A pioneer in consumer advertising long before it was fashionable, Sidney Siegel passed away on March 29 as a result of complications due to COVID-19.

Long involved in the high stakes energy of sales, Siegel founded his own company shortly after dipping his toe into the business. Armed with a creative and ambitious drive to succeed, he pushed Industrial Contacts—promotional products supplier in Westbury, N.Y.—to the forefront of the advertising and promotions industry.

It was among the first firms to develop relationships with international brands and to release catalogues to promote a client’s products. As the company describes itself: “We are a team of creative thinkers and product experts. We work to develop strategic promotions and create high-impact merchandise solutions. Industrial Contacts strives to create memorable products for our clients and their customers to enjoy.”

Even well into his retirement, Siegel continued to share input into innovation and rebranding.

“He was always charming and gregarious, and just completely likeable. His eyes lit up when he smiled, and he definitely had a charisma that put people at ease,” his daughter Mindy Siegel-Mevorah, a senior vice president at Industrial Contacts, told Advertising Specialty Institute. “Moreover, he taught me to be honest and upfront with everyone in business, and I hope to continue in his footsteps and always be proud to be his daughter.”

Siegel is survived by two daughters and a son, as well as grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Joyce.

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