May 25, 2022
Ep 58 The Orchestra of Family Business
Listen in as we talk with father and
son duo Robert & Trevor Stevenson* of Eastman Machine Company about
the evolution of their business, the hard decisions they’ve had to
make regarding family members over the years and the intriguing
connection they have to a very famous person in history!
OUR GUESTS
Robert L Stevenson*
Robert L. Stevenson is CEO of Eastman
Machine Company and the fourth generation of his family head the
business. Eastman Machine Company is the world’s oldest
manufacturer of fabric cutting machinery and has been located in
Buffalo, New York since 1888. The company sells worldwide and
currently has customers in over 150 countries. Eastman
manufactures a range of fabric cutting and material handling
machinery and sells into diverse markets that include aerospace,
apparel, automotive, energy products, furniture, industrial
textiles, marine, and recreational products.
Mr. Stevenson is a 1969 graduate of
St. Paul’s School and in 1973 he received a B.A. from Yale
University. Mr. Stevenson is also a 1975 graduate of the
Harvard Business School certificate program. Upon graduation
from Yale, he joined Eastman Machine Company as a full time
employee. During his tenure at Eastman, he has filled a variety of
roles such as: Service Manager, VP of Manufacturing, Corporate
Treasurer, and was named President in 1983.
In addition to his career at Eastman,
Mr. Stevenson has served his community in a number of different
capacities. He has served as Chairman of the World Trade
Center of Buffalo, and also Chairman of the Child and Family
Services Foundation, (the oldest and largest the Board of Directors
of social service organization in Buffalo). He also serves on
the boards of the United Way of Buffalo, InSyte Consulting and the
New York Federal Reserve Advisory Board. He sits on the board of
Medaille College where he had been chair from 1999-2006; and he has
served as trustee of the Albright Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Red
Cross, and the Elmwood Franklin School.
Mr. Stevenson is married and resides in
Buffalo with his wife; they have six grown children and 11
grandchildren.
Trevor Stevenson*
R. Trevor Stevenson is President of Eastman Machine Company, a family-owned and operated business since 1888. Born in Buffalo and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Mr. Stevenson is a 1998 B.A. graduate of the University of Vermont and 2011 M.B.A. graduate from the University of Buffalo. Upon graduation and prior to joining the Eastman team, he worked in Europe for an internet company as well as a manufacturing firm in Colorado. He currently works closely with all departments at Eastman and is major influencer on product design, sales, and tech service.
In addition to his career at Eastman, Mr. Stevenson previously served on the board of directors for United Way, Child and Family Services in Buffalo, NY and the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara.
Mr. Stevenson is married with twins (11), a daughter (20) and two dogs. He enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, hiking, traveling, and playing golf.
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*not affiliated with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.
Michael Palumbos is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Family Wealth & Legacy, LLC is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.
CRN-4761089-052522