Introduction:
The life of Howard Ruby, the founder of Oakwood Worldwide, is an inspirational story of perseverance, dedication, and hard work. From humble beginnings, Howard went on to build a billion-dollar business empire that is still thriving today. In this blog post, we will explore the life of Howard Ruby, his journey to success, and the lessons we can learn from his remarkable achievements.
Section 1: Early Life and Childhood:
Howard Ruby was born on September 9, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York City. He was the eldest of three siblings, and his parents were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who came to the United States in search of a better life. Howard grew up in poverty, and his parents struggled to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Howard was an intelligent and hardworking student. He attended Brooklyn Tech High School and went on to earn a scholarship to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Section 2: Career Beginnings:
After graduating from MIT with a degree in mechanical engineering, Howard joined IBM as a sales representative. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the top salespeople in the company. However, Howard had bigger ambitions, and in 1959, he quit his job and started his own business, a ticket agency for Broadway shows. The venture proved to be successful, and Howard went on to start several other businesses over the next few years.
Section 3: Entrepreneurial Ventures:
In 1981, Howard founded Oakwood Worldwide, a company that provides corporate housing solutions to businesses and individuals around the world. The company grew rapidly and became one of the largest providers of temporary housing in the world. Howard was known for his innovative ideas and his commitment to providing exceptional customer service. He built a culture of excellence at Oakwood that is still evident today.
Section 4: Philanthropic Contributions:
Apart from his business ventures, Howard was also a dedicated philanthropist who believed in giving back to the community. He established the Howard Ruby Foundation, which supports several charitable organizations, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Management, the Jewish Federation, and the Motion Picture and Television Fund. Howard was also a member of the board of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Opera.
Section 5: Awards and Recognition:
Howard Ruby’s contributions to the business world and the community have been widely recognized. He has received several awards and accolades, including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Corporate Housing Providers Association Vision Award, and the UCLA Anderson School of Management Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2013, he was inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Marketing Hall of Fame.
Section 6: Legacy and Impact:
Howard Ruby’s legacy has had a significant impact on the corporate housing industry and the business world at large. His commitment to excellence, innovative ideas, and dedication to customer service set a benchmark for businesses around the world. His philanthropic contributions have also inspired others and made a positive impact on numerous organizations and individuals.
Section 7: Lessons Learned:
Howard Ruby’s life is an inspirational story that offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Some of the lessons we can learn from his journey include:
- Persistence and hard work are key to success.
- Being innovative and taking risks can lead to great rewards.
- Customer service and satisfaction should be your top priority.
- Giving back to the community is essential for creating a better world.
Section 8: FAQs:
Q1. Who is Howard Ruby?
A1. Howard Ruby is the founder of Oakwood Worldwide, a billion-dollar business empire that provides corporate housing solutions to businesses and individuals around the world.
Q2. What were Howard Ruby’s early career beginnings?
A2. After graduating from MIT, Howard joined IBM as a sales representative. He later started a ticket agency for Broadway shows and went on to start several other businesses.
Q3. What is the Howard Ruby Foundation?
A3. The Howard Ruby Foundation is a charitable organization that supports several charitable organizations, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Management, the Jewish Federation, and the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
Q4. What awards and recognition has Howard Ruby received?
A4. Howard Ruby has received several awards and accolades, including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Corporate Housing Providers Association Vision Award, and the UCLA Anderson School of Management Distinguished Alumni Award.
Q5. What is Howard Ruby’s legacy and impact?
A5. Howard Ruby’s legacy has had a significant impact on the corporate housing industry and the business world at large. His commitment to excellence, innovative ideas, and dedication to customer service set a benchmark for businesses around the world.
Q6. What are some lessons we can learn from Howard Ruby’s journey?
A6. Some of the lessons we can learn from Howard Ruby’s journey include persistence and hard work, being innovative and taking risks, prioritizing customer service and satisfaction, and giving back to the community.
Q7. What is Howard Ruby’s most significant contribution to society?
A7. Howard Ruby’s most significant contribution to society is his philanthropic work through the Howard Ruby Foundation, which supports several charitable organizations and has made a positive impact on organizations and individuals around the world.
Conclusion:
Howard Ruby’s remarkable life and achievements serve as an inspiration to us all. His journey teaches us the value of hard work, innovation, and dedication to customer service. His philanthropic contributions demonstrate the importance of giving back to the community. We can all learn from his legacy and strive to make a positive impact on the world, just as Howard Ruby did.