Have you heard about the third generation owners of a family business? You know, the generation that wrecks it?

That’s not us. We’re the generation that continues to build on the phenomenal legacy created by our grandparents, Aaron and Frieda Skinder.

H O W   I T   B E G A N

Aaron Skinder and Frieda Pickman graduated law school in New York City in 1929. Instead of practicing law, they decided to create a firm that would provide products and services to the legal community.

They began a courier service in Newark, N.J., running papers between firms and courts. In 1939, they launched a directory of legal community members to facilitate the sending of documents. In addition to starting their firm, they married and started a family.

Their directory became quite popular and began to take on a "life" of its own. The two attorneys then purchased a statewide attorney directory and legal guide that was first published in 1888 and continues today as the New Jersey Lawyers Diary and Manual.

Over time, Aaron and Frieda, and their children, and their grandchildren created various other directories, and started and acquired various other businesses. Today, Skinder-Strauss is owned by Aaron and Frieda’s six grandchildren.