Bill Friedman, chairman of the board of Friedman’s Home Improvement, was born and raised in Santa Rosa and is proud that the company his father and uncle founded in 1946 remains one of the few independent, family-owned businesses that competes and thrives against national retail competition. He’s been working full-time with the company for the last 45 (of its 69) years. Asked about a proud professional moment, he relates, “After our son, Barry, graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, in 2001, he roamed the country for two and a half years. I eventually received a phone call from him asking if there was room for him in the company. In June 2013, we announced Barry as president/CEO, carrying on the family tradition for another generation.”
Bill and his wife, Suzie, have been married for 44 years and are proud parents to Barry and daughter, Julie Keller; and loving grandparents to seven grandchildren. He enjoys traveling with Suzie, spending time with family and friends, and collecting classic cars. In 2013, he was voted BEST Business Community Leader in the NorthBay biz BEST Of the North Bay readers poll.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
My mother and father taught me to respect others and to help those who are less fortunate.
Describe a favorite relative.
My uncle, Harry Friedman, taught me so much, both growing up and during my early years working in the business in our original Petaluma store.
What’s the riskiest thing you’ve ever done?
Transition from a business partnership with my uncle Harry, when he retired, into a sole ownership when I was 51.
If you could go back in time, what year would you visit?
1966 was my senior year in high school and the most fun. That’s the year I met the love of my life, Suzie, and we went on our first date.
If you could ask God any single question, what would it be?
I’d like to ask at least two questions: Why is there so much hatred and bigotry in the world? And, Why is there so much sickness in the world, which causes so many premature deaths?
What’s the most interesting country you’ve ever been to?
I had the most fun in New Zealand. It was like going “back in time”—a slower pace of living and the friendliness of the people, who are eager to talk about their lives and to learn about our country.
If you were given a racehorse, what would you name it?
WeCanDoThis
What hobby takes up the most time outside of work?
Collecting and restoring classic Ford cars. I love chasing them down and seeing them transformed. I love the beauty and artistry of the design of these cars through the years. [Friedman is pictured here with his prized 1937 Ford Club Cabriolet four-seater.]
Where did you go on your last vacation?
Suzie and I took a riverboat cruise down the Danube from Prague to Budapest.
When do you find yourself singing?
Anytime I hear a Beatles song, I join in. “Rocky Raccoon” is a favorite.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Buying my loving wife special things for special occasions that she would never buy for herself—even though she deserves it!
