By SEMA Editors
 Sid Polan |
Industry pioneer Sid Polan, 83, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away June 18 due to failing health. Born in Chicago, the former CEO and founder of Future Group launched his career in the ’60s with his brother-in-law Herb Goldstein (“Mr. Phone”). Polan was among the first regionals to help build distribution representing key product lines across the nation with Mr. Phone being one of the few national rep agencies in the industry.
Polan helped spearhead the start up of the Mr. Phone Service Rep. national jobber pull-through program to help warehouse distributors send products and information to speed shops, parts stores and specialty locations.
Years later, Polan was also involved with a few manufacturing opportunities, such as Burbank Spring and Custom Truck Fiberglass, but his passion was as a sales rep. He was a mentor to many in the industry.
Polan is survived by his wife Madeline, who shared that his cherished ’04 T-bird, black-on-black, tan convertible top and the black hard top is still available.