A Tribute to Lillian Rothberg

 

The extraordinary woman behind an extraordinary family.

Anyone who ever met Lillian Rosenstock Rothberg knew she was a woman ahead of her time — a woman who brilliantly balanced the demands of her career and family.

Lillian’s long, full and remarkable life ended quietly at home with her children by her side on November 27, 2016. She was 91 years old. Her passing was greeted with admiration for her devotion to the family she loved and the company she helped build.​​​​​​​

Together, Lillian and her late husband, Dr. Henry M. Rothberg, co-founded LATICRETE in 1956. She and her husband worked lovingly and tirelessly to create something special, a company built in their likeness. Over the years, their dedication and commitment have shaped LATICRETE into the family-run and family-oriented business it is today.

STARTING UP A BUSINESS AND A FAMILY

From the very beginning, Lillian played a key role in running the business—and a household. While overseeing the office and administrative functions in support of her husband’s efforts to champion superior tile and stone adhesives, she also maintained a home.

As the business grew, so did the family. While Henry preached the values of the product abroad, Lillian protected their family values at home— ensuring the successful upbringing of their seven children.​​​​​​​

“From the very beginning, my mother and father shaped the values of our family and our company. I, and the entire LATICRETE family, will be forever in their debt for making the world and our industry a better place.” –David Rothberg, Chairman of the Board, LATICRETE

A LEGACY THAT WILL LAST FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

Outside of her professional life, Lillian was known for her superb insights into human nature, passionate concern for sociopolitical justice and love of literature.

Lillian’s devotion to mentorship and education led her and her late husband to contribute 20 scholarships to Dr. Henry M. Rothberg’s alma mater, the University of South Carolina’s School of Chemical Engineering.

Lillian and her husband took special pleasure in inspiring and mentoring the young members of their family. Now, their spirit lives on through their children and grandchildren.

Some are out in the world accomplishing great things while others continue to build the LATICRETE family business they began over 65 years ago.

Celebrating 65 Years

 

It's Throwback Thursday once again, and in celebrating 65 years of LATICRETE we're taking you back to 1967. This photo is of our founder, Dr. Henry M. Rothberg and his wife, Lillian R. Rothberg on a flight to Europe in 1967.

During the 1960s, the Rothberg family would make several such trips across the Atlantic to conduct business with their new international partners. The company's first overseas expansion came through a deal with German ceramics manufacturer Villeroy & Boch.

From there LATICRETE grew and expanded to Australia several years later when an importer of Italian glass mosaic tiles required a solution for installing glass mosaic tiles to high-rise building facades. LATICRETE had the solution.

LATICRETE is the name architects, designers and professional installers know and rely on. 

To find out more about the history of LATICRETE in Australia, visit our website here.

Celebrating 65 Years

 

It's another Throwback Thursday, and this time we're looking at a photo of LATICRETE founders Dr. Henry M. Rothberg and Lillian Rothberg on a job site way back in 1964.

This photo was taken 57 years ago. The tilers in the background are installing roof tiles using LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive. 4237 is a specially designed latex additive for use with 211 to make a high strength latex bed, and is still being installed widely across Australia to this day! 

To find out more about the history of LATICRETE in Australia, visit our website here

LATICRETE 65th Anniversary Message From Our Chairman

This year marks our 65th Anniversary! David A. Rothberg, Chairman of the Board and former CEO, shares how the LATICRETE family business was created and how it will continue for years to come. 

"The founder of LATICRETE were my parents, Dr. Henry M. Rothberg and his wife Lillian Rothberg. My father loved chemistry and was fascinated by it. While getting his degree in Chemical Engineering, he worked installing floors at a flooring company. That’s where he got his passion for discovering new ways to install tile and stone. So, in the basement of a home in Connecticut, USA he began experimenting with different formulas using liquid rubber…hence where the company name LATICRETE came from − latex and concrete.

While he had no formal business training, he understood the value of the brand and controlling his own destiny. His strong belief in family and building a legacy for them was also very important. His passion and commitment is what lead LATICRETE to be the company it is today. 

After 65 years, what began as a private, family-owned company, will continue to stay that way − it's part of our commitment to our customers, our employees and our communities. As the 2nd generation (myself and brother Henry) pass the torch to the next generation, we are guiding them in their responsibilities to continue the legacy their grandparents started - providing our employees a good life, and our customers and communities around the world with excellent products and terrific customer service.

The success LATICRETE has achieved didn't come by accident, and neither will the success of this transition to the 3rd and 4th generation. They're learning the business from the ground up; their grandfather and grandmother would be very happy!"

Find out more about LATICRETE history here!