Erie Materials loses its founder
Robert S. "Bob" Neumann, the CEO and founder of Erie Materials, passed away on Sept. 18.
Neuman, 82, resided in Skaneateles, New York and Jupiter Florida, and founded Erie Materials in 1973. This year, the Syracuse, New York-based company is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Neumann transformed a modest Mattydale, New York warehouse he purchased in 1973 into a regional building supply powerhouse with 375 employees and 10 locations in New York and Pennsylvania. The building products distributor’s 11th location is expected to open in Poughkeepsie, New York in 2024.
When he started the business, Neumann opened Erie Materials with a single, old truck, one forklift, and three employees.
Since its inception, Erie has grown to be a strong regional mover of residential and commercial roofing products, siding, doors, windows, decking and railing, and stone veneer.
According to Erie, Neuman’s formula for success was simple: hire good people, sell quality products at a fair price, and provide superior customer service. Neumann said quality customer service is what set Erie Materials apart from its competitors.
“The only thing I have to sell is service,” Neumann often said.
Erie Materials also sold itself as a quality employer within the state. The company has been recognized on the Fortune Best Places to Work in New York list for 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Neumann was born on Jan. 27, 1941 to Mary Ellen "Brad" and Herbert "Herbie" Neumann. He graduated from Columbia High School in South Orange, New Jersey and Bucknell University where he met his wife Sally.
He asked Sally "to borrow her car"…so he could take her out on their very first date. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this month.
Along with Sally, his daughter Leigh, and six grandchildren, the Erie Materials founder is survived by his son and company president, Christopher, who has helped guide the company’s growth and success for more than a decade.
Click here to read more about the Erie Materials story.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, Oct. 15 at 12:30 p.m. at the Skaneateles Country Club.
