HAR ADHESIVE - Key Persons

Joe Cerino is the founder of HAR Adhesive Technologies. Joe's father owned and operated a neighborhood grocery store. This is the story of how the HAR Adhesive Technologies business philosophy was born and what sets HAR apart from every other company. Joe was expected to work with his father in the family business on weekends and during school vacations. From a very early age Joe and his father spent many hours together in the business. His father carefully taught his young son everything he knew about business and about life. Every day together was an opportunity for father to teach son! Twice a week Joe's father would travel in his box truck to the Central Produce Market where he would purchase his fresh vegetables and fruits to be sold at the store. Joe went to the market with his father on many occasions. They would leave the house very early and the ritual would normally take all morning. The Central Produce Market was a world that few ever witness, especially at such a young age. There were streets filled with large trucks and warehouses filled with boxes of fruits and vegetables stacked to the ceiling as far as the eye could see. The market was a bustling center of activity. Trucks and tow-motors were endlessly on the move, store owners would loudly bid for goods and dock workers hustled for the chance to load trucks. Amazingly, Joe's father seemed to know everyone at the market and everyone seemed to know him. He would warmly look old friends in the eye, smile and ask "hi, how are you doing today?" One winter morning during the Christmas vacation break from school Joe's father took him to the market. As they traveled from stand to stand buying their truck load of produce, Joe's father asked him, "Have you noticed that no one has lettuce this morning? There is a big winter shortage and lettuce is nearly impossible to find." "You know," said his father, "I have been doing business with the same lettuce wholesaler for over 20 years. When he has an oversupply I will always take a few extra cases to help him out. When there is a shortage, he will always have some put aside for me." As the father and son approached the lettuce vendor, the vendor yelled out, "I have 20 cases of lettuce put aside for you." The vendor then turned to the young son and said, "Your father is very loyal to me and always treats me honestly and fairly. He knows that I will always make sure your store never runs out of lettuce." Both men looked at each other and smiled. The young son was touched that day and the experience left a lasting impression. He was touched by the warm smiles that silently reflected the pride and satisfaction that came from such a simple yet priceless relationship. He was impressed by the comfort, confidence and success that can be gained when both sides win.