JAN RUTKIN, PRESIDENT Jan was born in Los Angeles into an apparel manufacturing family. Her maternal grandfather was a tailor from Eastern Europe who manufactured ladies coats and suits in LA beginning in the 1920's. Her paternal grandfather was also a tailor and her paternal grandmother owned an alterations shop in Chicago.
Jan graduated with a BA from UC Berkeley and then completed her MA at UCLA. After graduate school, she worked for the Pritikin Center as an exercise physiologist. She then moved on to Glendale Adventist Medical Center where she ran a health program for business and industry. On July 4th, 1982, while vacuuming, Jan had an epiphany that it would be more fun and more rewarding to run her own business aka Todd Rutkin, Inc. She and Todd struck a deal and "the rest is history."
Outside of work, Jan enjoys her family and the great outdoors. She is an avid hiker, a lover of yoga and an architecture and real estate enthusiast.
ABE GARCIA, VICE PRESIDENT Abe was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. His father had a metal welding business and Abe and his brothers were encouraged to learn the trade. However, when he was 15, he got the itch to come to California to make his own way. Abe arrived in Los Angeles in 1971 and got a job at the sewing factory where his sister worked. He learned how to use all the machines including single needle, double needle, overlock, zigzag, buttonhole ….
After several years, the owner recognized Abe's ability to manage and put him in charge of the factory. He was 21 years old running a factory with 110 operators. Todd Rutkin saw Abe in action and liked what he saw. When the sewing factory closed, Todd hired Abe to come to Todd Rutkin, Inc. to help run the cutting business. Jan and Abe have a running debate about who came to Todd Rutkin, Inc. first. But the truth is that they started together in October, 1982 and have worked side by side ever since.
When not at the factory Abe dedicates his time to his family. He enjoys sports and loves to travel.
