Emmett Heitler
Born in Denver in 1909, Emmett Heitler excelled academically, graduating with honors from the University of Colorado with a degree in engineering before he was twenty years old. Shortly after, he took a job with General Electric as an electrical engineer and later became a partner and founder of Fashion Bar stores in Denver. After marrying his wife, Dot, in 1937, Heitler went to work for Shwayder Bros. Inc., a manufacturer of Samsonite Luggage. Throughout his career with Shwayder Bros. and Samsonite, Heitler advanced to General Manager, and eventually, Executive Vice President. He was instrumental in building Samsonite from a small local business into the world's largest luggage manufacturer. He pioneered Samsonite's movement into new, cutting-edge technology, most notably using plastics in manufacturing sleeker, more durable luggage.
Heitler was not only an extraordinary businessman, but he was also a true philanthropist. Despite his demanding schedule, he always found time to give back to his community and lend a helping hand to anyone who might need it. He was active with the Jewish Community Center, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and was a founding member of the Mile High United Way. He served as Executive Trustee of the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute for Cancer Research, was Chairman of the Board of the National Jewish Hospital, and was a Member of the Board of the Denver Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Emmett Heitler contributed a significant amount of time to the Anti-Defamation League, chaired the effort to build Temple Emanuel, and was instrumental in renovating Green Gables Country Club.
Heitler was not only an extraordinary businessman, but he was also a true philanthropist. Despite his demanding schedule, he always found time to give back to his community and lend a helping hand to anyone who might need it. He was active with the Jewish Community Center, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and was a founding member of the Mile High United Way. He served as Executive Trustee of the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute for Cancer Research, was Chairman of the Board of the National Jewish Hospital, and was a Member of the Board of the Denver Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Emmett Heitler contributed a significant amount of time to the Anti-Defamation League, chaired the effort to build Temple Emanuel, and was instrumental in renovating Green Gables Country Club.