Scott Levin

News Anchor, WGRZ-TV 2

Who Mentored You?
Besides my parents who were the best mentors in the world, I most certainly had a mentor that changed my life forever. His name is Bernie Kastenbaum. Bernie is now over 90 years old and despite some health issues still as vibrant and pesky as always. Bernie was a veteran salesman for the company I worked for fresh out of college. The company sent me to his hometown of Richmond, Va to learn how to sell and become an asset to the company. Well little did I know that Bernie would change my life completely.

What did this person do that inspired, helped or encouraged you?
In the Fall of 1985 I found myself living in Bernie’s suburban home and my rent was hard work! Bernie was a very driven salesman… he grew up poor and would never settle remaining poor. He worked night and day, and worked smart too. Bernie was the consummate salesman.. when I met him he was beginning to wind down his career but for some reason we hit it off and I became his project for years to come. Bernie taught me that there is no time like the present… get things done when they need to get done, and always be a man of your word! If you give your word, KEEP your word he used to tell me all the time. Bernie taught me how to build lasting relationships with customers so they become more than just a customer… they become a partner… like a family member! Bernie taught me to get up early, work hard, and go to bed late finishing what needed to get done. Procrastination was not acceptable at all! I drove on the road for miles and miles seeing customers and Bernie was only a phone call away. Bernie was a legend in the clothing industry…  and soon he became a legend in my family too as my parents soon noticed that Bernie was changing my life and the way I looked at opportunity.

What would you say if you could thank this person today?
Bernie taught me how to sell, and more importantly, he taught me how to deal with people, and to appreciate what we have, especially after you work hard for something. Bernie helped to make me the man I am today. I’m forever grateful to Bernie and the time he took to work with me as a young man… it changed me forever.  Thanks Bernie!

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