Through an interview conducted with Harold Harris at Levin Management, this TSA chapter has seen how a traditional and conservative company embraced the development of computer and communication technology as it grew. Since its founding in 1952, Levin Management has constructed, renovated, and managed nearly eighty commercial centers in more than five states along the east coast. The company both builds and provides services for owners of shopping centers. Over their fifty years of existence, they have swelled from a handful of employees to over fifty. They also completed two expansions on their office in North Plainfield, NJ.



Levin Management's company logo.




Levin Management's offices in North Plainfield, NJ.
Since he arrived in the mid-1980s, Mr. Harris has introduced a wealth of new technologies. When first started working at Levin Management, the company was working with word processing machines that were like electronic typewriters. For the rest of the decade, they grew with the personal computing revolution. In 1984, the company installed individual computers with their own printers. They followed with a mainframe and dummy terminals. Finally, in 1992, the company installed its first network. Currently, every employee has a networked computer.



Using computers connected to the company's network, employees can work more efficiently as a team.




Shirley Froshauer, Mr. Harris' secretary, manages his communications and contacts using a database program.
How does the technology help the company flourish? With the advent of their intranet and web server, communication has increased. Employees conduct nearly all of their communication with clients via e-mail. They also use their website to advertise their services to prospective buyers. In addition, the company has issued laptops to nearly half of its employees and cell phones to all of them. The laptops allow employees to work both at home and in the field.



Larry Anderson, head of construction, uses his laptop to view plans and blueprints when he is in his office or out in the field.
Mobile communication technologies are also integral for Levin Management. Employees need to work from the shopping centers in order to make decisions. Prior to the use of laptops and cellular phones, the company was constrained and could not expand. It was the consistent deployment of new technology that allowed the company to grow.

The technologies also affect consumers. With increased productivity comes increased profits and more desirable results. The company is free to reinvest its money in renovation and upkeep. Increased communication also creates better shopping centers that are tailored to the interests of a consumer. Consumers benefit from the company’s success. Within their communities, they can enjoy a nicer, more complete shopping experience.



Harold Harris in his office.
Photographs courtesy of Harold Harris.