Steven Odzer Opens Up About the Event That Changed His Life Forever
HENDERSON, NV / ACCESSWIRE / May 1, 2020 / Although it has been 25 years since the tragic event that marked the life of Steven Odzer and his family, he remembers the worry and sorrow as if it were yesterday. Steven Odzer has always been close to his family — he has seven children and nine grandchildren. While he cherishes every moment with his immediate family, he is also extremely close to his extended family. “I have a lot of family in Israel who I’m close to,” Steven Odzer says.
Steven Odzer opened up about what happened 25 years ago that changed his family forever. On October 14, 1994, Steven’s Cousin, Nachston Wachsman, died in the hands of Hamas militants after being kidnapped.
As a dual citizen of Israel in the United States, Nachson Wachsman grew up in Jerusalem with his seven brothers. At the age of 19, while has was on leave, the military instructed him to attend a one-day training in northern Israel. Nachshon Wachsman followed the instructions and left on Saturday night for his training. His family would expect him back on Sunday night, October 9, 1994.
After he completed the training, Nachson began his journey back to Jerusalem were his family expected him. As a standard practice by many Israeli Soldiers, Nachshon Wachsman attempted to either hitchhike or catch a bus at the Bnai Atarot junction. Nachshon Wachsman got a ride and boarded a vehicle with four men, the men overpowered him and drove off to the Palestinian town of Bir Nabala. Bir Nabala is only six miles northwest of Jerusalem.
Although his cousin lived far away in Israel, Steven Odzer and Nachshon visited each other for ten years. “We were buddies,” said Steven Odzer. Since they were so close, his kidnapping and death was a shock. On the day he received the tragic news that marked him forever, Steven Odzer had made a stop in Borough Park, Brooklyn, to ask a rabbi for a blessing for his cousin Nachshon.
“We had asked Hashem for Nachshon’s safe release from his captors,” Steven said. Unfortunately, the rescue mission didn’t go as planned. The Hamas, who had captured Nachshon, demanded 200 Arab prisoners were released to make the exchange. Two days after the kidnapping, the Hammas militants responsible for the kidnapping released a video. In the video, the militants identified the kidnapped man as Nachshon Wachsman by reading out loud his identity number and his home address.
The Israeli military was able to capture the driver of the car that kidnapped Nachshon Wachsman and question him about his location. When the military learned the exact location, they orchestrated a rescue mission. The rescue mission failed due to faulty explosives and other technical difficulties, and they lost the element of surprise. Wachsman was behind a solid steel door, which the explosives couldn’t open. The failed explosion resulted in a heavy open fire. When they finally made it to the chamber, they discover Nachshon Wachsman had been shot by his kidnappers.
The void Nachshon left in all of their lives will never be able to get filled. To honor his departed cousin, Steven Odzer named his son Nachshon. Many other children also were named Nachshon and a Hebrew middle name. “In Israel, you can’t just name a son Nachshon Wachsman. It’s too painful,” says Steven Odzer. Aside from children honoring Nachshon by naming their children after him, the family took other steps. They called an educational center in Jerusalem for children with special needs after Nachshon.
Steven Odzer’s Success as a Member of the Economic Club of New York
As a member of the Economic Club of New York, businessman Steven Odzer has had the opportunity to attend many important events. “I recently joined the Economic Club, where I have been able to meet some of the most successful business leaders in the world,” Steven Odzer says. On November 12, 2019, he attended the event at the Economic Club on November 12, 2019, where President Donald Trump gave a speech.
Modeled after the Economic Clubs of the Boston Area, the Economic Club of New York has been around since 1907. Ever since its founding, the Economic Club has been a place where their members can go when they want to engage in constructive debates and thoughtful discussions with regards to issues of the era. For example, in the 1910s, members of the club debated topics such as the women’s suffrage movement and U.S. income tax.
The decision to join the Economic Club was influenced by a piece of advice Steven Odzer’s father gave him when he was a young man. “My father taught me to surround myself with important people,” says Steven. He never forgot the words of his father. In fact, two of his current business partners are billionaires, and he makes business connections everywhere he goes.
