What 30 Years in the Distribution Industry Have Been Like: An Interview with Steven Odzer
Businessman Steven Odzer is the current CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV. Although he has many projects in store for his latest company, such as signing an exclusive deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, Steven Odzer had to work his way up. In 2000, Steven Odzer was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the area of distribution in the year 2000. In this interview, he shares more interesting facts about his life.
Where did you complete your education?
“I went to Yeshiva of Flatbush High School in Brooklyn. Once I graduated, I attended the Brooklyn College Scholars program,” explained Steven Odzer.
Why did you get involved in 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,” said Steven Odzer.
You’re so close to your family – what is the most essential 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,” Steven Odzer said.
Who are some talented people who have motivated you?
“Someone who 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,” explained Steven Odzer.
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,” Odzer explained.
Why did you decide to create the Stephen Odzer Scholarship program?
“Education is one of the most essential aspects of growth, and I want to help ensure that students can achieve their academic goals and success by limiting the financial burden the system has placed on higher education. The Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program is a way for me to give back to the community. This year’s winners have been picked, but for future scholarship opportunities, students can visit https://www.stephenodzerscholarship.com/,” said Odzer.
When he’s not growing his business or helping the community, Steven Odzer enjoys spending his time running after his grandchildren or catching a Yankees game.
Steven Odzer’s Late Father, Yehoshua Ben Tzvi Hakohain Odzer Receives Award
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. Steven Odzer was honored to accept on behalf of his late father. It was a great moment for the entire family to have their beloved father and grandfather Seymour receive such an honor. Steven Odzer couldn’t hold his excitement as he stepped up to accept the award.
“I am honored to be able to accept this award for my father’s work,” Steven Odzer said proudly. The other members of the Odzer family clapped and cheered as Steven accepted the award. Steven continued, “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 Ahavas Torah Center’s Jewish learning and community outreach programs do great things for the community. 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.
Steven Odzer will continue to honor the work his dad did for the Ahavas Tora Center. 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 Tora Center in Nevada.
“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,” Steven Odzer says.
Steven Odzer’s father taught him the value of hard work. With over 30 years of experience in the distribution industry, Steven Odzer has made a name for himself in the field. Steven Odzer has led as CEO of many successful companies such as YBT Industries of Henderson, NV. Steven Odzer also dedicates a lot of time helping out the community. He supports causes such as both Jewish and non-Jewish causes, the AHRC, and Bris Avrohom.
During his free time, one can find Steven Odzer cheering on the New York Yankees or the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Steven Odzer Talks About His Business and Family
Henderson, NV / Steven Odzer started making his mark in the distribution industry 30 years ago. Although he is now the CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, Steven Odzer, started small. Steven Odzer is a successful American entrepreneur, and he talks about everything important to him and the motivation that helped him achieve success.
How do you spend a typical day?
“I like to have productive days, so I leave my house at 5 am every day. I take a break from working to go pray at around 7 pm. I typically work until about 7 pm, and then I go home to my wife and youngest two children,” described Odzer.
Is it difficult for you to maintain a life-work balance?
“As much as I’d like to be productive and work 24 hours a day, my family is too important for me; they keep me grounded. Yes, work is important, but my family is more important. I’m about to have my tenth grandchild, and I don’t want to miss any important family moments. I have seven children and a wife that I love very much. I also have a close relationship with my extended family,” explained Steven Odzer.
You started your own business at the age of 18, what motivated you to start a business?
“Since I can remember, I saw myself building an enterprise when I grew up. I also went to school with some of the wealthiest kids in the country, which meant their parents were CEOs of some of the biggest companies. I was in the right circle if I wanted to form a meaningful enterprise in the future,” Steven Odzer explained.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
“If I had to do it all over again, I would be less impulsive. I say that because I always had the urge to conquer the world, which made me be impulsive, and I made some mistakes along the way. Sometimes it is best to think about things more thoroughly to avoid certain mistakes,” stated Steven Odzer.
Besides your father, who did you look up to as a role model when you were a young entrepreneur?
“When I was younger, I looked up to successful leaders for inspiration. I had the opportunity to get help from Barry Halper, who was part-owner of the New York Yankees. Another person who inspired me a lot was Edmond Safra, who is a successful banker,” described Odzer.
What is a phrase you have never forgotten?
“Nothing is impossible,” Odzer said.
Steven Odzer is a big supporter of non-Jewish and Jewish causes, including. He spends a great deal of time helping the community.
Steven Odzer Is Happy to Announce the Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program
“Education is one of the most important aspects of growth, and I want to help ensure that students can achieve their academic goals and success by limiting the financial burden the system has placed on higher education,” said Steven Odzer when he announced the creation of the Stephen Odzer Scholarship program. The purpose of this scholarship is to get students closer to their goal of attending college. Although he is now a successful entrepreneur with over 30 years in the distribution industry, Stephen Odzer started his first company out of his parent’s basement at the age of 18.
