The roots of Gorbel can be traced back 40 years to a material handling salesman and entrepreneur named David Reh, who started the company back in 1977. His passion for business laid the foundation for much of the growth and success the company has seen in those 40 years. Though his son Brian is now the President of Gorbel, Dave is still a familiar face in these halls, stopping in to say "Hello" and often joining his wife Sue and other family members at our many family-focused company events.
So it is with great pride that we share that Clarkson University recently honored Dave by naming its School of Business, the David D. Reh School of Business. Dave graduated from Clarkson in 1962 and received an honorary doctor of science degree from there this past year.
“David Reh has dedicated his professional life to growing enterprises and adapting to evolving opportunities and challenges in the marketplace. While developing a successful technology-based company and global brand, he has helped prepare the next generation of business creators and industry leaders at his alma mater. He is the embodiment of the qualities of leadership, entrepreneurial competence and integrity we expect all students to aspire to in their chosen professions,” said Anthony G. Collins, president of Clarkson University. “With his wife, Sue, he has engaged our student and alumni bodies in the spirit of goodwill and philanthropy that has propelled our business programs, entrepreneurship outreach into the community and our mission forward for decades to come. We are pleased to recognize his generosity and commitment to Clarkson in this lasting and meaningful way.”
The official dedication took place Friday, October 13, 2017 in a celebration at the Potsdam campus with his family, the University community and other alumni donors and volunteers present.
“On behalf of the faculty, we truly thank Dave for his many years of volunteer service to the School and the University’s larger vision. His progressive insights and collaboration with Clarkson faculty, staff and students in growing the very core of the University’s academic, research and social experiences in innovation and entrepreneurship have been appreciated,” said Dayle Smith, Dean of the Reh School. “The strategic investments he has made in Clarkson’s future have led to our preeminence and national rankings in entrepreneurship, innovation and business education.”
In 2011, Dave was inducted into the Rochester, N.Y., Business Hall of Fame. He is currently the owner and managing partner of the award-winning Ravenwood Golf Club in Rochester. He sits on numerous boards, and has been a Clarkson Business Leadership Council member since 2006. He also serves on the Simon National Council and the Executive Advisory Committee for the Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester.
Many thanks to Dave for laying the strong foundation that Gorbel is built on, and for his many contributions to the local business community. Kudos on a wonderful and well-deserved honor!