Aron M. Aronov was a man of vision who through hard work, realistic evaluation of circumstances, and service to his fellow man, made the American Dream come true. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on December 22, 1919, he was one of five children of Jake and Norah (Varlow) Aronov. His father had immigrated to the United States in 1912 from what is now Kiev in Ukraine.
After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in 1937, he completed two years as a student in business at The University of Alabama before being forced to leave because of illness in 1939.
In 1942, after his father died, Aaron Aronov took charge of his father’s wholesale auto parts and tire business while his brothers were in the armed forces during World War II. (Medical reasons disqualified him from service.) He maintained the business to support the family. Because he did not really like the auto tire and parts business, he ventured into real estate as a sideline, as his father had done in a modest way.
Aaron Aronov’s astute business sense (inherited from his father, according to reports from those who knew them both) brought him success in his early endeavors in real estate sales and development. Thus in 1952, he left the family business and opened a realty office. Under Aaron Aronov’s leadership, this one-man operation would become Aronov Realty Company, Inc. – one of the largest and most diversified real estate firms in the South. He built a record of achievement by blending the visions and techniques of the future with the wisdom gained from yesterday.
In 1954, Aronov Realty made its debut in the shopping center field with Normandale (in Montgomery) – the first planned regional shopping center in Alabama. The company’s portfolio today includes over 15 million square feet of shopping center space – placing the company in the top 25 managers of retail property in the nation. The company has also become the fifth fastest-growing shopping center developer in the U.S
Aronov Realty Company, Inc. is now active in 15 states with not only a variety of shopping centers but also apartment complexes, resort condominiums, motels, office buildings, and warehouses. Through its subsidiary, Aronov Insurance, Inc., the company also provides a sensible approach to risk management to hundreds of firms by carefully analyzing their exposure to loss and thereby developing the best possible insurance programs.
Aaron Aronov rose to prominence as an innovative business leader while serving as President of Aronov Realty Co., Inc. from 1952. to 1984 and as Chairman of the Board from 1984 until his death in 1991.
He also became known as a man who gave generously of his time, efforts, and tangible resources in support of the well-being of the people of Alabama.
This pioneer in the development of shopping centers was, for example, one of the founding members (and later president) of the International Council on Shopping Centers, an educational and trade organization with over 25,000 members in the United States and foreign countries.
In his hometown, he was involved in “everything that was good for the community.” He was a founding member of the Industrial Development Board and a charter member of the Montgomery Area Committee of 100. He also served as chairman of the Montgomery Water and Sewer Board and as a member of the board of the YMCA. He was president of the Junior
Chamber of Commerce and the Montgomery Chapter of the National Foundation of Infantile Paralysis.
He was a member of The Board of Directors of Central Bank of the South and of St. Jude Catholic Hospital. He was also a member of the State of Alabama Industrial Revenue Bond Council and the State of Alabama Commission on Higher Education Council of Twenty-one. He was also one of five trustees of the state’s $450 million Heritage Trust Fund. Initially appointed by Governor Fob James, he was reappointed by both Governor George Wallace and Governor Guy Hunt. He served as president of the Jewish Federation of Montgomery and of Agudath Israel Synagogue and was a trustee of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
Aaron Aronov was also an enthusiastic supporter of The University of Alabama because, according to reports, he believed that the University could be the fountainhead for new industry and a better life for the people of Alabama. He gave generously of his time and energy as a member of the President’s Cabinet as well as the Board of Visitors of the College of Commerce and Business Administration.
He also served for seven years (1983-1990) as a member of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System. During his tenure on the Board, he played a key role in the growth of the U.A. System through service on the finance, investment, and audit committees. Aaron Aronov was also instrumental in raising over $1 million to fund a Chair of Judaic Studies at the University – later named in his honor. He also established an endowed scholar ship fund which assists deserving full-time students.
It has been said that all these endeavors stemmed from Aaron Aronov’s twin heritage – his dedication to his native Alabama and to his Judaic faith.
For his many-faceted contributions, Aaron Aronov received well-deserved recognition during his lifetime.
In 1982, he was named to the First Hall of Fame of the Montgomery Board of Realtors; he was the recipient of the Julia Tutwiler Distinguished Service Award at The University of Alabama and of the First Annual Marketers Award bestowed by the Sales and Marketing Executives International Club of Montgomery. He was also the recipient of the Brotherhood Medallion awarded by the National Conference of Christians and Jews in recognition of contributions to the improvement and general welfare of inter-group relations.
In 1988, Aaron Aronov was elected to the Alabama Academy of Honor for accomplishments and services greatly benefiting and reflecting great credit on the state. And, at Commencement Exercises in May 1991, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by his alma mater – The University of Alabama – which he had served so well.
On December 12, 1991, ten days before he would have had his 72nd birthday, Aaron Aronov died at home of heart failure after an extended illness.
To paraphrase the words of Leon Weinberger, editor of the Judaic series at The University of Alabama, Aaron Aronov was a genius and to Alabama’s lasting benefit, he shared his gift.
Aaron Aronov is survived by his wife, Marjorie; two sons, Jake, and Owen; and daughter, Teri Aronov Grusin.
Jake Aronov, as president of Aronov Realty, Inc., and Owen, as Executive Vice-President, are continuing to lead the company in the tradition of excellence set by their father.
