Throughout their business and personal lives, the qualities that defined the Berman’s were uncompromising honesty, under promising and over delivering, and a strong work ethic. Whatever needed to be done they did – be it sales or lease negotiations to physically attending to manufacturing, delivery or maintenance. Every customer and tenant received their personal attention and they became advisors to many of them in growing their businesses. Through their diligent management and unprecedented marketing efforts, their shopping centers became major successes, the spawning grounds for several regional retail chains and the lifelong homes for many upstart tenants, some of whom remain with the company today. Melvin and Wolford are remembered for their quality developments and active support and participation in community, civic and charitable causes throughout their lives.

In 1972 Gary, Wolford’s eldest, and in 1973, Dennis, Mel’s second, joined Berman Enterprises. Their first jobs included property management of the family’s shopping centers – which meant everything from dealing with Tenant issues to answering maintenance calls and picking up trash.

Training their sons in their business practices was paramount to Melvin and Wolford – the importance of honesty, attention to detail and maintaining strong connections to each tenant and keeping a first class physical plant. Tasked next with supervising the renovations of their father’s assets, they heeded their advice on the importance of being on time, on budget and the significance of treating others as they wanted to be treated. Contractors in particular were to be paid instantaneously once the job was done and this built tremendous loyalty.