Tim Bensen
My father, Jim Bensen, worked for Phil Balsam and Jerry Stein at Martin Mechanical starting in the late 1950s till the late1980s. Back then, it was very unusual for a union pipe fitter to work for one company for such a long period of time. My Dad had the highest regard for "Stein & Balsam," and my dad told me many, many times how good they were to him.I also worked for Martin Mechanical for a few summers while I was in college in the early 1970s. Phil and Jerry were very kind to hire a kid at journeyman's wages. The money I earned helped pay my college tuition.Phil Balsam was a righteous man who did right by Jim Bensen, and enabled Jim to raise 6 children–all of whom earned college degrees.I will remember Phil in my prayers and feel blessed that he was in our life.