| While working three jobs, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the Carnegie Institute (today known as Carnegie Mellon University). The rigorous engineering program required him to take a foreign language course, but A.Z. (who spoke five languages) received an exemption by proclaiming, “English is my foreign language!”
His hard work ethic and unwavering commitment to quality fit perfectly into the American way, and at the age of 29, A.Z. built the iconic Water Board Building in downtown Detroit. Serving in a leadership role from early on, he eventually purchased the company and renamed it A. Z. Shmina & Sons Co., when Arthur and Robert Shmina partnered with their father.
A.Z. Shmina was an amazing individual and we’re proud that his grit and determination serve as the cornerstone of our company today. |
