From Foster Child to Global Entrepreneur: A Founder’s Tale

Baruch has long educated generations of talented and hungry strivers, students who understand hard work, and are forged from humble beginnings. George Roach is no exception. After earning a business degree from the Zicklin School of Business in 1971, George was poised to accept a marketing ang and sales position in Ohio, but after meeting someone special (his wife, Maria), he was determined to remain in New York. Through a friend, he quickly landed a competing offer for a higher salary that allowed him to stay in New York City, where he learned the sales and manufacturing business. That serendipitous turn of events led him to create his own firm, GER Industries, in 1973. Specializing in fine architectural millwork, ornamental metal. as well as furniture, fixtures and equipment for construction. GER Industries has maintained manufacturing facilities internationally, first in Canada and currently in Vietnam, along with its offices and woodworking site in New Rochelle. From over 50 years of business cycles, including the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, George will share his observations on what it takes to start and thrive in the ever-changing global environment.