In early September of 1989, the founders of BTECH, Inc, Manny and Arlene Laidig, Jack Wurst, Allan Dob, Steve Garron, and Neal Barlow, met at the Laidig’s residence on Druetzler Court in Whippany, NJ. The purpose of the meeting was to strategize the next steps in launching their new company which initially operated out of the basement of Arlene and Manny’s home.
As the company started to grow, operations were expanded to the first floor of the Laidig home. Arlene, who meticulously maintained the appearance of her home, graciously accommodated the team’s needs, allowing wiring to be stretched out in the dining room and through the kitchen. Eventually, the company outgrew the residence, and moved to a larger facility in Whippany.
Arlene’s dedication and hard work was an example to us all. She handled everything from packing and shipping products to precisely cutting and labeling wires. She ensured that every fuse holder was assembled flawlessly, and every manual was printed and organized with great attention to detail. She coordinated all travel arrangements before the convenience of the internet. As Chief Financial Officer, she maintained the company’s finances and human resource responsibilities for many years.
When obstacles arose, Arlene remained positive and focused on solutions. When a crucial part couldn’t be shipped to BTECH, Inc., Arlene took matters into her own hands, drove to the distributor, and demanded the parts that were needed, further ensuring that the company kept its commitment and met the needs of our customers.
Before founding BTECH, Inc., Arlene earned her nursing degree from Presbyterian School of Nursing and worked at Presbyterian Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. She left her nursing career and started a family with Manny, raising three beautiful daughters in Whippany, New Jersey until moving to Rockaway, New Jersey.
Arlene not only ran a company, raised a family, managed summer rentals on the family property in New York, served as an EMT on the Cedar Knolls First Aid Squad, but she also found time for fun. Arlene was a wonderful cook and enjoyed opening their home to many guests. She loved the outdoors, including her flower and vegetable gardens. Her adventurous spirit and athletic abilities afforded her and her family many wonderful experiences snow skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, motor boating, sailing, bicycling, and hiking. At 79, she was the oldest female slalom skier on Lake Pleasant, New York.
As the matriarch of the BTECH family, Arlene lead by example and mentored others through guidance, support, and wisdom. She was the cornerstone of reliability, efficiency, and determination. Her commitment to excellence and her willingness to go above and beyond set the bar for all of us as we carry on her legacy.
