Paul Goldenberg, founder of Paul’s TV and widely recognized by his famous slogan, “I am the king!” died of natural causes on Aug. 13 at his La Habra home.
Born April 22, 1928, the Los Angeles native grew up with a strong passion for film, which would play a formative role in the success of his TV and appliance store. After serving in the U.S. Army as a photographer, he borrowed $1,000 from a relative and opened a TV repair shop in Hollywood, which expanded into a pioneering big-screen TV retailer. To Goldenberg, who was known for his exceptional customer service standards, including a promise of four-hour delivery — maintaining a fleet of about 30 trucks to do so — the customer was always right.
Goldenberg was equally dedicated to serving his community as he was his customers. He served as director of the Secure Community Network, the security arm of the national Jewish community, and gave generously to nonprofits such as the City of Hope and the Los Angeles Jewish Home. The son of Russian and Polish Jewish immigrants even played Santa Claus on Skid Row for a few years, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“His business success enabled him to touch many lives as a philanthropist,” his family said in a statement. “Following his retirement, he put his all into philanthropy; he always said that he was prouder of his philanthropic work than of his business success.”
“The store has allowed me to fulfill some of my dreams to help people who are less fortunate than I,” Goldenberg told the Journal in 2003.
He is survived by his son, Douglas, and one granddaughter.
