIB.

"I was not pleased with their decision but I serve at the pleasure of the Board, or at least I did until a few minutes ago.

"Having spent the better part of my career defending and promoting the retread industry I am very disappointed at the Board's decision which I believe is extremely ill advised. During my nearly 30 years as the Managing Director of TRIB I have made many friends in the retread and tire repair industries and I thank them for their support during the many years we worked together. I hope to see many of them again as time goes by."

Harvey Brodsky

This was followed on the 7th October by a statement from the Board of Directors of TRIB. Which in turn reads...

"There have been many questions from Members, following the news that TRIB was searching for a new director to replace Harvey Brodsky. The Board's unanimous decision to replace Mr. Brodsky was made only after long and careful deliberation that such action was in the best interest of TRIB.

"This decision was by no means intended to detract from Mr. Brodsky's enthusiasm and efforts on behalf of TRIB over the years. The Board made a decision based on what we considered compelling factual circumstances, to change leadership. The Board did offer an alternative to Mr. Brodsky that we sincerely believed would be in his and TRIB's best interests. Mr. Brodsky, as is his right, has chosen to proceed down a different path.

"On behalf of my fellow directors, I would like to assure you that the core mission of defending and promoting tire retreading and repairing continues and will not be sacrificed, and that the TRIB board is taking every step possible to ensure that this transition is a seamless one. As I write this, Marvin Bozarth is in the TRIB office, and he has agreed to fill in on an interim basis. As many of you know, Marvin is a well-known industry veteran who possesses decades of experience in the retreading and tire repairing industry, and you should rest assured that he will serve you well during this transition. The TRIB staff - Rachel and Salina - are both excited and committed to working with Marvin and to the task of making this a smooth transition. In addition, a search committee has been in place, laying the groundwork to find the best candidate to lead TRIB into the future.

"I know there will be a lot to digest in the coming days, but I kindly ask for your patience and continued support for this great association. I firmly believe that TRIB will emerge from this as a stronger, more dynamic and effective association. As Mr. Brodsky said in many of his speeches, "There is never a wrong time to do the right thing."

Michael Berra Jnr.
President TRIB

Doubtless there will be rumours and stories abounding from Harvey's departure from TRIB but what has been done, has been done and the Board of TRIB believe that the time had come for a fresh face. Let's hope they find someone as dedicated and personable as Harvey Brodsky. Equally, let's hope that we still see Harvey Brodsky around the retreading world for a few years to come.

Issue 2010/4