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PAUL FINKELSTEIN Obituary
died in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on September 5, 2017. Paul adored his family, including his son Michael and daughter-in-law Leah; his son Brad and daughter-in-law Mikal; his brother Neil; his brother Richard and sister-in-law Susie; his wife Jean and step- son Adam; his grandchildren Jenna, Max, Noah and Natasha and their Grandma Barbara. Their love and great connection with Paul was an absolute treasure and Paul's presence clearly lives on through them. Paul was born on August 26, 1942, and grew up in Great Neck, New York. Paul was a legend and icon in the international beauty salon business, taking a revolutionary approach in consolidating the industry. He earned a B.S. in economics from The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania and obtained his M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School. In 1966, Paul joined Glemby International, a Finkelstein family-owned operator of department store-based beauty salons. In 1981, he joined Seligman & Latz, and later held senior positions at Turner Hall Corporation and Revlon. Paul joined Regis Corporation as COO in 1987, becoming CEO in 1996, and grew the company from 659 salons and $172 million of sales to over 13,000 salons and $2.4 billion of sales, before retiring in 2012. Paul served on The New York Stock Exchange advisory board for many years, and was an active member of the Chief Executives Organization and the Young Presidents Organization, serving for two years as chair of the New York Metro chapter. Paul was elected to the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame in 2011 and received the 2017 Legend Award from The International Salon/Spa Business Network. Paul's life was characterized by his outsized sense of humor and his love of travel, history, biography, fine art, tennis and golf. Above all, his life was one of caring, passion, and dedication to his family and friends. He loved us fervently; he took care of us; and he was the rock who guided us through the difficult times in our lives. We will miss him enormously. Your memory will guide us forever and we will always love you. A celebration of his life will be held at a later time.
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Memories and Condolences
for PAUL FINKELSTEIN
Sponsored by Stacy.
Richard Finkelstein
September 1, 2021
Miss you so rip
Dwight Miller
September 6, 2020
From my first meeting with Paul when he purchased our company, Anasazi professional salon systems and agreed to move it to Santa Fe, ‘move it wherever you want’ he said, knew he was a great leader. Had an office at Regis for a short time where I could watched him in action, handled every situation with an ease and control, very impressed I was.
Still live in Santa Fe thanks to Paul.
Thankful to have known him ...
NEIL FINKELSTEIN
September 6, 2020
Paul
Yesterday was a difficult day for so many people that miss & love you. I think about you every day and you are greatly missed. Hope you are resting peacefully--Love you Neil Finkelstein
Stacy Hunt
September 5, 2020
Remembering Paul today with a special toast to his blessed memory.
richard & susan finkelstein
September 1, 2020
there is not a day that passes without thinking about my brother r i p
Stacy Hunt
September 5, 2018
Miss you Paul. I especially miss your jokes and comments, you always made me laugh.
Corey Zucker
July 26, 2018
Paul taught me one of the greatest that I have used to this day. Never say no until you have all the facts. How can you make a decision without knowing what it is.
Tracy Behrends
November 26, 2017
We were shocked & greatly saddened to find out that Paul passed. Our sincere condolences to his family & friends. We adored him. He was so full of life, love (big heart) & had a fabulous sense of humor. He purchased our home back in 1997 in Minneapolis & we had the pleasure of getting to know him. We feel so fortunate & blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him & spend some time with him over the years. He was truly ONE OF A KIND & is GREATLY missed. Rest in peace Paul. Shalom, shalom.
October 12, 2017
Michael Dodd
October 10, 2017
I had the pleasure of working with Paul in london in the 70/s
Along with Seymour and Nathan
An inspired leader in out industry and again in 1994 when
I owned Supercuts in the Uk
My conderlances to all his family
Denice Wilson
September 14, 2017
Paul was a wonderful man, he gave many of us an opportunity of a lifetime it was an honor and prevledge to work under him. Because of him many people were able to achieve dreams, some of us never thought possible. He will be truly missed. God Bless all of you in your time of sorrow.
Francesca G
September 12, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Paul Finkelstein, on the lost of your father and friend. The lost of a love one is never easy. As you remember Paul, remember you are not alone in your grief. The support you gather from one another will truly be a blessing in this sad time. Remember the comfort you can draw from prayer. The God of all comfort pleads us to seek him out in prayer so that we may be comforted. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Janetta Burchacki
September 11, 2017
Rest In peace Paul
My condolences to your family
I will miss you and Legacy you left behind you .
