SNAPSHOT

The Rubenstein Family

Richard Rubenstein
Plymouth Spring Company

Job Title: President

Experience:  Running manufacturing companies for the past 35 years including a foundry, ballcock manufacturer (for toilets), auto parts, defense contractor and now springs.  I also served as chairman of a bank for 13 years.

SMI Current Affiliation:   Chairman of the Magazine Committee

Family:  Two children, Anne and Peter, and three grandchildren, Rebecca, Rachel and Talia. My wife, Lea, and I just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in August.  And we have one very loveable Pug named Benny.

What I like about the Spring Business: Never a dull moment! I have 59 dedicated employees and many interesting and challenging opportunities for new business.  

What I don’t like about the Spring Business: The constant erosion of the American manufacturing base as more business exits the United States.  

Favorite food:  Hamburger (grilled medium well and smothered in ketchup) and chocolate ice cream (yum yum).

Favorite books: “Winds of War” and “War and Remembrance” by Herman Wouk and “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.

Favorite Musician:  Judy Garland (I have all of her CD and movies) and anything by John Williams (“Star Wars,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark”...).

Spare Time:  Very active in a number of charities, visiting the grandchildren and traveling.

Favorite Places:  Home, New Zealand, or wherever the family is.

Where have you been:  About 65 countries including Antarctica, Uzbekistan (charity work), Myanmar,
and Ukraine.

Best time of my life:  Mostly now; whenever I can spend time with my wife.

A really great evening is: Having a dinner at home with friends and watching a classic movie.

The only thing I can’t stand is: Hypocrisy.

My most outstanding qualities are:   Good common sense and leadership.

I knew I was an adult when:   My parents died.

I used to want to be:  
1) A diplomatic courier (when I was 8 I saw the movie “Diplomatic Courier” with Tyrone Power and I was hooked)
2) A movie producer.

I wonder what would have happened if: I hadn’t met my wife 42 years ago; everything good has come from that and she’s still my best friend.

I would like to be remembered in the spring industry for: Running a first class operation.

But people will probably remember me for: Acquiring a number of spring companies.