Alfred j. audi
Alfred Audi (b. 1938 d. 2007) graduated from Colgate University in 1960 and started his career in the retail showroom of his father, E.J. Audi, in New York City. During this time, Mr. Audi served in the National Guard with New York City’s 42nd Infantry Division.
After his father’s death in 1968, Mr. Audi continued on as President of E.J. Audi until 1974. He then purchased the legendary, but ailing manufacturer L. & J.G. Stickley. With the help of his wife and business partner, Aminy, Mr. Audi revived Stickley from a company with less than 25 employees, to a thriving international business with three factories, 14 showrooms, and more than 1,600 employees worldwide. In 1981, he expanded the original Stickley plant in Fayetteville, N.Y. and in 1985, relocated Stickley to a new state-of-the-art facility in Manlius, N.Y.
Mr. Audi’s dedication and vision brought Stickley the national prominence it continues to enjoy to this day. In 1995, he purchased the Heirloom Upholstery factory in High Point, and kept the workforce employed in what has become Stickley Fine Upholstery. Mr. Audi and his family also purchased the assets of John Widdicomb, Cibola Leather and Madison Square. He preserved and revitalized these three entities with the same energy and reverence that saved and elevated Stickley to a position of distinction within the industry.
Mr. Audi served on many boards, including M&T Bank, AFMA, Metropolitan Development Association, SUNY Health Science Center Skins Game, Brooklyn YMCA and the Board of Deacons at Plymouth Church. He was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by the CNY Business Journal, "Citizen of the Year" by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, received the "Wall of Fame Award," by the Manufacturers’ Association of Central New York, the 2004 "Laurel Award" by the International Furnishings and Design Association’s New York Chapter, the Ernst & Young Upstate New York "Entrepreneur of the Year" award, and in 2006 was awarded an honorary "Doctor of Humane Letters" from Colgate University.
Throughout his career Mr. Audi sought new challenges and surrounded himself with the best talent, rewarding them for helping shape Stickley’s future and destiny. He led by example in both word and deed.