On March 29th, Sidney Siegel one of the true pioneers of our industry and founder of Industrial Contacts, passed away from complications due to Covid-19. With little money or experience, he started Industrial Contacts, one of the first Promotional Products companies in New York City, over 60 years ago. It didn’t take too long before Sid Siegel had a reputation as being one of the most creative minds our industry has ever seen.
Sid’s early days started with his background in emblematic jewelry which he soon segued into a larger scope of promotional products and custom manufacturing, due to the high demand of his growing clientele. Industrial Contacts was one of the first companies to work with Japan, before China became a player, where he produced custom shaped radios such as football helmets for the NFL, top shelf liquor bottles, Brut cologne and Pepsi vending machines. The liquor industry soon became his niche. Some of his most prominent work included ceramic figurines, metal signs, and lucite bottle embedment.
Sid created and produced the Clio Award, still used today to honor the best television commercials. He was one of the first to start the company store catalog (of course in print before later technology developments) which he established for brands like Pepsi and Met Life. His creativity along with his out of the box thinking earned him the cover story of Counselor Magazine in 1974.
His ingenious and clever thinking was one of the reasons for his great success, but it was his charismatic personality combined with his sense of humor that truly made a lasting impression.
Today, Industrial Contacts is led by his son Steve and his grandson Daniel. Sid’s daughter Mindy is also involved in the company and plays an important role on the sales team. The company continues to follow in his footsteps with a strong focus on the beverage industry. Sid continued to have daily conversations with Steve and Daniel about the happenings of the business and was never one to shy away from offering his advice.
Although business was his “baby” that he always cherished , nothing took precedence over his family. He was married to his late wife Joyce for 65, years who played an integral role in the success of Industrial Contacts. Nothing brought Sid more joy than spending time with family, and watching the successes and achievements of his kids and four grandchildren. His leisure time was usually spent playing golf or on the tennis court.
Sid will be missed not only by his family and friends but anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.