Steven Odzer had to get creative with his first business. Steven Odzer sold paper cups, napkins, and plates, which he sold door to door in his neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn. He managed all of his inventory out of his parent’s basement. Steven Odzer 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 overtime his clients transitioned to hospitals and nursing homes.
The Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program will provide 20 scholarships valued at $1000 each. It’s quite easy for students to apply for this scholarship. To apply for the award, potential recipients must be enrolled in a college or a university. High school students are also eligible if they have a college acceptance letter. Potential applicants can now get their application in for the fall of 2020.
They must submit proof of enrollment or acceptance, and they must write a 500-word essay answering the question, “What is the biggest issue facing our modern society.” The foundation expects all applications to be in on or before January 31, 2020. The deciding committee will read all of the applications and select the winners on February 5, 2020. All of the lucky students will be notified after that. “The Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program is a way for me to give back to the community,” Steven Odzer says.
Students interested in applying for the scholarship can learn more by visiting this site: https://www.stephenodzerscholarship.com/.
Aside from helping young students achieve their dreams, Steven Odzer supports the Arab-Jewish business cooperation, non-Jewish causes, and the AHRC, a non-profit that benefits individuals and children suffering from intellectual disabilities. Steven Odzer is also a supporter of non-Jewish and Jewish causes including, Bris Avrohom, a large non-profit that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia integrate into life in the U.S. and continue to foster their religious traditions.
Interesting Facts About the Life of Steven Odzer
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. He is also a sport’s fan, family man, and politically involved with the republican party. There are many facts about Steven Odzer’s life the public doesn’t know about.
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 puts together deal between the Vegas Golden Knights and BT Supplies
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 and his family also like to give back to the community. Steven Odzer also announced the launch of the Stephen Odzer Scholarship program, which would give 20 scholarships valued at $1,000 each.
Steven Odzer Announces the Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program
Steven Odzer announces the launch of the Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program to help students achieve their dream of going to college. As someone who started at the bottom, Steven Odzer knows the importance of having someone believe in you. Steven Odzer attended the Brooklyn College Scholars Program. He also started his first company out of his parents’ basement when he was 18.
“Education is one of the most important aspects of growth, and I want to help ensure that students can achieve their academic goals and success by limiting the financial burden the system has placed on higher education,” said Steven Odzer. The program plans to give away 20 scholarships valued at $1000 each. “The Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program is a way for me to give back to the community,” he adds.
In order to apply for the scholarship, potential recipients must be enrolled in a college or a university. High school students are also eligible if they have a college acceptance letter. It’s quite easy for students to apply for this scholarship. The Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the fall of 2020.
Those who want to apply must send their application materials before January 31, 2020. They must submit proof of enrollment or acceptance, and they must write a 500-word essay answering the question, “What is the biggest issue facing our modern society.” On February 5, 2020, they will select the winners, and the lucky students will be notified after that. Students interested in applying for the scholarship can learn more by visiting this site: https://www.stephenodzerscholarship.com/.
This is not the first time philanthropist, and businessman Steven Odzer launches a campaign to better his community. Steven Odzer advocates for Arab-Jewish business cooperation. Some of the non-Jewish causes he supports include the AHRC, a non-profit that benefits individuals and children suffering from intellectual disabilities. Steven Odzer is also a supporter of Bris Avrohom, a large non-profit that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia integrate into life in the U.S. and continue to foster their religious traditions. Steven says, “I am a large supporter of both Jewish and non-Jewish causes.”
When he’s not working on helping his community, Steven Odzer is busy growing his businesses. He is the CEO of the new YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, and has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Steven Odzer also enjoys spending time with his large family. He has seven children and nine grandchildren.
Steven Odzer To Accept Award on Behalf of Late Father, Yehoshua Ben Tzvi Hakohain Odzer
CEO of YBT Industries Steven Odzer will be accepting an award in the name of his late father, Yehoshua Ben Tzvi Hakohain Seymour Odzer. The award, which will be presented at the Ahavas Torah Center’s celebration of 8 Years of Torah and Community Growth Gala is a lifetime achievement award for Seymour Odzer’s work in the Jewish community. The Gala will take place on the evening of Sunday, December 15.
Having recently expanded his business to Las Vegas from New York, Steven is excited about the Ahavas Torah Center’s Rabbi Yehoshua Fromowitz and his effort to spearhead a vibrant Jewish community within Henderson.
“I am honored to be able to accept this award for my father’s work,” says Steven. “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”.
If you would like to support the Ahavas Torah Center’s Jewish learning and community outreach programs in Henderson and Las Vegas, please visit www.atcdinner.com to donate. All contributions are tax-deductible and can be used to place ads within the Ahavas Torah Center’s journal.
About Steven Odzer
The founder and CEO of YBT Industries, Steven Odzer has found great success within the janitorial supplies industry. Originally from Brooklyn, Steven started his first company which led to him being named the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year for distribution. Outside of his work, Steven is heavily involved with the Republic Jewish Coalition and multiple agencies and services which help people with disabilities. Steven Odzer now resides in Henderson, NV, where his company resides.
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.