Officials for Lippert Components Inc., a supplier of doors, windows, glass and hardware, have announced the passing of the company’s founder and patriarch, Lawrence “Larry” Lippert. Lippert passed away on August 19, shortly after his 100th birthday.
In 1946, after serving in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy, Lippert returned to Alma, Michigan, where he went to work for Redman Homes, a local builder of manufactured homes. After 10 years of learning the business, he convinced the Redman family to allow him to start supplying galvanized roofs to the company and other local housing manufacturers. B&L Industries was born, and after the acquisition of a local frame builder, Riverdale Steelworks, Lippert would rename the company Lippert Components.
Lippert led the company through periods of both growth and hardships, while propelling it toward what it is today. He retired in 1977, entrusting the next generations of his family to carry on his vision. Lippert’s legacy is still deeply felt across Lippert Components, in the culture he inspired, the people he believed in, and the mission that is carried forward today, company officials said.
Lippert married Dorothy Wood in 1946, shortly after returning from war, and the two remained married until his passing. Through 79 years of marriage, they grew their family. In addition to Dorothy, he is survived by two children, Doug and Steve, six grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren.
“My grandfather was a true trailblazer. The world was a different place in 1956,” said Jason Lippert, president and CEO. “The war had just ended, and there were thousands of men and women who came home and tried to make a better life for themselves and their families. Nothing was handed to my grandfather. He had a vision, and it took a lot of guts, hard work, and determination to make that vision a reality. There are over 15,000 team members who work at Lippert now that depend on this company for their livelihood, and I, along with the rest of the leadership here at Lippert, take that very seriously. None of it would have happened if Larry hadn’t taken a huge leap of faith back in 1956 to forge his own path and create something that has lasted almost 70 years.”