Jerry Smolar, 72, of Beverly Hills, Calif., died Sept. 13, 2022. Smolar was known for establishing The Chameleon Chair® Collection.
He was hired by Arthur Andersen & Co. right after graduating from college. Smolar went on to hold executive positions at Safeco Insurance, PIP Printing, Image Entertainment and United Title Insurance Co.
In 2005, Smolar established The Chameleon Chair Collection, a special event design and manufacturing firm with the patented chairs that were considered to be one of the most significant new products in the event design industry. Chameleon’s initial foray into the chair business was to provide 1,500 chairs for the 2005 Academy Awards® Governors Ball. Since then, Chameleon Chair went on to become one of the industry’s most recognized seating options for weddings and corporate events.
Early in the company’s development, it received multiple patents and trademarks acknowledging its designs and protecting its structure and delivery system. The company operates out of its headquarters, showroom, sales office and warehouse in Los Angeles and has rental partners throughout the country.
Smolar is survived by his wife, Barbara Starler; son, Ryan; and grandson, Greyson.