Wolf-Gordon Loses an Industry Innovator
Co-Founder Bernie Gordon Passes at 98
Bernie Gordon, Co-founder of Wolf-Gordon and beloved father of former Executive Vice President David Gordon, passed away on Thursday, December 15th. Living to 98 years old, Bernie led a fulfilling life and career; soon after WWII, Bernie joined Gilford, Inc. with Mel Wolf until starting their own company in 1967 with the help of salesmen Tony Prota and Frank Carr.Â
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bernie, and are grateful for the legacy he left behind.” – Rick Wolf, CEO
Bernie was at the forefront of the movement to use fabric backed vinyl as wallcovering, understanding that the commercial market needed high performance finishes. Leading the product design and development until retirement in 1991, Bernie passed over his responsibilities to his son, David Gordon. Bernie and his wife, Reva, proceeded to move to Delray, Florida where they enjoyed a long and peaceful retirement. In 1994, two of the founders’ sons—Rick Wolf and David Gordon—became President/CEO and Executive Vice President, respectively, and catalyzed a period of national growth by way of product and brand design.
Interviewed in Wolf-Gordon’s 2017 publication, Sample Book: 50 Years of Interior Finishes, Bernie stated, “I’m proud of what we did when we were running the place, and I’m proud of the natural evolution that has taken place at the company since then. In order to stay in business, you have to keep coming up with new things, and that’s why Wolf-Gordon now commits so many resources to design.”
About Wolf-Gordon
Wolf-Gordon is an American design company offering designers a wide range of interior surfacing products united by the common qualities of excellent design and dependable performance. Founded in 1967 as a comprehensive source for wallcoverings, its product line has since added wall protection, upholstery textiles, paints, and Wink clear, dry-erase coating. Through its collaborations with leading national and international designers and in its Design Studio, Wolf-Gordon continues to develop new work that is provocative, inspiring, and of our time. Wolf-Gordon’s growing portfolio of licensed collections includes designs by Laurinda Spear, Karim Rashid, Petra Blaisse, Grethe Sørensen, Kevin Walz, the Boym Partners, Frank Tjepkema, Mae Engelgeer, Aliki van der Kruijs, and V Starr, Venus Williams. Wolf-Gordon account executives are based in all major markets in the United States.