Steven Oder gets his inspiration from the business connections he makes along the way. “I’m a strong supporter of the Republican Party and the RJC, so it was an honor to attend the event, says Steven Odzer. He has been quite open in the past about his involvement with the Republican Jewish Coalition, a trait he inherited from his father. Steven’s father, Seymour Odzer, received a lifetime achievement award for his work in the Jewish community. An award, which Steven Odzer happily accepted on his father’s behalf at the Ahavas Torah Center’s celebration of 8 Years of Torah and Community Growth Gala.
Thanks to his, “nothing is impossible” mentality, Steven Odzer has enjoyed a successful career of 30 years in the distribution industry. He is the CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV. In his role as CEO of YBT Industries, Odzer helped orchestrate a deal between the Vegas Golden Knights and BT Supplies, in which BT supplies will become the official supply partner. Also, the terms of the agreement will change the name of the Vegas Golden Knights Community Arena in Henderson, Nevada, to its new official name, “Lifeguard Arena in Henderson.” Before starting YBT Industries, Steven Order led Paper Pro Inc. and GlobalSupplyNet.com.
When he’s not involved in hockey or the distribution industry, Steven Odzer likes to help worthy causes. He is a big supporter of Jewish and non-Jewish causes, the Arab-Jewish business cooperation, and agencies that help people with disabilities.
Steven Odzer Accepted Award on Behalf of His Late Father, Yehoshua Ben Tzvi Hakohain Odzer
With over 30 years of experience in the distribution industry, Steven Odzer has made a name for himself in the field. Long gone are the days when Steven Odzer operated his first business out of his parent’s basement selling napkins, paper cups, and plates door to door in his neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn. He has been successful on his own, leading his many companies such as Paper Pro Inc., GlobalSupplyNet.com, and YBT Industries of Henderson, NV. Steven Odzer credits his success to his late father, Yehoshua Ben Tzvi Hakohain Seymour Odzer. Steven Odzer’s father taught him the value of hard work.
On December 15, 2019, at the Ahavas Torah Center’s celebration of 8 Years of Torah and Community Growth Gala, they presented Seymour Odzer with a lifetime achievement award for his work in the Jewish community. Although the family would have liked for Seymour Odzer to have accepted this award in person, Steven Odzer was honored to accept on behalf of his late father.
“I am honored to be able to accept this award for my father’s work,” Steven Odzer said proudly when he accepted the award. “I feel that this community represents the finest that people can achieve through hard work and dedication, and I’m proud to be a supporter of this great cause.” The entire Odzer family was very proud of the lifetime achievement award presented to Seymour.
The Ahavas Torah Center’s Jewish learning and community outreach programs do great things for the community. Since he has been spending more time in Henderson, NV, with his new business venture, Steven Odzer hopes to continue the great work of the Ahavas Torah Center in Nevada.
Those interested in supporting the Ahavas Torah Center can visit www.atcdinner.com to learn more and make a donation. These contributions are tax-free, and there are also opportunities to place an ad in the Ahavas Torah Center’s journal.
While he’s not busy growing his distribution business, support causes such as both Jewish and non-Jewish causes, the AHRC, and Bris Avrohom, a large non-profit that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia integrate into life in the U.S.
Steven Odzer also enjoys spending his free time with his seven children and eight grandchildren. When he’s not chasing after his grandchildren, he’s cheering on the New York Yankees or the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Steven Odzer Makes a Deal Between the Vegas Golden Knights and BT Supplies Happen
For many years, Steven Odzer has been a big fan of baseball. However, he also discovered his passion for hockey. Steven Odzer often travels between Nevada and New York to cheer on the Vegas Golden Knights. After all, he has a business to run in Nevada. Steven Odzer is the CEO of YBT Industries in Henderson, NV.
Aside from cheering on the Vegas Golden Knights, Steven Odzer also helped orchestrate a deal with BT Supplies. “As the official supply partner for the Vegas Golden Knights, Lifeguard will name the team’s outstanding new facility the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson,” Steven Odzer said. On November 19, 2019, the Chairman and CEO of the Vegas Golden Knights, Billy Foley, announced the long-term agreement between the Knights and BT Supplies West, Inc.
CEO Bill Foley said in a statement, “The Vegas Golden Knights and BT Supplies both share the same foundational principles of commitment to our community and dedication to growing the great game of hockey.” BT and the Vegas Golden Knights are excited for what the arena will do for the community. “The purpose of the new arena will be to provide locals and hockey fans of all ages and skill levels with a world-class location to learn, play and experience the sport,” said Foley.
