Updated 9/6/24 – See Quote from former Tweeter executive
Sandy Bloomberg, founder of Tweeter, Etc. and a truly significant consumer electronics industry personality, died this week on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
One of the most prominent executives in modern audio retailing, Samuel Bloomberg, known by most as Sandy, founded a local store called Tweeter, Etc. with his cousin Michael in 1972. Eventually, Tweeter, Etc. would grow to 180 stores strong as one of the first multi-regional specialty A/V chains. According to his obituary on Boston.com, Sandy graduated high school in 1969 and quickly realized that college was not his thing. That realization marked the beginning of a company that would go on to become legendary in the many executives who started there and went on to make their own mark with significant roles all around the industry.
Learn more on the passing of Sandy Bloomberg and his legacy
Sandy Bloomberg passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years, Carolina; his daughter, Mikeala; his son, Josh (Julie); and four grandchildren, Sid, Momo, Kal, and Sunny.
Sandy grew up in Brookline, MA with his brother Jeff, parents Harvey and Harriet, and his grandmother Clara. He graduated from Brookline High High School in 1969 where, as I mentioned above, the stage was set for the launch of a remarkable career as one of the industry’s most significant audio retailers.
He is said to have taken great joy in pleasing his customers, marketing uniquely, and creating opportunities for his cherished employees. Little did Sandy know it at the time, but by founding his first Tweeter store in 1972, he was about to become a part of a growing and eventually massive wave of enthusiasm for audio in the U.S.
The core management team founding Tweeter, Etc. were young, smart, and aggressive. They were also creative and – compared to many Mom and Pop independent audio retailers in the day – the team at Tweeter recognized the role that marketing played in building awareness and driving growth. What ensued was years of rapid growth as the company became one of the first of several large multi-regional AV retailers in the U.S. who really helped to establish audio and then audio/video as a mainstay in American homes.
In recognition of Sandy Bloomberg’s significant impact on the Consumer Electronics industry, the Consumer Technology Association inducted him into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Sandy is remembered by many as having a big heart. His formal obituary notes that he and his wife gave generously to countless charitable causes, including Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly (now known as 2Life Communities), the Boys and Girls Club, the Brookline Public Library, and Beaver Country Day School. He is described as gregarious, charming, and witty – and left a mark on any community of which he was involved.
In his later years, Sandy loved playing golf, enjoying time with his grandchildren, eating foods specifically prohibited by his doctor, rooting for Boston sports teams, and discount shopping. Sandy will be deeply missed by his family and his extensive network of friends.
So many memories, I could go on and on. I learned so much from him (in some most unorthodox ways) that served me very well throughout my professional life, in particular whenever I’ve needed to negotiate something or craft an unusual deal. He had a genius ability to read the marketplace and give customers a shopping experience they could really enjoy.
He built an amazing company with his uncanny ability to pick the right people and invest in training and marketing in ways that others in the industry never did. His legacy lives on in all those who worked at Tweeter and went on to achieve untold success in various positions all across the industry.
I will remember him always – and may he rest in peace.”
Deborah Smith, Deborah Smith Group and former Tweeter executive
Services were held this morning at Temple Emanuel. Shiva will be held at the home of Josh and Julie Bloomberg today until 5 p.m. and on Sunday, September 8, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, charitable gifts may be made to 2Life Communities, 30 Wallingford Road, Brighton, MA 02135, or online at 2LifeCommunities.org.
Much of this post was drawn from the obituary published at boston.com.
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