We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Albert Goldreich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Albert, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

Do unto others as you will have done unto you. Give generously and anonymously. Donate time and money for the right reason. Not for what one gets out of it.

Albert, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After immigrating from South Africa I turned my hobby of thirty years in to my full time profession twenty years ago. Though I struggled to find my own identity for twenty seven years and almost losing hope I persevered and finally started producing pieces that I was proud to enter into shows and now have my art in homes around America. . I have always been interested in art but my passion is pottery. The style I’ve developed over the years has become my signature and very recognizable. I’m proud to hold the world record on the potters wheel of nineteen hours and thirty three minutes as published by the Book of Alternative Records. During my time on the wheel I was allowed a five minute break every hour or ten minutes every two hours. There had to be two judges present throughout the time on the wheel. The chief judge was present for the entire time and kept very strict time keeping records. My purpose in attempting this record was to help publicize Empty Bowls. With the help of sponsors and the sale of bowls donated by hundreds of potters all the money collected goes to feed the hungry.. I have no secrets and do not mind showing anyone my technique but always suggest that they attempt to differ in some way. At the moment I do not see myself retiring from my craft and enjoy sharing my knowledge with whoever ask my advice. I do tell potential students and fellow potters that I don’t regard myself as an expert and still continue to get new ideas and try new color combinations. I still have failures and regard that as a learning process. I’d like my legacy to be share, share and keep on sharing knowledge, charity and time..

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Immigration is not easy. Having a wife by your side who is prepared to struggle with you and never makes demands is a huge asset. We arrived in America with not even $10,000. We had to purchase two cars, pay rent, eat, pay insurance, utilities etc. After tax I was left with just enough to pay rent and my wife’s salary paid the other expenses. For the first twelve months we never spent a dime on any luxuries, No movies, no eating out unless we were invited to friends. Having met some amazing new friends we were invited out every Friday evening for our first fourteen weeks in Houston… For our first sixteen months in Houston I worked for a furniture store but the salary was just enough to pay the rent. Through the grace of God I managed to buy a very very small printing business, financed by the bank for which I had to sign our lives away. After about a year or so I managed to buy a used wheel and very old kiln and continued my hobby hoping that one day I’d be able to turn it into my full time profession. My wife is an excellent saver and controls the finances like a true professional. After a few years in the printing business I merged with a very good partner and s few years after the merger we bought our own building and in 2005 I sold my share of fifty percent to my partner and the rest I’d history.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

Over the years I have bought and sold four print shops all Minuteman Presses..I kept each one for about a year or and sold them with the help of Minutemen Press. The secret, oh not really a secret was to instill in the staff the importance of service.. This helped build each one so that it could be sold at a handsome profit.

Contact Info:

• Website: Albertgoldreichpottery.com
• Facebook: Albert Goldreich Pottery