According to the agreement, the new official name of the Vegas Golden Knights Community Arena in Henderson, Nevada, will change to “Lifeguard Arena in Henderson.”
The name Lifeguard Arena has its roots due to another partnership that previously formed. BT is also affiliated with L&M Foodservice Inc., and together they’re the leader suppliers of disposable and reusable paper goods and janitorial supplies and equipment in the area. Due to this affiliation, L&M and BT Supplies became a new entity called Lifeguard Industrial and Home Supplies.
Both companies decided to coordinate the rebranding with the grand opening of the new Vegas Golden Knights Arena. Per the new terms, BT Supplies will become the exclusive supplier of the Vegas Golden Knights and other affiliated businesses.
Aside from cheering on the Vegas Golden Knights, Steven Odzer is also a prominent New York Yankees fan. During baseball season, you can catch him at a Yankees game with one of his seven children or nine grandchildren. Steven Odzer is also a big supporter of worthy causes. Some of the causes he supports include agencies that help people with disabilities and many Jewish and non-Jewish causes.
Talking Business with Steven Odzer
Steven Odzer grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He went to Yeshiva of Flatbush High School and took the Brooklyn College Scholars Program. At the age of 18, Odzer went into the paper goods business and started his first company out of his parents’ basement. In 2000, Odzer was named the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in distribution. He sold his first company to his largest competitor, Burke Supplies, in 2006.
Odzer is heavily involved with the Republic Jewish coalition, as well as various agencies that help people with disabilities. He is a major contributor to the foundations, and he supports the work of enterprises that help and employ people with disabilities.
Steven Odzer is currently the CEO and founder of YBT Industries of Henderson, Nevada.
- What do you currently do at BT Supplies West?
I am a visionary. I dictate direction. I’m like a team leader while also being a cheerleader. I maintain relationships with large accounts.
- What was the inspiration behind starting your own business?
Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to build a meaningful enterprise. I went to school with some of the wealthiest kids in the country, so I was surrounded by children with CEO parents of huge enterprises. I wanted my business to be meaningful.
- Who did you look up to as a role model when you were starting out in your career?
Other successful business leaders. There was a guy named Barry Halper who owned a small percentage of the New York Yankees. He helped me when I started my company. Another was Edmond Safra. He was a banker, and he helped me through a lot.
- Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your career?
Of course. When you want to conquer the world, sometimes you’re impulsive and make mistakes. So, I’d be less impulsive if I had the chance to do it again.
- What advice would you give to someone starting their own business in today’s world? My advice is to be relentless and organized.
- How do you continue to grow professionally?
By spending a lot of time with very successful people. This gives me the ability to see and learn from what they do right and what they do wrong.
- What are you working on next?
We just announced a major partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights NHL team, signing a long-term partnership for naming rights to their new facility in Henderson – Lifeguard Arena. Now it’s time to begin working on the next major partnership.
Steven Odzer Shares 5 Takeaways from the Economic Club
Steven Odzer attended the Economic Club on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, where President Donald Trump was a guest speaker. “My table was right in front of the dais. I’m a strong supporter of the Republican Party and the RJC, so it was an honor to attend the event.” As an active supporter of the Republican Party for many years, Steven Odzer shares his takeaways from Trump’s speech.
Moving Production Back from China
Steven Odzer has worked in the distribution industry since he was 18 when he started his first company out of his parent’s garage. He agrees with President Trump that the world is a competitive place, but it’s important to help Americans succeed. President Trump talked about his plan to move production factories back to the U.S. and help the American People.
Trade Deal with China
Steven Odzer mentions that one of the most important takeaways of the event was the president’s stand on the trade deal with China. In his speech, President Trump addressed his position on phase one of the Trade Deal with China. “A significant ‘phase one’ trade deal with China could happen. [It] could happen soon. But we will only accept a deal if it’s good for the United States and our workers and our great companies because we’ve been hit very hard,” said President Trump.
The Current U.S. Job Market
As someone who has been in the distribution industry for over 30 years, Steven Odzer pays close attention to the overall job market of the country. President Trump mentioned how Americans are now forced to work two or three jobs and make a lot less money than they made 21 years ago. However, due to recent changes in the market, “A record number of Americans are quitting the job they had to take the job they like even better … This increased competition is driving up wages for blue-collar workers,” said the President.