Cindy Prewett
September 11, 2017
What a personable guy to be around, his a big heart, he made anybody feel welcome. We spent many trips with Paul during his time with Regis and I will always remember his gratitude and caring personalize he had for all of his fellow colleges. He will be missed. Cindy Prewett
Jon English
September 11, 2017
As in life so to in death you will find no limitations.kind regards forever and a day
Dawn Westberg
September 9, 2017
Paul will always be in the hearts of the Regis family. He shaped us into who we have became today. Forever grateful for his leadership. Maplewood Mn 1986-2001. Our condolences and deepest symphony's to the Finkelstein family.
Christine Grounds
September 9, 2017
Sending love and condolences to the Finkelstein family.
--Christine Grounds and Jonathan Mir
larry wolk
September 9, 2017
I recall many early morning rounds of golf in the 1970s and 80s with Paul, Hesso and Eric- Paul always demanding much of himself while providing us with insights on the world and movie suggestion- you lived life your way- rest in peace-all will miss the elder of the Finkelstein clan- Larry Wolk
Neil Finkelstein
September 9, 2017
Paul was my brother, BEST Friend, & Mentor-so sound with his thought process. The 3 of us had a unique and beautiful relationship. I will never forget you Paul--Love you very much--will be missed by so many people that loved you--Neil
Christine Medina
September 8, 2017
Paul you did so much for the people who worked for you. I use to tell you every year. "I love working with Regis, and I made it another year." You gave me a hug everytime. Thank you for allowing so many of us to experience our jobs with eyes wide open to culture and the world around us. In the arms of Angels now. Rest . My deepest sympathy to your family.
Dana McCullum
September 8, 2017
Many memories of the Regis trips made possible by this amazing man. Very blessed to have worked under his leadership. I send my thoughts and prayers to the family , God bless.
Rosie Lee
September 8, 2017
Rest in peace Paul. I will always remember your great Regis leadership from the UK. My sincere wishes to your family. You moulded a great company.
Sharon Kiker
September 8, 2017
I hope he had some idea of how much he was admired.
Norma Knudsen
September 8, 2017
I am trying to imagine my life without our phone calls. I will miss you more than words can say. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.
To your beautiful family, I am so very sorry!
Jessie Fraser (Fields)
September 8, 2017
Heart is broken, but I hope he has found peace. All my love to Paul's entire family. Paul, you've known me my entire life - this is a hard goodbye.
September 8, 2017
Paul was amazing I worked as an artistic director of the London store Harvey Nichols. A glemby salon and had 10 pages in Vogue to promote the salon
The year 1976
Paul you were an icon
Greatest condolences
nicholas French
Kathy Terry
September 8, 2017
Condolences to the family. The beauty industry has lost an icon. He will be greatly missed.
September 8, 2017
So very sorry for your loss.. I had the pleasure of Meeting Mr. Finklestien once as a young man. Right out of hairdressing school. I worked for both Glemby International Via Jordan Marsh department store and then on to Seligman and Latz via Lord and Taylor where i met Paul.. A great start to a great career... Thank you.. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.. Charles "Buddy" Dudley
Paul, my father, and others at the NYSE listing of Regis, a proud moment
Douglas Fields
September 8, 2017
Douglas Fields
September 8, 2017
Paul, I can't believe you're gone. You have shown me the true value of a lifelong friends with my father. "Baby" Doug
Teresa Petruccelli-Formato
September 8, 2017
Our most Sincere Condolences from the entire PETRUCCELLI Family at PIBBS.
The Beauty Industry has lost a true Icon way too soon. RIP
Sharon Kiker
September 8, 2017
It's hard to take in this huge loss. Wish he knew how much he was admired.
Dwight Miller
September 8, 2017
Glad I had the opportunity to know Paul, when he spearheaded the purchase of Anasazi. He agreed to move the company to Santa Fe, where I still live thanks to Paul. He was a strong leader, a great personality. Condolences to the family and all those he touched.
September 8, 2017
My Condolences -Paul was an awesome man to work for-
Cathy Hobbs(Arlington, Texas)
Scott Oremland
September 8, 2017
Paul, you will be missed. My condolences to the Finkelstein family.
