Marvin Goodman, Apparel Ventures Founder, 76
Marvin Goodman—the founder, chief executive and chairman of swimwear maker Apparel Ventures—died Nov. 30 at the age of 76 after a battle with lymphoma. Goodman, who founded Apparel Ventures in 1976, grew the Los Angeles–based company to annual sales reaching $80 million. The company produces swimwear for brands such as Trina Turk, 2 Bamboo, La Blanca by Rod Beattie, ABS by Allen Schwartz and Local Motion.
Bill Singletary, Apparel Venture’s chief financial and operations officer, has been appointed the company’s interim chief executive. “He was a pioneer in the expansion of the swimwear industry and, without a doubt, the industry’s most pre-eminent executive,” Singletary said.
Susan Crank, president and chief executive of the Lunada Bay swimwear company, said Goodman’s legacy will endure. “Marvin was truly an icon in the swimwear industry, and I have so much respect for his legacy. He will truly be missed,” she said.
Howie Greller, who in 2004 sold his company, Waterfront Design Group, to Apparel Ventures, called Goodman the “godfather” of the swimwear industry. “I’ve known Marvin for more than 30 years,” Greller said. From the late ’70s until 1980 Greller was president of Apparel Venture’s La Blanca division. “Marvin is a legend. He was someone who was highly educated and had many years of experience. He had a tremendous impact on the history of the business and on the lives of individuals.”
Goodman is survived by his wife, Melinda Goodman, and his children, Gregory Goodman, Dean Goodman, Brandon Schiffman, Rebecca Goodman and Jessica Goodman. Services will be private, but donations can be made in Goodman’s name for lymphoma research at www.lymphoma.org.—Erin Barajas