The U.S. Economy
As the CEO of the new YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, Steven Odzer is affected by fluctuations in the economy. A takeaway from the speech is the mention that the American economy is headed for an “economic boom.” President Trump said, “We have ended the war on American workers, we have stopped the assault on [the] American industry, and we have launched an economic boom the likes of which we have never seen before.”
Trade Relationships with Other Countries
Since this is part of his industry, Steven Odzer pays close attention to trade relationships with other countries. He shares the opinion with President Trump that many countries charge the United States with exorbitant tariffs or make it impossible for trade.
Aside from supporting the Republican Party and the RJC, Steven Odzer also supports the AHRC Foundation, Bris Avrohom, Jewish and Non-Jewish causes, and Arab/Jewish business cooperation. When he’s not making a difference in the world and his community, you can find Steven Odzer at a New York Yankees game or cheering on the Las Vegas Golden Knights. He also loves to spend quality time with his seven children and nine grandchildren.
Tzvi Odzer Reflects on the Success of Paper Pro, Inc.
Tzvi Odzer is the current CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, and has over 30 years of experience in the distribution industry. The business career of Tzvi Odzer had humble beginnings. “I started my first company at age 18 out of my parents’ basement,” he says. At this time, Tzvi Odzer started selling napkins, paper cups, and plates door to door in his neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn. After many years of hard work, he was able to expand his business to selling supplies to food chain restaurants and eventually hospitals and nursing homes.
Tzvi Odzer confesses, “Janitorial supplies are not sexy items, but it’s big business.” By the year 1999, long after the days of selling door to door, Tzvi Odzer’s company was making it big. Paper Pro Inc., a company that sold janitorial products, made almost $15 million in revenue. Following the momentum of his success, Tzvi Odzer was also named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the area of distribution in the year 2000.
While many people would have been happy with this success, Tzvi Odzer was ready to catch a bigger fish. In 1998 Tzvi Odzer had merged Paper Pro with another company, but he decided to resign as President and CEO to focus on his new business venture. With the growth of the online market, Tzvi Odzer decided to channel all of his energy into GlobalSupplyNet.com, an online marketplace selling janitorial supplies and equipment.
GlobalSupplyNet.com, headquartered in the Empire State Building, became an exciting new venture for Tzvi Odzer. During the initial stages of GlobalSupplyNet.com, Tzvi Odzer was so confident in its success, and he invested $1 million of his money. With a 75% stake of the company, Tzvi Odzer used his Paper Pro contacts to raise $3 million in capital from investors to run the new company. He planned to take the company public later that year.
It wasn’t long before GlobalSupplyNet.com had ten employees and 1,000 members before the official launch. Tzvi Odzer had big plans for his new company. His goal was to have 10,000 customers within 60 days of launching the site. Although he was busy starting a new company, Paper Pro also remained a focus for Tzvi Odzer. He stated that both companies had completely separate agendas.
Aside from taking the distribution industry by storm, Tzvi Odzer also helps worthy causes. He is a big supporter of Jewish and non-Jewish causes, the Arab-Jewish business cooperation, and agencies that help people with disabilities. Tzvi Odzer likes to spend his free time with his seven children and nine grandchildren.
To contact Tzvi Odzer, please visit: http://tzviodzer.com/
Steven Odzer Shares Why Young Americans Should Vote
Businessman Steven Odzer is a proud Republican and has been a strong supporter of the Republican Jewish Coalition for many years. For Steven Odzer, his participation in politics is important since he likes to stay on top of what is best for his community. “I am very involved with Republican Party and Republican Jewish Committee,” he says. Steven Odzer recognizes it’s important to also get young Americans to vote and find their voice, so they can make a difference in the local and national level. He shares why he considers important that young Americans vote.
According to Steven Odzer of Henderson, many young Americans don’t realize how much influence they have on the future of their country. Statistics show that the young vote accounts for about half of the voting population. Although the young vote declined 2% from 52% in the 2008 election, young voters still made up half of the voters in 2016. It will only be a matter of time before millennials overpower baby boomers as a population, which is why it’s so important they get out and vote.
Steven Odzer of Henderson expresses that although young Americans feel their vote doesn’t count, it absolutely does. The young population needs to understand that since they make up over half of the voting population their vote counts.
