As we mourn the loss of “el inge Kalisch”, we also celebrate the profound legacy he left behind—a legacy built on grit, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
Role model of kindhearted leadership
Samuel Gustavo Kalisch Valdez, our founder, was a remarkable figure in Chihuahuan philanthropy and business. He was born on May 23 in Chihuahua, Mexico, to parents of Polish descent, Margarita Valdez and José Gustavo Kalisch. Samuel Kalisch was married to Imelda Seyffert, and they had four children: Imelda, Samuel, Ricardo, and Jessica.
Kalisch graduated as an Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in Animal Science from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) in 1965. His career in education began when he served as the director and professor at the Faculty of Animal Science at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua from 1970 to 1972.
In addition to his academic contributions, Kalisch held significant leadership roles in various organizations. He served as the President of the Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo de Chihuahua (Canaco) in 1976 and 1977. His commitment to philanthropy is exemplified by his presidency of the Consejo Directivo del Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía (Cemefi) from 2004 to 2006, where he focused on enhancing the institution's national presence and promoting citizen participation and philanthropy in Mexico.
Kalisch's most significant contribution to philanthropy is his role in the creation and leadership of the Fundación del Empresariado Chihuahuense (FECHAC). He served as the President of FECHAC from 1995 to May 2002. Under his direction, FECHAC won the prestigious Premio Eugenio Garza Sada in 1999. In 1997, the Cemefi recognized Kalisch's efforts by awarding him the Reconocimiento al Compromiso con los Demás for designing and promoting the creation of the Fondo Social del Empresariado Chihuahuense, which later became the Fundación del Empresariado Chihuahuense, a vehicle that has allowed the voluntary and constant participation of 26,000 entrepreneurs in the State of Chihuahua with contributions for social development.
The real man of steel
Kalisch Acero was founded in 1979 in Chihuahua, Mexico, by Samuel G. Kalisch Valdez. The company initially focused on the commercialization of steel and gradually expanded its offerings to include a wide range of tools and hardware, as well as structural steel fabrication services, today known as Faber by Kalisch.
The initial branch can be found close to Chuvíscar in Chihuahua City, which is where the headquarters of Faber by Kalisch are currently located. "El Inge" visited these offices nearly every day during his lifetime. The company began with the sale of black sheet metal, which marked the beginning of its operations in the steel industry.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations across Mexico, establishing branches in several states, including Sonora, Sinaloa, Durango, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas. In 2009, the company ventured into the United States by opening Kalisch Steel in El Paso, Texas.
Today, all Faber by Kalisch collaborators remember his legacy by following his example of making daily efforts to improve our services, enduring challenges caused by tough times, and paying attention to every detail to become more precise. Our values are deeply influenced by the life Samuel Kalisch lived.
Endure in his vision
Samuel Gustavo Kalisch Valdez's life was a testament to the power of vision, entrepreneurship, and kindness.
As we sadly say farewell to this remarkable man, we are left with a profound sense of gratitude for the permanent mark he has left on our community. Samuel Kalisch Valdez's life is an example of what can be achieved when vision, hard work, and a genuine desire to make a difference come together. His legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for excellence, embrace the spirit of service, and always remember the importance of giving back. His name will forever be etched in the hearts of those whose lives you touched and the community you helped shape.
Rest in peace, Samuel G. Kalisch Valdez.
