Melvin L. Schottenstein
June 5, 1932 - September 12, 1993
Melvin Schottenstein appreciated and certainly loved the short time he had on this earth. His legacy can be summed up in these words:
"This is a great place to live. And it gives a lot of encouragement to work and to make it even a better place to live for our children, and our children's children."
Mel spent much of his childhood living in the small West-Central Ohio town of Bellefontaine. He moved to Columbus in the mid-1950's where he married Lenore Green, and the two raised their four children, Holly, Eric, Amy, and Julie. Together, they dedicated their family to making Columbus a great and caring city.
"Business should enhance humanity. It should contribute to the community and be the kind of workplace that allows an employee the dignity and convictions of his own moral character."
Together with partners, Mel built the renowned law firm, Schottenstein, Zox & Dunn, LLP and M/I Schottenstein Homes, Inc., a publicly held home building company. He nurtured both companies to reflect the best community spirit that a corporation can offer.
"I believe your life cannot be fulfilled unless you do your part in the community. I don't believe you can succeed if the community around you is not also successful."
Mel's community leadership is legendary, spanning arts, education, religious organizations, and business associations. The motivation that was the foundation for his tireless leadership was the opportunity to help others.
"What do you say to someone seeking shelter when it's 25 degrees below zero... I'm sorry? Come back tomorrow? That's not acceptable."
Mel founded the Community Shelter Board in 1986. His stance to not accept any situation leaving a man, woman, or child without food or shelter motivated Columbus to provide for all citizens in need of assistance.
"Most of all, I believe in dreams, which means I believe in the future. I honestly believe that my dreams - as well as your dreams - can come true. I believe in risking to dream, to plan, to imagine, to make the personal commitment to myself for that future. I believe in working with all my heart, all my soul, and all my passion, showing enthusiasm and demanding enthusiasm of myself in order to achieve my dream. I challenge you to dream, to take risks, to work with all your heart and soul and passion."