Two hands on the wheel at Hahn Automotive

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To know Eli Futerman and Daniel Chessin is to know Michael Futerman, the late founder of Hahn Automotive Warehouse Inc. The brothers-in-law share not only the company’s leadership but also a commitment to the legacy of the paternal icon.

"If you’re the only son of an entrepreneur, you’re going to be inclined to work in the family business," Futerman says. "But for me, my father was also my best friend. I simply wanted to be with him."

Futerman encouraged Chessin to join Hahn Automotive. Chessin, a graduate of the College of Law at Syracuse University, sought to become an attorney. However, after a brief time practicing law, Chessin decided to make the change. It was clear to him that this was a unique chance to be on the fast track of a booming endeavor.

"My father-in-law and Eli frequently talked to me about Hahn Automotive, but it was really Eli who pushed me to join this business," Chessin recalls. "He showed me how the aftermarket auto parts industry offers amazing potential."

Chessin and Futerman learned by a unique leadership style that frequently resembled trial and error. Michael Futerman offered his son and son-in-law ample responsibility. However, he always extended opportunities to the brothers-in-law with an understanding of the amount of risk involved.

"My father’s service in the Israeli army made him fearless," Futerman says. "That tough experience gave him the confidence to understand the importance of risks."

Futerman’s father was a true visionary. Over 40 years, he aggressively built the business from a single location in Rochester into a regional enterprise. Now, Hahn Automotive spans 15 states and includes distribution and store facilities.

Chessin and Futerman, like the company’s late CEO, stay focused on pursuing growth. They regularly assess new acquisition targets. Uncertainty remains a natural part of the process.

"My father-in-law encouraged us to take chances," Chessin says. "He taught us that a failure can often provide a greater lesson than success."

Chessin and Futerman recall mistakes that helped them refine their strategy and understanding of the business. Futerman’s father often would "invest" in their decisions, knowing it could mean a short-term loss. The lesson might be hard, but they learned never to make the same mistake twice.

"We learned to always keep three things in mind," Chessin says. "A great business needs great people, great customers and great suppliers. We are truly fortunate to have all three."

For the brothers-in-law, dedication to the founder’s vision keeps them motivated and focused day in and day out.

Despite its broadening, diversified footprint, Hahn Automotive pairs teamwork with technology to maintain a strong sense of collaboration. A private extranet allows the company to streamline communications. Meanwhile, an "open-door" approach gives employees easy access to either Chessin or Futerman. This helps the brothers-in-law stay informed about their entire organization.

"We chat about the business at the start of every morning," Chessin says. "In fact, the conversation usually goes on for the rest of the day and well into the night. We practically eat, sleep and drink Hahn Automotive."

Futerman and Chessin remain equally busy when they leave the office. Futerman works with the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Chessin stays involved at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Flaum Eye Institute.

"My father taught us to work for success. He said that the financial statements are merely a report card; always try to be an A student," Futerman says. "The history and heritage of this community’s definition of success is tied to philanthropy. We’re proud that we can do our part to build upon that great tradition."                           n

10/25/2010 (c) 2010 Rochester Business Journal. To obtain permission to reprint this article, call 585-546-8303 or e-mail [email protected].