Edmond Froehlich – 50th Reunion Essay

Edmond Froehlich

6093 Bahia Del Mar Circle, #180

St Petersburg, Florida 33715

ecfroehlich@aol.com

419-944-7576

Spouse(s): Patricia Rodrick Froehlich (1968)

Child(ren): Elizabeth Froehlich Zenobi (1977) and Robert DeForest Froehlich (1981)

Grandchild(ren): Sonia Claire Zenobi (2008), Cleo Margaret Zenobi (2010), and Alice Katherine Froehlich (2016)

Education: Yale BA Intensive History of Art; Graduate studies in education at Yale, and marketing at Case Western Reserve.

Career: Advertising agency management: GM, Griswold-Eshleman (Cleveland); CEO, Young & Rubicam (St Petersburg); President, BBDO (Rochester); GM, Saatchi & Saatchi (Rochester); Owner, StarGraphics (Rochester); Vice Chairman, Roberts Communications (Rochester); COO, Hart Associates (Toledo).

Avocations: Personal activities have included: rugby, lacrosse, sailboat racing, home renovation, bass guitar, genealogy, and fishing.

College: Trumbull

“He seems like the same guy we knew at Yale. A bit thinner, a lot balder. Still pretty healthy looking. Sure can’t drink as much beer as he used to. And his wife, no long blond hair, but just as good looking, sharp, and cheerful as when she moved here to be with him. They got married before senior year, and now it’s our 50th Reunion, and their 51st anniversary!”

But there’s more than just first impressions….

I had a fantastic time at Yale. Studied hard, played hard, learned a lot, grew up a lot. But back then I never really knew how much Yale would impact my life.

Facts from my courses were learned at the time, but many facts have faded. What never faded were some existing beliefs and practices my Yale experience energized more than I ever expected. Like the importance of: digging deep into a subject, organizing mountains of material, analyzing complex situations, finding creative solutions to problems, planning ahead, working hard until the job is finished, speaking your mind, and showing no patience for BS.

So how did I use these tools? As an ad man! After a few years teaching high school art, I joined Cleveland’s top ad agency. Initially my career was about creating advertising and advising clients, and then it focused on managing the agencies and building bottom lines. Along the way there was also a five-year entrepreneurial adventure starting and selling a graphic design and printing business. The journey took us from Cleveland to St Petersburg to Rochester, and after one last agency challenge in Toledo I retired at 60, back full circle in Ohio.

Then the grandparent ride began. First we moved to Columbus to be near our daughter’s family and two new granddaughters, and then back to St. Petersburg for our son’s family and another new granddaughter. We were snowbirds for a while, but eventually moved permanently to our waterfront condo on a small island near St. Pete Beach, where we’re extremely happy with our current lifestyle.

Along the way our family had many important milestones, and a few setbacks. But one of the best things that ever happened to me was my Yale experience, including those beliefs and practices energized there. I’ve always tried to live my life using these tools, and have taken significant pride in coaching business associates and family members on their value. (Grandpa, stop nagging!). Thank you, Yale.

“It sure was fun seeing Patty and Ed again. They’ve had a great 51 years that worked out well for both of them. Ed clearly enjoyed his advertising career, and he loves his family and outside activities. Can you believe those stories about rugby parties, racing sailboats, and now his latest passion… fishing. And Patty’s sunny disposition is even brighter than their sunny locale, and she told us they actually celebrate Festivus every year! Wonder what’s next for those two?”