Carpet Industry Icon Celebrates 100th Birthday
December 9, 2004
MARINA DEL REY, California – Just five years after retirement, Jim Marcus celebrated his 100th birthday on October 31, at the Il Cielo restaurant in Beverly Hills, California.
Helen Marcus, Jim's wife, planned the party for 106 people who toasted to his innovation and charm. "There wasn't a dry eye in the room. It is so incredible to see the legacy a man like my husband leaves," she said.
Jim's reputation for innovation is well-known in the carpet industry. He is responsible for introducing tufted carpets into the mainstream, specifically into hospitality.
"My husband, in 1943, started Aldon Rug Mills. In those years it was probably one of the few manufacturers that were innovative in terms of tufted carpet industry, from the very beginning, and at a time when the mills of his competitors were insulting about the idea," she said. "He is an innovator with 40 years of manufacturing experience in the carpet business, and one of 30 in Carpet Hall of Fame."
Later in his career, Jim owned Viking, Robertson and Commercial Carpet Corporation. These three companies were grouped under the umbrella of Commercial Affiliates. Jim retained sole ownership of his companies until co-partnering with Larry Negile.
Negile was among several speakers to show his appreciation for Jim.
"It was enchanting the way these people spoke of him," said Helen. "It tells everything about his generosity of spirit and intelligence, he always put his money where his mouth is. Everyone adored his spirit, intelligence, and courage,'' she said. ''Larry Negile used say when other men ready to retire, Jim was ready to start a new business."
"He is an incredible man and still on his feet," Helen concluded.
Jim and Helen celebrated their 40th anniversary in November.
Helen Marcus, Jim's wife, planned the party for 106 people who toasted to his innovation and charm. "There wasn't a dry eye in the room. It is so incredible to see the legacy a man like my husband leaves," she said.
Jim's reputation for innovation is well-known in the carpet industry. He is responsible for introducing tufted carpets into the mainstream, specifically into hospitality.
"My husband, in 1943, started Aldon Rug Mills. In those years it was probably one of the few manufacturers that were innovative in terms of tufted carpet industry, from the very beginning, and at a time when the mills of his competitors were insulting about the idea," she said. "He is an innovator with 40 years of manufacturing experience in the carpet business, and one of 30 in Carpet Hall of Fame."
Later in his career, Jim owned Viking, Robertson and Commercial Carpet Corporation. These three companies were grouped under the umbrella of Commercial Affiliates. Jim retained sole ownership of his companies until co-partnering with Larry Negile.
Negile was among several speakers to show his appreciation for Jim.
"It was enchanting the way these people spoke of him," said Helen. "It tells everything about his generosity of spirit and intelligence, he always put his money where his mouth is. Everyone adored his spirit, intelligence, and courage,'' she said. ''Larry Negile used say when other men ready to retire, Jim was ready to start a new business."
"He is an incredible man and still on his feet," Helen concluded.
Jim and Helen celebrated their 40th anniversary in November.
