Have you ever heard about Norman Ebenstein? This eminent entrepreneur has unquestionably left a mark in the world of real estate development by running Capital Commercial Properties for more than fifty years.
Nevertheless, people not only remember him for his work in the Eden Center but also for his charitable deeds. Norman was a philanthropist, striving to help the less fortunate residents of poor communities as a way of expressing gratitude for becoming a successful and wealthy businessman.
Despite working tirelessly, Norm tried to spend quality time with his beloved family whenever possible.
Learn more about his fulfilled life and accomplishments.
Childhood
The founder of Capital Commercial Properties was born in the city of New York on the 23rd of October, 1928. He was the son of Samuel and Jeannette Ebenstein, born in a Jewish household. Nevertheless, soon after the birth of Norman, the family decided to relocate to Massachusetts, in Worcester, a city in the central part of the state. Although small in size, the city of Worcester, was one of the most prominent cultural centers in that period. Read here about the history, geography, economy, demographics, and culture of Worchester, MA.
The Ebensteins were never embarrassed by their Jewish roots but always strived to pass their pride of being Jews to their beloved son. They succeeded in their intention, as Norman considered his Jewish heritage valuable enough to pass down to his own children later in life. During his early childhood, Norm was taught the value of family relations and good education.
Education
Normal Ebenstein was deeply persuaded by the power of education, which was his primary motivation when being a student. In spite of living in an era when anti-Semitism was still present, he worked to the best of his abilities to become a stellar student. Ebenstein was a respected student of the Phillips Exeter Academy, situated in New Hampshire.
After finishing high school, Norman was eager to start his university education. He enrolled in the Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and earned a BA in Economics in 1950. This undergraduate degree was of great importance for Norman’s later role as a CEO. While studying at the Brown University, Ebenstein met his life companion, Shirley Gorlick, who soon became his wife.
Nevertheless, the undergraduate degree in Economics wasn’t enough for Norman. The founder of Capital Commercial Properties attended the Boston University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Prior to founding his company, Ebenstein worked as a lawyer for a limited time period. In fact, he enjoyed his role as an attorney due to being able to use his hard work to assist people.
The love Norman had for education, he strived to pass down to his children. Ebenstein believed everyone should understand the value of being educated and do their best to succeed as students. Therefore, this remarkable entrepreneur was particularly proud of the accomplishments of his children, Jaime Ruth and Douglas, in the field of education.
Family life
Career and education weren’t the only things of great importance to Norman. By gaining insight into Norm Ebenstein’s life, one can learn a lot about family values. He was successful in the role of a family man by raising two kids with his lovely wife Shirley. As mentioned before, Norm met his spouse in his youth, while still a student. Nevertheless, finding the love of his life at a young age enabled him to enjoy a surprisingly long 65-year marriage, during which they had a son and a daughter, as well as a couple of Labradors.
In addition, Norm also had two grandchildren, Lisa and Lori Ebenstein, who are now part of the company he founded. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren whenever he had spare time. Therefore, Norman took every chance he got to go on cruises together with his loved ones.
Accomplishments
Norman Ebenstein is known as a successful entrepreneur, founder of Capital Commercial Properties, a company he set up in 1961. For more than fifty years, this respected businessman was the CEO and the president of the firm. In the course of a fifty-year period, he managed to aid the creation of and development of multiple shopping centers, malls, commercial, and residential properties.
Moreover, Norm was particularly proud of the shopping district he developed in Virginia, known as the Eden Center. This area has a tremendous cultural and social importance not only for the Americans but also for the Vietnamese dwelling on the East Coast. His goal was for the residents of this community to be provided with properties where they can receive all the services they need.
Ebenstein, however, was not only an eminent businessman but also a remarkable philanthropist. Unlike plenty of other distinguished entrepreneurs, Norm believed it was his responsibility to help the people in need in his community. He considered himself responsible for improving the lives of the Jewish community as a way of giving back. This man provided his support to a myriad of non-profit organizations in the community while encouraging other entrepreneurs to do the same.
Furthermore, Norm founded the Norman Ebenstein Foundation for the purpose of assisting an even greater number of people. He also took the role of B’nai B’rith president of the local organization, whose mission is to provide safe housing, diverse education, and help during a crisis to residents in need.
This wonderful man lived a fulfilled and purpose-driven life until he passed away at the age of 88 on the 20th of December, 2016. Although devastated by Norm’s death, his family finds consolation in the fact he contributed to the life of many people and their communities. He will not only be remembered as a noted entrepreneur but also as a great philanthropist, wonderful father, and loving husband.
The bottom line
What Norm achieved in his lifetime, most people can only dream of achieving.
People will always remember his accomplishments, charm, and professionalism!