Early Life
Laurans A. Mendelson was born in New York City on July 7, 1938. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, laying the groundwork for his later interest in engineering, and then Columbia College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, followed by an MBA from Columbia Business School. After graduating, he began his career at Arthur Andersen & Company, where he worked for six years.
Rise to Success
In 1969, Mendelson and his family moved to Miami, Florida. He initially found success in the real estate industry. However, in the mid-1980s, his son, Victor Mendelson, identified an opportunity within HEICO Corporation. The Mendelson family became the largest shareholder, and in 1990, Laurans Mendelson became the Chairman, President, and CEO of HEICO. Under his leadership, HEICO transformed from a small aviation products company into a major international player with a market capitalization of approximately $39 billion and revenue nearing $4.5 billion as of September 2025. The company operates in 164 facilities across 15 countries and 29 states within the United States. A $100,000 investment in HEICO shares when the Mendelsons took over would be worth over $130 million. He served as Chairman and CEO until earlier in 2025, when he became Executive Chairman.
Key Business Strategies
Mendelson’s success was predicated on key business strategies, including a focus on long-term growth, cash flow, and niche markets. He prioritized building a solid industrial business with a focus on the bottom line and compounding earnings. His approach to acquisitions involved finding entrepreneurially-led, owner-run ventures with long-term outlooks in niche businesses. Moreover, Mendelson understood the significance of human capital, implementing initiatives like contributing a portion of company stock to the 401(k) plan.
Philanthropy
Laurans Mendelson and his family were known for their philanthropic activities. Through the Laurans A. and Arlene H. Mendelson Charitable Foundation, they supported a variety of causes, including the arts, education, and social services. The Mendelson family was recognized for their philanthropic work with the United Way Miami’s Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy. The family has supported organizations such as Columbia University, University of Miami, and the Frost Museum of Science.