Steven Odzer Identifies the Importance of Family During Pandemic
With a Large Family, Many Still in Israel, Steven Odzer Talks About Emphasizing Family During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it hard for people to connect with family. Flights around the globe are canceled. Social distancing prevents people from getting closer than six feet to people outside of their household. This leaves many people talking about family. Steven Odzer, an Israeli who is now in New York, explores the importance of family.
“It’s important to stay in touch with everyone,” Steven Odzer states. He recommends doing this through any means necessary – Skype, email, telephone, and even by writing letters.
Steven Odzer explains that much of his family is still in Israel. It’s not easy to see them on a regular basis. Even if he wanted to hop a plane to see them in person, the pandemic makes it impossible. With seven kids and nine grandkids, he must use technology to maintain communication.
Everyone needs a mental health check-in to ensure that they are doing okay. Since family get-togethers are impossible during the pandemic, many families are out of sync with one another. They’re not getting their normal bonding in.
Steven Odzer looks to talk with his family as a way to connect. The human connection is critical, especially during times of high stress. The pandemic has made it harder for families to reach each other. As such, he goes the extra distance to reach out, even with those he doesn’t typically see on a regular basis.
Psychology Today has published a significant amount regarding the ‘meaning of family’ during the pandemic. Steven Odzer explains that families are capable of providing a support system. There are plenty of ways to reach out while still maintaining social distancing. It can be anything from organizing an online call to dropping off groceries on a doorstep to waving while driving by in a car.
By maintaining close contact with families, they can provide the strength and joy needed to get through the pandemic. With so many things changed, it can be easy to fall into depression. Steven Odzer works to make sure that doesn’t happen by reaching out to family near and far on a weekly basis.
Steven Odzer explains that it’s particularly hard on the kids. He sees the frustration within his kids and grandkids because they’re not able to participate in their normal routine. Schools have been canceled. There’s no outlet for socialization. Steven Odzer counts himself as lucky because of having a large family. It allows the kids to grow up with cousins as an extended part of the family.
Since no one knows how long the pandemic and the social distancing is going to last, Steven Odzer urges everyone to find a way to stay connected with family. They’re the lifeline that’s needed to maintain sanity during these times of high anxiety.
Exclusive Facts No One Knew About Steven Odzer
As a businessman with over 30 years of experience in the distribution industry, and someone who started selling goods door to door, Steven Odzer has an incredible story not known to many.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Yeshiva of Flatbush High School in Brooklyn. Once I graduated, I attended the Brooklyn College Scholars program. Education is one of the most important aspects of growth, so I wanted to help future generations achieve the same level of success I did. My strong belief that education can make a difference is why I created the Stephen Odzer Scholarship program. It’s a way for me to give back to the community. This year’s winners have been announced, but for future scholarship opportunities, students can visit https://www.stephenodzerscholarship.com/.
You talked a lot about how much you admire your father; what’s the most crucial advice your father gave you?
My father taught me to surround myself with important people. I get my inspiration from the business connections I make. Two of my partners are billionaires, and I stay involved with the Republic Jewish Coalition. I recently joined the Economic Club, where I have been able to meet some of the most successful business leaders in the world. My father was also a pillar of the community. On December 15, 2019, at the Ahavas Torah Center’s celebration of 8 Years of Torah and Community Growth Gala, they presented my father with a lifetime achievement award for his work in the Jewish community. I was honored to be able to accept this award for my father’s work.
Speaking of surrounding yourself with influential people, who are other businessmen who have inspired you?
Someone who really inspired me is Barry Halper, owner of a small percentage of the New York Yankees. His advice was invaluable when I started my company. Banker, Edmond Safra also inspired and helped me a lot.
Why did you choose the distribution industry?
I once said that janitorial supplies are not sexy items, but it’s big business. I think I always had the mentality of selling people products they needed. I started my first company at age 18 out of my parents’ basement. When I first started, I sold paper cups, napkins, and plates door to door in Flatbush, Brooklyn. I recognize it wasn’t a sexy business, but it was a business. It provided me a platform to create a business.
What are some plans for the future you’re excited about?
I am a big hockey fan, especially a Vegag Golden Knight fan, so I decided to merge two of my passions. We just announced a partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights NHL team. The partnership consists of the naming rights to their new arena in Henderson, Nevada. Lifeguard Arena will be our next significant partnership. The arena is on schedule to open later this year.
Aside from supporting agencies that hire people with disabilities, Steven 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 ten grandchildren.
How Steven Odzer Built Multiple Companies in His 30 Year Career in the Distribution Industry
Steven Odzer is a successful distribution industry entrepreneur who belongs to the Economic Club, Supporter of the Republican Party, Member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, and Philanthropist. Still, he didn’t start as a CEO. Steven Odzer spent many years working his way up before becoming the successful entrepreneur he is today. He shares his incredible story.
“I started my first company at age 18 out of my parents’ basement,” he says proudly. When he started his first business, Steven Odzer sold products door to door in his neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn. Even as an entrepreneur on the rise, Steven Odzer didn’t neglect his education. He attended Yeshiva of Flatbush High School and moved to the Brooklyn College Scholars program. After his door to door business took off, Steven Odzer started selling supplies to food chain restaurants, and over time his clients transitioned to hospitals and nursing homes.
