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 BTECH which initially operated out of the basement of Arlene and Manny’s home, before outgrowing the residence and moving to a facility in Whippany. Manny was a Jack of all Trades. Not only was he the President and CEO, at first he was the company’s only salesman. He regularly was on the road either meeting with sales representatives and customers or participating in the installation of the battery monitors. When he wasn’t on the road, Manny would assist in production and had a special interest in Engineering. He was often found in the lab, talking with the engineers about their projects. Always an optimist, Manny could be heard saying “For every problem, there is a solution”.
Manny possessed exceptional writing abilities, which was clearly demonstrated in his composition of engineering whitepapers and the employee manual. He did not tolerate grammar or spelling errors in any form of communication. His excellent writing and communication skills made him an outstanding leader and speaker.
After 10 years at the helm, Manny brought on Tom Leonard, guiding him in overseeing the day-to-day operations. Tom would later become President and CEO of BTECH.
Manny earned his Associate’s degree from Newark College of Engineering and his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from John Brown University. He also completed post graduate studies at Rutgers University. Following his 2 years of service in the US Army, Manny worked for the Singer Company for 33 years before he founded BTECH, Inc in 1989. Manny and his wife, Arlene, raised three beautiful daughters in Whippany, New Jersey before moving to Rockaway, New Jersey.
Manny also loved spending time at their home in Speculator, NY, where he had a passion for serving in mission efforts with the Adirondack Bible Chapel, the Ministry Center, the Poland Church, as well as the Adventure Learning Center in Nassau, Bahamas. He was a long-time member at Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park, NJ.
Manny had a great love for music, playing piano, guitar, trombone, and harmonica at gatherings on the beach, in church or wherever for the enjoyment of those around. He loved all water and winter sports, including snow skiing with his family and grandkids. He was a man filled with a great sense of humor and wit, and who loved to laugh, enjoying life to the fullest.
As the patriarch of the BTECH family, Manny led with a blend of traditional values and modern business acumen, fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and long-term vision within the organization, which is the foundation on which BTECH, Inc. continues to thrive today.
