Beryl J. Wolk, 85, ad innovator

Beryl J. Wolk, 85, of Jenkintown, an advertising executive who helped introduce newspaper inserts, cart kiosks, and the 30-minute TV infomercial, died Sunday, Aug. 24, at Holy Redeemer Hospital of complications from a fall.

A graduate of Central High School and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, Mr. Wolk jumped into his family's business, now the Goodway Group, in 1953.

He came early to the conclusion that targeted media was the way to gain the widest audience for clients. When the Internet arose, he embraced it, creating the online Internet Marketing Consortium with 1,100 collaborators.

Mr. Wolk was among the first to use newspaper inserts in a magazine format for targeted distribution. His national clients included Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, McDonald's, Burger King, and many others.

A cofounder of the Cable Advertising Bureau, Mr. Wolk was active in marketing the cable industry. He helped launch Discovery Channel, QVC, BET, and HSN. He was cofounder and co-owner of a magazine focusing on cable TV, the Cable Guide, which eventually merged with TV Guide.

In 1977, he debuted the 30-minute infomercial, and founded the first company to produce the TV programs.

Mr. Wolk also was a cofounder of CartCade, a firm that sells products and services - and does recruitment - from kiosks parked in malls and at train stations.

Goodway was founded by Mr. Wolk's father, Milton, in 1929. It is still in business in Jenkintown and elsewhere.

During his later years, Mr. Wolk created Better World, which enabled inner-city and global entrepreneurs to pursue their business dreams. He also maintained joint ventures with entrepreneurs in 21 countries.

Mr. Wolk was a longtime trustee of Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park. He conducted a daily radio show for entrepreneurs that was broadcast nationally. He enjoyed fishing and summers in Margate, N.J.

"He had a contagious laugh and generosity of spirit that made everything he touched better," his family said in a tribute.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Janet Salkowe Wolk; a son, David; daughters Linda Heller and Sandy; a brother; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Contributions may be made to Cook for a Friend, c/o Beth Sholom Congregation, 8231 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, Pa. 19027.