John M. Garlow, CEO and founder of Ford Business Machines, was admired as a businessman but also known for his respect for others and service to the community. The Uniontown man died Feb. 5 at age 60.
“He was at his best whenever he was helping,’’ said Johnathan Garlow, his son and president of Ford Business Machines.
Garlow was born Dec. 3, 1957, in Elyria, Ohio, a son of the late Jay Marcus and Mary Louise (Ford) Garlow.
He served in the Navy from 1978 to 1983 where he was a weapons system fire control technician. Garlow earned the rank of third class petty officer and was honorably discharged. He attended Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
In 1991, Garlow founded Ford Business Machines Inc., starting the business in his home and moving to its present location on Laurel Drive in Connellsville in 2006. The company employed 72 people throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania in three locations: Connellsville, Hermitage and the latest office in Pittsburgh opening Jan. 26.
The company website notes Ford Business Machines is the area’s largest independent, full-line authorized dealer of Canon, Konica Minolta, and Lanier (Ricoh) products for copier, printer, and multi-function product (MFP) technology. Johnathan Garlow said the company started with copiers and printers, and over the years has grown to include information technology network support and management.
“We think of ourselves as an office technology company,’’ said Johnathan Garlow.
Garlow, who was engaged to Tammy Lynn Rockwell, had three children: Johnathan, Justin and Jordyn Garlow. His son Justin is director of sales for the company while his nephew Joshua Gerson is vice president of operations.
Garlow shared a strong work ethic with his family.
“You worked nonstop to get the job done,’’ said Johnathan Garlow, adding “He was good. He was the best. He was more than just a great leader here. He was a tremendous mentor — just an inspiration.’’
Garlow worked hard but valued his family.
Johnathan Garlow said, “As much as we worked, we were always going to events together, car rides, talking about what was going on. He was the best, hands down.’’
The website also explains the company philosophy: “Much of our success is because of our dedicated team of employees and loyal customer base, and because of several core beliefs. We believe in our slogan ‘Real People, Real Solutions’ and are proud to be locally owned and operated. We believe that all employees and clients should be treated the way we want to be treated: like family. And we believe in doing what is best for our clients, even going so far as to recommend others for services that we cannot provide for them.’’
“We always wanted to do the right thing,’’ said Johnathan Garlow.
Garlow carried that philosophy into service to the community.
He was a member of the Masons Lodge, the Royal Order of Jesters and the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, and served on many boards: Uniontown Area YMCA, Twin Trees Inc., The Challenge Program and Westmoreland-Fayette Council of the Boy Scouts. Garlow was a dedicated supporter of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown, where he was a member, and St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School.
Garlow had been a major supporter of Penn State Fayette, the Uniontown YMCA, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Family Links, Lifesteps, Jumonville, The Challenge Program and the American Heart Association.
“He’d give the shirt off his back. If people came in who were in need, it didn’t matter what it was. If people needed help, he did it,’’ said Johnathan Garlow.
Gerson noted, “He was always looking to take care of somebody, help somebody. The community was definitely important to him. The community helped him as far as his business — getting his start — and he enjoyed returning the favor and taking care of the community as well.’’
Tracy Richardson, who served as Garlow’s personal assistant for 10 years, said, “Without a doubt, he was the best man I’ve ever met in my life — the most kind, caring, giving, supportive — you couldn’t find a better person.’’
Richardson added, “He was very much the philanthropist. If he found out somebody was struggling or needed help, he would try to help.’’
The community appreciated his work, honoring Garlow numerous times, including the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America and Citizen of the Year 2012 from the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. He was also a finalist for the 2012 Governor’s Impact Award.
“He appreciated them but he wasn’t much for public recognition,’’ said Johnathan Garlow. “It wasn’t for the awards or accolades. It was because it was the right thing to do. If you have the ability and the skills, why not get involved?’’
The company will continue Garlow’s good works.
Johnathan Garlow said, “We will carry on his legacy. This is a vehicle to be able to do good and provide for the community. He instilled the right work ethic. He’d be proud of what he put in place for the future.’’