In 1999, after many years of hard work and growth, Steven Odzer’s latest company, a company that sold janitorial products, made it to the big leagues. Steven’s keen eye for business didn’t fail him as he was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the area of distribution in the year 2000.
Steven Odzer is now the CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV. His new company has created new and exciting opportunities for him. The Vegas Golden Knights announced their partnership with BT Supplies West. Inc. and Steven Odzer orchestrated the deal. “As the official supply partner for the Vegas Golden Knights, Lifeguard will name the team’s outstanding new facility, the Lifeguard Arena in Hendersons,” Steven Odzer said. The terms of the partnership make the BT Supplies the exclusive supplier of the Vegas Golden Knights and other affiliated businesses.
Steven Odzer shows no signs of slowing down, and the distribution industry waits with excitement for his next move.
Steven Odzer Shares Exclusive Facts About His Life
Since he started his first business at the age of 18 out of his parent’s basement, Steven Odzer has made a name for himself in the distribution industry. Aside from his current role as CEO of YBT Industries in Henderson, NV, Steven Odzer has over 30 years of experience in the distribution industry. Apart from his success as a businessman, Steven Odzer is a philanthropist, family man, and politically involved in his community.
Steven Odzer Suffered the Loss of a Cousin Which Impacted his Life Forever
Steven Odzer’s cousin, Nachshon Wachsman, a dual citizen of Israel in the United States, grew up in Jerusalem. While he was on leave, at the age of 19, the military instructed him to attend a one-day training in northern Israel. His family expected him home on Sunday night, October 9, 1994, but sadly he never made it back. Hamas militants kidnapped Nachshon Wachsman as he attempted to make his way back home. Although the Israeli military launched a rescue mission, Nachshon Wachsman lost his life.
Steven Odzer Had the Honor of Hearing President Trump Speak at the Economic Club
As a member of the Economic Club of New York, Steven Odzer has had the opportunity to attend the event on November 12, 2019, where President Donald Trump gave a speech. “I’m a strong supporter of the Republican Party and the RJC, so it was an honor to attend the event,” he said. The President discussed issues such as moving production back to the U.S., the trade deal with China, and the current job market.
Steven Odzer Accepted an Award on behalf of his late father, Yehoshua Ben Tzvi Hakohain Odzer
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 receive on behalf of his late father.
Steven Odzer Announced the Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program
The Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program provided 20 scholarships valued at $1000 each. Eligible candidates had to be enrolled in a college or a university. High school students were also eligible if they have a college acceptance letter. Scholarships for the fall of 2020 have been awarded.
Steven Odzer, Company, BT Supplies Partners with the Vegas Golden Knights
On November 19, 2019, the Chairman and CEO of the Vegas Golden Knights, Billy Foley, announced an exciting new partnership. “As the official supply partner for the Vegas Golden Knights, Lifeguard will name the team’s outstanding new facility, the Lifeguard Arena in Henderson,” said Steven Odzer. 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.”
When he’s not chasing after his grandchildren, he’s cheering on the New York Yankees or the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Steven Odzer Shares Facts About His Large Family
With over 30 years of experience in the distribution industry, Steven Odzer has achieved a lot in his life. He is currently the CEO of the new YBT Industries of Henderson, NV. Steven Odzer attended Yeshiva of Flatbush High School and then to the Brooklyn College Scholars program. At the age of 18, when he started his first company out of his parent’s basement, he sold napkins, paper cups, and plates door to door in his neighborhood of Flatbush. All his accomplishments in the industry earned Steven the title of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000 in the area of distribution.
While he is a successful businessman, a supporter of the Republican Jewish Coalition, and a member of Economic Club, Steven Odzer is a family man foremost. “I have seven kids, and I will soon welcome my tenth grandchild,” he says with a smile. Creating a legacy for his family is one of the things that keeps him going. Steven Odzer hopes to create a legacy similar to the one his father left behind. “My father taught me to surround myself with important people,” Steven said.
Steven Odzer had the opportunity to accept an award on behalf of his late father, Seymour. 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. “I [was] honored to be able to accept this award for my father’s work,” Steven Odzer said.
Not only is Steven Odzer proud of his immediate family, but he’s also extremely close to his extended family. “I have many family members living in Israel,” Steven says. The entire family likes to stay in touch. In fact, this past October 14, the family honored his cousin Nachston Wachsman on the 25th anniversary of his kidnap and murder. In 1994, at the age of 19, the military instructed him to attend a one-day training in northern Israel when he was on leave. His family expected him home on Sunday night, October 9, 1994, but sadly he never made it back. The memorial of Nachshon Wachsman on his 25th death anniversary, while sad, made everyone appreciate the importance of family.
When Steven Odzer is not taking care of his family, he likes to support other worthy causes. He is a big supporter of Jewish and non-Jewish causes, the Arab-Jewish business cooperation.
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.