Self-Made Man Gives Something Back

Eighty-six-year-old self-made millionaire Harry Krupnick said he discovered the key to success and happiness in the free-thinking, self-exploratory movements of the 1960s.

“I learned that you’ve got to peel away the armor and show your true self to people even if it means revealing things you don’t want to reveal,” he said. “When you get to the core of your being you find a whole new world opens up to you. It’s possible for people to grow through self-knowledge at any age.”

Since making this discovery, Krupnick said he has dreamed of helping seniors lead meaningful, productive lives instead of “stagnating in front of the TV.”

Krupnick realized his dream this week with the opening of the Belle and Harry Krupnick Adult Day Care and Mental Health Center at the Jewish Family Service center in North Hollywood. Founded with a $500,000 donation from Krupnick as a memorial to his wife, who died in January, the center will provide counseling, support groups and seminars for seniors throughout the Valley.

“I wanted to build something in her memory in the Valley because this is where we prospered,” he said. “And giving guidance to elderly people is an idea we shared together 25 years ago.”

Krupnick and his wife moved from Massachusetts to the Valley in 1952 and, after briefly pursuing Krupnick’s family business in the fashion merchandising industry, they decided instead to establish a real estate firm. In a few years, Krupnick had earned enough to build four apartment buildings in Sherman Oaks.

While Krupnick said his good business sense is instinctive, he stressed that he did not achieve success until he explored his aptitudes and interests and determined that his real niche was in sales.

“Life is like the real estate business,” he said.

“If you want something, you have to have knowledge, ability and desire, but the most important thing is desire. A person needs to have the desire to learn who he is.”

A series of workshops designed to help elderly people deal with loneliness, physical illness and loss has been scheduled at the center. For more information, call the Jewish Family Service Center at (323) 761-8800.