United States. George Feldenkreis, renowned founder of Carfel (now known as GFX) and a key figure in the auto parts and fashion industry, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the age of 89.
Feldenkreis was a visionary entrepreneur who left a significant mark on the automatic transmission industry and also played a prominent role in the fashion world, founding companies that established themselves as global leaders.
A Legacy of Innovation in the Automotive Industry
George Feldenkreis, who came to the United States from Cuba in 1961, founded Carfel in the 1960s, a company that revolutionized the automatic transmission market. He was a visionary who identified the potential of this emerging technology, making Carfel the first company in the industry to offer quality automatic transmission parts. His innovative approach and tireless dedication to excellence set the course for the company, which would later change its name to GFX, consolidating itself as one of the main players in the sector.
The impact of Feldenkreis was not limited only to the field of auto parts. In 1967, he founded Supreme International, a firm that years later would acquire Perry Ellis International. Under his leadership, both companies established themselves as global leaders in the fashion industry, contributing significantly to the design and expansion of globally recognized brands.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Feldenkreis was a man deeply committed to his family and community. For more than two decades, he served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Miami and was an active member of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation for more than 40 years. His generosity was reflected in numerous philanthropic initiatives, notable for his consistent support of charities.