Outstanding Westside Business Lifetime Achievement Award 2007
The Westside of Corpus Christi holds a lot of history. From historic high schools to neighborhoods rich with family legacies, the most industrial area of the city shares many stories. And nobody could recount that history better than Robert Adler, the owner and proprietor of Adler Pipe Co. for 35 years. For always demanding integrity in his business and for choosing Corpus Christi to be the hub of his many different businesses around the country, Robert Adler receives the Westside Business Lifetime Achievement Award.
Adler opened his business in the turbulent 1960’s as an eager 22 year-old. He remembers the tough times of his new company, and how often his building seemed isolated along the sparsely developed stretch of land named Agnes Street.
“At one time, when we just started out, it was hand to mouth back in the 60’s,” Adler said. “It was a very down time in economy in the U.S. The closest steel mill was in Monterrey, Mexico. Scrap iron sold for $24 a gross ton. We did not make any money for about 10 years,” Adler said.
Adler said he remembers the city’s gradual creep toward Staples Street and beyond. He kept the land where his business sat for years, but he sold the company in 1995. He calls himself “semi-retired,” still operating an exporting business. But he remembers that his company’s fortitude and respectful approach to its customer base allowed his company to grow and prosper.
“I would always say to treat the customer as you would your family,” Adler said. “Give them an honest day’s service for the work we were doing for them. We eventually ended up with major companies for our accounts, companies we serviced that we serviced on a daily basis. Your integrity is the most important thing you can have.”
-bios written by Chamber Member Omar Lopez
