SAVYON, Israel Import aftermarket pioneer Louis L. Berg, founder and owner of IAP and Dura International and AIA Hall of Fame award recipient, passed away July 25 at his home in Savyon, Israel. He was 91.
Over his 60-year career, the hard-driving Berg orchestrated the unparalleled evolution of his companies.
Berg began his aftermarket career in 1957 as one of the first “grey market” importers of Volkswagens. In the late ‘60s, he moved from an importer of vehicles to a leading specialty provider of import parts for air-cooled Volkswagens. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Berg expanded the company into a successful all-makes import parts supplier.
Then, in the ‘90s, he transitioned the company into its current structure as a dominant supplier of quality brake drums and rotors for both domestic and import vehicles.
Lou Berg was an astute entrepreneur known for his keen negotiating skills. His closest colleagues will always remember him for his relentless focus on inventory turns and ROI some 20 years before these became common metrics for aftermarket companies.
Prior to his automotive aftermarket career, he was involved in the aviation industry with a career culminating as chairman and CEO of a U.S. airline. His next career was on Wall Street as chairman of a securities firm. Berg was also involved in a number of other business including hotels and real estate.
Friends and Colleagues Remember Berg
Dura International President John Kelley commented, “I am fortunate to have worked for Lou Berg since 1993. His business acumen and personal ethics were instrumental in the success of his companies and to the achievements of many individuals in the aftermarket. His values have become a part of our everyday lives. He will be missed by many but never forgotten.”