Joel Katz never thought he’d take over the family business. But when his father Albert Katz (founder of Al’s Plumbing and Heating Company) got injured, Joel applied his business acumen to ensure the company continued to thrive. In this episode of Coming of Age:  Detroit, Joel shares memories about the civil disturbances in Detroit during the late 1960s, the experience of being an observant Jew in the midst of his military service in Vietnam, and loving his kids even when they annoy him.

The award-winning digital series Coming of Age features inspiring Jewish role models from the Motor City and others who have had a major impact in Detroit’s Jewish community. Coming of Age and Silver Screen Studios are projects of Reboot, a national Jewish arts and culture organization that works to reimagine and reinforce Jewish thought and traditions.