Back in 2000, Arthur Frogel and his wife left South Florida to visit their daughter in Vermont. A planned two-week vacation turned into a 20-year relocation. At the age of 80, Frogel wanted a part-time job to keep his mind and body active. He applied at a Home Depot in New Hampshire and was hired to work in the paint department. Within a week of starting, Frogel was asked to work full time.
Fast-forward to 12 years later, Frogel and his wife decided it was time to move back to South Florida, and he transferred to the Home Depot store at the corner of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. five years ago.
He has been a valued, full-time employee in the paint department ever since. Recently, store associates helped Frogel celebrate his 97th birthday.
Asked what keeps him wanting to come to work, Frogel responded, “What am I going to do? Sit on the couch?… I enjoy having people around, and I like the associates and customers in the store.”
Frogel is a U.S. Army veteran, having enlisted at the age of 17 and serving in World War II. He was later an entrepreneur who owned multiple business, including a New York City taxi fleet, restaurants, five hotels and more.
Frogel still drives, makes his lunch for work and is a voracious reader, enjoying books by J.D. Robb, James Patterson and others. The father of five, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather to more than 20 is an inspiration to all.
Asked what insights he would like to share, Frogel said that he has been very happily married to his present wife for 45 years. He also felt that it was important to mention that he lost a son to a drug overdose at the age of 61. He advised all people who are struggling with addiction to seek help.
Meanwhile, if you are stopping by the Home Depot store in the Wellington/Royal Palm Beach area, visit the paint department and say hi to Arthur Frogel.
