Charles Usherwood, whose small mom-and-pop technology shop in Oswego, New York, grew into a $40-plus million dealership headquartered in Syracuse, passed away June 18 at the age of 90, the company reported in a blog.
Mr. Usherwood founded Usherwood Office Technology in 1976 and guided the company as president for 20 years, working alongside his wife, Carol. He sold the business to his son, Lou, in 1997, but continued to remain active with the firm for many years.
The business has grown considerably, with 18 locations stretched across seven states. Lou Usherwood currently serves as CEO of the multi-line (Canon, Xerox, HP) dealer, with Ken Stinson as president. Mr. Usherwood’s other son, Charles Jr., is chief technology officer.
Lou Usherwood noted that his father was never shy about helping fellow dealers who were struggling. “If they were having trouble raising revenue, if they were having trouble with their people, I can remember countless other dealerships that were in touch with us throughout the 80s and into the 90s because we were a growing business,” he said. “My father was more than willing to ‘open up the books’ so to speak to friends to help them glean anything they could in order to help their business.”
Lauren Usherwood, the company’s business development manager and Mr. Usherwood’s granddaughter, took note of his philosophy behind becoming successful. “Grandpa was huge on client service. He always said if you take great care of your clients, the rest will fall into place,” she said.
A 1953 graduate of Valley High School in Syracuse, Mr. Usherwood was an avid hockey player and a founding member of the Oswego Minor Hockey Association who later coached youth hockey for more than a dozen years. Giving back to the community was important to him. His boys both played youth hockey and would accompany their father while delivering Meals on Wheels food packages in Oswego.
“The way he treated people was the most remarkable thing. He endeared himself to people. He made raving fans of anybody who met him,” Lou Usherwood added.
Mr. Usherwood also served in the Korean War.
In addition to his sons, Mr. Usherwood is survived by two daughters, Kathleen and Victoria; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His wife, Carol, passed away in 2001.
The company blog can be read here.