Another reason why young Americans should vote is because they are the ones who got hit the hardest during the recession of 2008. The recession affected many financial sectors that made an impact on the life of young Americans such as jobs, healthcare, and student debt. By voting, young voters can take charge and support the leaders that represent their best financial interests. Aside from being a large group, young voters are also a diverse group. Young voters come from all kinds of different backgrounds, which also help diversify the vote. According to Steven Odzer is important to talk to them about the importance of voting from an early age.
Aside from being involved with politics, Steven Odzer is the current CEO and founder of YBT Industries of Henderson. Steven Odzer of Henderson has worked in the distribution industry for 30 years. When he’s not chasing after his grandchildren, he’s cheering on the New York Yankees or the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Steven Odzer and his family also like to give back to the community. They support causes such as both Jewish and non-Jewish causes, the AHRC, and Bris Avrohom, a large non-profit that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia integrate into life in the U.S.
Stephen Odzer Explains How to Hire More People with Disabilities
With over 30 years of distribution business experience, Stephen Odzer is the current CEO and founder of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV. He started his first business out of his parents’ basement when he was 18. In 2000, he was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the area of distribution. As a business owner, Stephen Odzer has always felt it was important to hire people with disabilities. He likes to share with other employers how to make it possible.During the Interview
Stephen Odzer understands that although many employers might want to hire more employees with disabilities, they might not know how to get started. For starters, many employers are not as familiar with employment laws in their state. According to the Americans With Disabilities Act, potential employers can only ask if the interviewee has a disability if it’s a visible one. In this case, the employer can ask the candidate what type of accommodation he or she will need for the job. Asking this question will take the pressure off and make for a more successful interview. However, if the candidate shows no visible signs of a disability, then the employer should conduct the interview like any other one.
Once They Get the Job
Once an employer moves forward with hiring an employee with a disability, they need to set up the employee for success, according to Stephen Odzer. Aside from the necessary accommodations, the employee will need, employers should treat an employee with disabilities the same way as everyone else. Colleagues and employers should feel comfortable giving feedback to the new employee. Employees with disabilities want to be treated like any other member of the team. Depending on the employee, some might want to have a meeting with the team to talk about their disability and answer any questions. This should only get done with the employee’s consent.
Avoid Common Mistakes
As a business owner and someone who promotes hiring employees with disabilities, Stephen Odzer acknowledges many employers make a few mistakes. For example, instead of focusing on what employees cannot do, employers should focus on what the employee can do. Employees with disabilities want their employers to focus on their strengths. As long as the company practices inclusivity and communication, employees with disabilities will thrive.
Aside from supporting agencies that hire people with disabilities, Stephen Odzer also support causes such as both Jewish and non-Jewish causes, the AHRC, and Bris Avrohom, a large non-profit that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia integrate to life in the U.S. When he’s not working on his business, he enjoys spending his free time with his seven children and nine grandchildren. Also, Stephen Odzer is a sports fan. He spends his time cheering on the New York Yankees or the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Stephen Odzer Shares Current Trends in the Distribution Business
Stephen Odzer acknowledges that with the rise of internet shopping, distributors now face shorter delivery windows. Consumers now expect to receive their products within only a few days, which has forced distributors to change the way they handle shipping. To not lose customers and meet their expectations, businesses are expecting shorter delivery windows.
With the rise of technology, many distribution companies need to look at software that will help them improve productivity. Stephen Odzer points out that many distribution companies see the value of investing in transport management software (TMS). TMS can not only help distributors increase productivity, but it can also help them cut down costs.
Stephen Odzer also points out that eCommerce and TMS will also change the way distributors conduct business. With the merging of both technologies, customers will have more tools to decide which carriers and systems they utilize. This will also give them the opportunity to demand more transparency with each of their orders. They will be able to track their order from the moment the distributor receives it, to the moment someone buys the product. Customers will also get notifications every step of the way.
Stephen Odzer enjoys spending his free time with his seven children and nine grandchildren. When he’s not chasing after his grandchildren, he’s cheering on the New York Yankees or the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Stephen Odzer and his family also like to give back to the community. They support causes such as both Jewish and non-Jewish causes, the AHRC, and Bris Avrohom, a large non-profit that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia integrate into life in the U.S.