Member Spotlight on Laurie Aronson
Member Spotlight on LAURIE ARONSON
President of Lipsey's and Haspel
Interview conducted by Winnie Hart, Communications Director
Please tell us briefly about your company.
Lipsey's
is a wholesale distributor of firearms. We sell to federally licensed
dealers across the country. It is a family-owned business. I am also
the President of Haspel, a men's clothing label which manufactures
men's tailored clothing. It's also a family business.
So why did you join EO and how long have you been a member?
I've been a member of EO since 2000. I joined primarily for the benefit of forum.
What is your proudest accomplishment(s) to date in your business?
My
proudest accomplishment to date is taking a mature business in a mature
industry and substantially growing it and taking market share.
What are your biggest personal strengths?
Biggest
strength - my outgoing personality and ability to relate to so many
different types of people. My employees can talk to me about anything.
What about your biggest weakness?
Biggest
weakness - prioritizing my day! I have so much going on between
Lipsey's and Haspel (our men's clothing manufacturer) that I find
myself discussing guns and men's suits all in the same sentence.
Got anything big coming up on the horizon for you personally or with business that you want to share?
On
the business side, I just started a new company on the Haspel end of
our business. It will make Haspel a lifestyle brand. More to come...
On the personal side, I'm about to begin dance lessons for Dancing with
the Stars Baton Rouge. (How did I get talked into this one?)
Who has the biggest influence on your life?
My
father, Richard Lipsey, has been the biggest influence in my business
life. He is the classic entrepreneur and does it better than anyone
else. He has always been my mentor.
If you could spend an entire day with one person, who would it be?
George Clooney. Not even a contest.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
My
best advice is to find what you enjoy doing and what you are good at.
Get rid of those things that you don't like doing. They will waste your
time. I'm still perfecting that one.
How long has your company been in operation?
Lipsey's
has been in business since 1953; Haspel has been in business since 1909
- we're about to celebrate our 100th anniversary!
