Leading Through Change: David Herer’s Journey Building ABC-Amega Across Generations

By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo

May 6th

Some businesses are built. Others are inherited, tested, challenged, and ultimately transformed across generations.

On this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Maggie Shea sits down with David Herer, former CEO of ABC-Amega, to discuss the remarkable story behind one of Buffalo’s longstanding business-to-business collection and credit firms.

From international expansion and family dynamics to economic downturns and leadership transitions, David shares an honest look at what it takes to lead a company through decades of change.

A Business Rooted in Family History

The story of ABC-Amega begins during the Great Depression.

David’s grandfather moved his family to Buffalo after losing his job in New York City and began working at what was then called the American Bureau of Collections. Years later, David’s father took over the business after his own father passed away unexpectedly at a young age.

Eventually, the company was purchased and expanded into a growing international operation.

David originally planned to become a lawyer, following his education at George Washington University Law School. But while still in law school, his father began encouraging him to join the family business.

In 1982, he returned to Buffalo and stepped into the company that would define the next four decades of his career.

Growing ABC-Amega Beyond Borders

One of the most fascinating parts of David’s journey was helping transform ABC-Amega into an international business.

The company specialized in helping large organizations recover unpaid business debts, both domestically and internationally. As global trade expanded, so did the need for companies to navigate international collections, currencies, and financial systems.

David built relationships across Europe, Asia, and beyond, working directly with export credit agencies, banks, and manufacturers around the world.

Those efforts eventually helped ABC-Amega earn the prestigious President’s “E” Award for excellence in supporting American exports, presented by President George H.W. Bush.

For David, the work was never just about finance. It was about relationships, trust, and understanding how business operates across cultures.

The Challenges of Family Business Leadership

Working alongside family created both opportunity and tension.

David described his father as an incredibly driven entrepreneur who lived and breathed the business. Their relationship was built on love and mutual respect, but also strong personalities and very different leadership styles.

While his father relied heavily on instinct and direct involvement, David focused more on systems, strategy, and long-term planning.

Those differences created friction over the years, especially as David took on more responsibility within the organization.

At times, the challenges of balancing family and business became one of the hardest parts of leadership. But David also reflected on the tremendous amount he learned from working so closely with his father over the years.

Navigating Crisis and Reinvention

Like many long-standing companies, ABC-Amega faced major turning points.

David shared stories about competitive threats, internal betrayals, economic downturns, and the difficult reality of losing major clients almost overnight. At one point, the company lost nearly half of its business within a short period of time.

The organization was forced to make painful decisions, including downsizing and restructuring operations.

Instead of walking away, David leaned into rebuilding.

One of the biggest turning points came when he brought in stronger financial leadership and modernized the company’s systems and controls. Those changes ultimately positioned the business for long-term stability and future growth.

Knowing When It Was Time to Move On

After decades of leading the company, David eventually realized the next phase of growth would require a different type of ownership.

The industry was evolving rapidly, with increasing demands for technology investment, acquisitions, and scale. Rather than forcing himself into a role he no longer felt aligned with, he made the decision to sell the business in 2023.

For David, the decision was not about walking away from failure. It was about recognizing when leadership needs to evolve.

Looking back, he takes the most pride not just in the company’s growth, but in the people, relationships, and culture built along the way.

A Career Built on Resilience and Relationships

Throughout the conversation, one theme remained constant: resilience.

David’s journey was shaped by economic shifts, leadership battles, global expansion, and deeply personal family dynamics. Through it all, he stayed committed to learning, adapting, and leading with integrity.

His story is a reminder that successful businesses are rarely built in straight lines. They are built through persistence, relationships, and the willingness to evolve over time.