September 7, 2017
We will miss you. love, Rich & Karen
Fluff Foster-Wright
September 7, 2017
Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathies.
Tonya Stuart
September 7, 2017
You did the possible and achieved the imposable ! You won the Hearts of Artist all over the world ! You made leaders icons and all of us adored you ! Now Rest In Peace your next Chapter starts now !
Audrey Otero
September 7, 2017
Paul Finkelstein was a great leader. I had the pleasure of working for Regis from 1998-2016. Mr. Finkelstein gave us all opportunities that we would have never had in the hair industry. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace.
Laura Bethke
September 7, 2017
I worked at Regis from 1997-2008. During this time Paul's vision took the company to amazing heights. I was lucky to have been there on his watch.
My condolences to the entire family. May he rest in peace.
Sandy Morrison
September 7, 2017
So sorry to hear this, my prayers to his family and friends. retired supervisor of Hair Masters
Carolyn Klemm
September 7, 2017
I worked with Paul and his amazing uncles & family
At Bergdorf Goodman and Bonwitt Teller in the late
60's we had a wonderful time and financial success
I am so devistated by his death to young. My deepest condolence to his wife & family with deep
Sadness Carolyn Viccari Klemm.
Patrick Moeller
September 7, 2017
Condolences to the family, Paul had our highest respect and admiration. Everyone loved him, the world is a little dimmer without him.
Jardin Johnson
September 7, 2017
My condolences... Great man. I had the pleasure of being a Supervisor during Paul's last 5 years at REGIS. God Bless
September 7, 2017
Linda Hintz (Little Elm, TX)
Cynthia & Bob Fleishman
September 7, 2017
Oh Paul, why. We had breakfast as we usually did for almost a decade last week. You still had so much to offer. Jean, Neal, Richard et.al. Now I know why your usual kiss on my head included a hug and "you've been really good friends". I'm frustrated, I just could't convince you, how valuable and contributing you still were. So many family and friends needed your presence. It hurts.
Cynthia & Bob
Donna Hamm
September 7, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Finkelstein family. It was a great pleasure working with Paul from 1987 until he retired from Regis. He was a true icon in the Beauty Industry and will be truly missed. His memory and contributions will live on forever. Rest In Peace Paul.
Lani Martin
September 7, 2017
I've been with this company since 1993. Mr. Finkelstein, although I never met him, was an extraordinary business man who moved Regis in an amazing direction and I can only hope his current predecessor can do same. You will be missed sir.
Ian Gavet
September 7, 2017
Paul you made a great and lasting difference in many lives, my own included. While you were at the helm of Regis they really were the Golden Years. Rest well my friend...
Beverly Nelson
September 7, 2017
Good-bye old friend. I will miss your calls checking on me and well wishes. You are mourned by your friends, amazing wife and family. May you be embraced by loved ones who went before you and may peace be with you. Love, Beverly Nelson
Gary Longo
September 7, 2017
I will always remember his humor and how he loved his Regis family. RIP Paul it's your time to soar
Kiran Stordalen
September 7, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss. Paul was an impressive and incredible man - truly inspirational in business and life. I have the most wonderful travel memories of Angkor Wat with Paul, Jean and my late husband Horst. My thoughts are with entire family.
With love, Kiran
September 7, 2017
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your
tragic loss.Paul will always be remembered as
devoted and caring with unparalleled accomplishments.
Judith Clements
Loving Family
Stacy Hunt
September 7, 2017
I work for Paul's brother Richard in Florida, and over the years, I had the great honor of getting to know the Legend himself. Paul had the most wonderful irreverent humor,anecdotes, and great wisdom, and I will miss him so very much. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of the Finkelstein family. May Paul rest in peace as he truly deserves!
Monica Lopes-Doares
September 7, 2017
I had the pleasure of working with Paul Finkelstein early in my career in the beauty/cosmetic industry. Sincerest sympathy.
September 7, 2017
So sad for your loss,sure enjoyed him as my boss,Bette Knight from Nova Scotia Canada
W B
September 7, 2017
My condolences to the Finkelstein family and friends. Psalm 119:50 says " This is my comfort in my affliction for your sayings has preserved me alive."
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