Irven "Jack" Brod was an American businessman and innovator.
12 Facts About Jack Brod
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Jack Brod was the President of Empire Diamond and Gold Buying Service, a New York City-based jewelry business, which he established with his father in the Empire State Building two months after its opening in 1931.
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Jack Brod attended the University of Alabama, although he did not continue his studies after moving to New York City with his family prior to graduation.
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Jack Brod was assigned by the Corps to England, where he loaded bombs into aircraft.
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Jack Brod shipped the items back to the United States by boat for sale and private collection.
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Jack Brod innovated, producing new ideas including one of the earliest jewelry catalogs and a toll-free telephone service for diamond orders.
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Jack Brod's company moved up to the 14th floor, before relocating to the 15th and then the 66th.
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Jack Brod was, as of 2008, the longest-ever tenant of the Empire State Building, and was the last of the original tenants to end tenancy in the building.
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Jack Brod had an interest in boating, and sailed well into his 80s.
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Jack Brod owned a boatyard on City Island in the Bronx, and owned a boat production factory in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
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Jack Brod was married and divorced three times, and was survived by two sons and two daughters, and three grandchildren.
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Jack Brod died at his home in Manhattan on January 6,2008, at the age of 98.