Law Day Speaker 2012: Severin Fayerman

Severin Fayerman was born in the mining district of Poland four years after the end of World War I.  He represents the fourth generation of a hardworking family whose interests have always been in the manufacture of hardware and related forged items. The family business started on the borders of Germany and Austria about 1855 when Mr. Fayerman’s great grandfather opened a small blacksmith shop. 

From that humble beginning, the business grew steadily into the making of builder's hardware, bolts and nuts until World War II stopped that progress.  The Nazis confiscated the business, which the family had built up to employing some 300 employees.  Imprisonment of the family soon followed and all was lost. 

In 1946, the family was able to emigrate to the United States.  They pooled their meager resources and purchased a small tool and die shop, in Newark, New Jersey, known as Baldwin Tool & Die.  With the dream of a bigger and better business than they once had, they again began making a limited line of hardware items. 

Growth was slow in the beginning years, but, with perseverance and the skillful leadership of the Fayerman family, the business outgrew its headquarters and a move to Reading, Pennsylvania took place in 1956 and the company was renamed Baldwin Hardware Manufacturing Corporation.  It was in Reading that the Fayerman’s found a wealth of talented and skillful craftsmen.  They felt completely at home with the Pennsylvania Dutch people, who are well known for their keen industriousness and an inherent pride in what they produce.  Phenomenal growth ensued and the company was recognized worldwide as producers of the ultimate in hardware.

In 1982, the company reached another milestone.  Baldwin gave up its status as a family owned business and became part of Masco Corporation.  In 2003, the company was purchased by Black and Decker and continues to evolve today in its leadership position.   Throughout his career, Severin has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, some of which are The United Way Doran Award, Red Cross Henry Dunant Society Award, Thun Philanthropic Award and the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Award.

He has two children and three grandchildren.