WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, June 23, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fabian Friedman has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

As the president, chief executive officer, and responsible managing officer of Metro Retrofitting Inc. since 1996, Mr. Friedman has established the company as a leader in property inspection and certification. Metro Retrofitting ensures properties in escrow meet government requirements regarding water conservation and safety ordinances, providing inspection services for homes, multi-family properties and commercial properties across Southern California. The company is a trusted and knowledgeable member of the real estate community and has garnered a stellar reputation since its inception in 1995, 30 years ago. Metro Retrofitting is an affiliate member of the California Association of Realtors.

Under Mr. Friedman's leadership, Metro Retrofitting has made significant contributions to environmental conservation efforts in Southern California. Notably, the City of Santa Monica selected the company to participate in the "Save The Bay" initiative, which involves replacing high-consumption toilets with high-efficiency models to protect the Santa Monica Bay and Los Angeles area oceanfront. As one of only five companies involved in this endeavor, Metro Retrofitting has helped save thousands of gallons of water annually.

Before his tenure at Metro Retrofitting Inc. Mr. Friedman apprenticed in various home building projects under his best friend Rick Friedman's tutelage (no relation). Rick is an excellent architect and custom home designer/builder. Rick was instrumental in teaching Fabian various construction skills and how to build houses the right way. This knowledge of construction along with a business background were a perfect background for starting Metro Retrofitting Inc. Rick and Fabian remain best friends to this day, they first met in elementary school 70 years ago!

Mr. Friedman was also a member of IATSE Local 44 Union as a set construction coordinator and prop maker for Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, California in the 1980's working on television shows and feature films such as Wonder Woman and The Poseidon Adventure, he was collaborating with three-time Academy Award-winning art director Terrance Marsh to build "Celebrity Homes." Mr. Marsh would create the plans for these homes, and Mr. Friedman's contracting business, F. Friedman Construction Company, would make these plans a reality.

Mr. Friedman consulted with owners, business managers, designers, architects and building departments to coordinate elaborate and unique special projects. Combining his business experience with his patience and creativity, he successfully completed dozens of projects, maintaining a keen eye for every detail. In June 1994, several of these homes appeared in Architectural Digest, Home & Design and Elle Décor, which credited Mr. Friedman for his contributions. He found this work exciting and rewarding and he is proud to have completed every project to expectations while building friendships with high-profile individuals along the way.

Mr. Friedman's early experience included roles as a founding partner and president of The Leather Tree Inc., which he established in 1970 in West Los Angeles at only 23 years old. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident as he successfully managed this venture for a decade. Initially, Mr. Friedman operated The Leather Tree out of his garage. However, under his leadership, the company expanded considerably, ultimately occupying a 50,000-square-foot factory with 170 employees. Moreover, by distributing its products worldwide, The Leather Tree generated $10 million in annual sales. The company allotted a percentage of its profits to serve those in need, developing programs supporting veterans, people with disabilities, and people recovering from substance abuse disorders.

Mr. Friedman and his partners employed innovative strategies to help The Leather Tree grow. For example, they purchased truckloads of their competitors' scrap leather from around the country and designed products that enabled them to use other companies' scrap at a fraction of the cost. Mr. Friedman also applied for a patent for a machine he designed and used in The Leather Tree facility. The machine simultaneously embossed leather while adding multiple colors to the product.

The Leather Tree was a participant in Expo '74, the 1972 World's Fair in Spokane, Washington and boasted clients such as professional sports teams, the companies behind Snoopy and Bugs Bunny, Playboy, the Atlantic Richfield Company and Wells Fargo Bank. Each Wells Fargo bank branch nationwide had a Leather Tree-manufactured mahogany wood display cabinet, which showcased Leather Tree wallets, checkbook covers, watch bands, keychains and belts, each embossed with the Wells Fargo logo. The Wells Fargo belt buckles were especially prized commodities. These were sand cast on The Leather Tree premises and sequentially numbered so they could be registered with the bank as authorized Wells Fargo belt buckles. To this day, they are sold online as collectibles.

Before entering the business world, Mr. Friedman served in the U.S. Army, working as a hospital orderly at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss from 1967 until his honorable discharge in 1968. While in the Army he developed discipline and leadership skills that have been instrumental throughout his life.

Mr. Friedman's commitment to business excellence is further exemplified by his association and licensure with several organizations. In 2002, he was licensed by The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power as a water conservation retrofitter. In 1996, he became an independent affiliate member of the California Association of Realtors. In 1987, he became a state-licensed contractor, joining the California Contractors Licensing Board with B, C-36, and D-52 classifications. In 1980, he became a member of the Local 44 Prop Makers Union.

Mr. Friedman's most notable achievement is his dedication to helping people, whether through his 170-employee company or by supporting veterans and individuals with disabilities. Throughout his 50-year career, he has consistently taken care of his employees. During the pandemic, his company received a PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loan, which he used to give his employees a $5 an-hour raise. Mr. Friedman is proud that he was able to support his employees and keep his company afloat during this challenging period.

Reflecting on his extensive career, Mr. Friedman attributes much of his success to his creativity, steadfast honesty and commitment to treating others with respect—principles that have fostered strong relationships throughout his professional life. His dedication extends beyond business; he is actively involved in civic-minded initiatives, including protecting the health of the Santa Monica Bay and the ocean through company support and contributions. He also contributes to local food banks and supports various veterans groups.

Outside his professional endeavors, Mr. Friedman enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his family, which has provided balance to his industrious career. Looking ahead, he and his wife and business partner, Merideth Hasson, plan to pass Metro Retrofitting on to their son, Justin Friedman. Justin graduated from Boston University in 2014 with a degree in environmental science and recently earned his California State electrical contractor license. He has had an active role in Metro Retrofitting since 2017 and is now vice president, operations manager and a shareholder in the company.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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