Our Founder
Jerry Zucker
Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Jerry Zucker began tinkering, innovating, and inventing within the first decade of his life. He found possibility in things that others overlooked and he made a habit of taking things apart and putting them back together, often improving their function in the process.
At the University of Florida, Jerry pursued a triple degree in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, followed by a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering — all while working full time. In these years, Jerry also began to invest in and open his own businesses including a delicatessen, a record store and a laundromat. After completing his studies, Jerry served as the Director of Research and Development for Hudson Pulp & Paper Corporation where he amassed nearly a dozen patents which improved the function and efficiency of the company’s processes and products.
In 1978, as Director of Research and Development for Raybestos-Manhattan, in North Charleston, South Carolina, Jerry continued to innovate and imagine a new course for the company. In 1982, Jerry and a business partner purchased Raybestos-Manhattan’s North Charleston facility, calling it RM Industrial Products. Within five years, the company had grown from a single plant to a multinational manufacturing holding company, The InterTech Group, Inc. From its inception, InterTech has been inspired by Jerry's love of science and technology, his desire for synergies and his visionary foresight. He also considered each employee of the InterTech team to be part of a large family and invested in their personal growth both in the workplace and in the community.
By the time Jerry passed away in 2008, after a battle with cancer, he was credited with over 300 patents and had successfully completed billions of dollars of merger, acquisition, and public offering transactions. Today, through the leadership of his family members and the outstanding InterTech team, Jerry Zucker's ingenuity, love of people and drive for excellence continue to guide The InterTech Group, Inc.
Corporate Philosophy
Our Vision
To invest in a diverse, global group of businesses while retaining our core values and providing for our employees, communities and the world.
Our Belief
All of us among the InterTech Group, Inc., our member companies, and all of our officers and associates subscribe to Jerry Zucker's fundamental belief that honesty, integrity, respect and fairness in every relationship will enable us to honorably continue our long legacy of success.
Mr. Zucker's Keys to Success
- Have a sense of urgency and a bias for action
- Lead by example and hard work
- Strive for innovation
- Value customer service
- Ask yourself, "Are my actions today increasing revenues or reducing costs?"
Our Business Model
Mr. Zucker made a habit of taking things apart and putting them back together, often improving their function in the process. He also believed in the value of a great team, strong leadership and maintaining capital for growth. This formula for success has created The InterTech Group, Inc. of today, a highly productive enterprise operating in a world of diverse business sectors.
The InterTech Group Foundation
In Hebrew, "tikkun olam" (תִּקּוּן עוֹלָם) translates directly to "repairing the world". It's a central concept in Judaism, encompassing a broad range of actions and ideas aimed at improving and making the world a better place.
The InterTech Group, Inc. created The InterTech Group Foundation in 2004 for the purpose of making a difference in the community through giving. The Foundation awards grants to qualified charitable organizations. Applications may be submitted for general operating support, special project support, or capital/building support.
Applications are accepted only from non-profit organizations that have received 501(c)(3) designation from the I.R.S., or from tax-supported entities such as governmental offices or educational institutions.
