Advocate and Entrepreneur, Stephen Odzer Offers Advice on How to Become an Advocate
Stephen Odzer is a businessman with over 30 years of experience in the distribution business. Aside from becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 18, when he started a business out of his parents’ basement, Stephen Odzer loves his community. Stephen Odzer is an advocate for several organizations such as the AHRC Foundation, Bris Avrohom, Arab/Jewish business cooperation, and many other Jewish and non-Jewish causes. As someone who likes to do right by others, he wants to encourage others to become advocates for worthy causes. Stephen Odzer explains how to become an active advocate.
Decide What You’re Advocating For
According to Stephen Odzer, who advocates for Jewish Immigrant causes, the first step is to know exactly what causes you want to advocate for. Once people find a cause they want to fight for, they need to immerse themselves in the cause to understand why they want to support it. It’s important to conduct research to understand the source of the problem, what people are doing to remedy it, and reach out to the people affected.
Use Your Tools to Your Advantage
Stephen Odzer recommends everyone who wants to become an advocate uses every tool at their disposal to support their cause. For example, as a businessman with over 30 years of experience, Stephen Odzer can take advantage of all the contacts he has made over the years. He explains, nowadays, people can use technology to their advantage and advocate for their cause. Many people now take advantage of YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook to bring awareness of the issues they care about.
Narrow Down Your Message
Although many people think the issues they feel passionate about are specific, they also tend to be quite broad. Stephen Odzer believes when the message is concise and clear, it resonates with more people. The best way for advocates to make an impact is by narrowing down their message and sticking to it. This approach will help them reach a wider audience, rather than bouncing around hoping something sticks.
People Have to Know You Care
When you’re new to advocating for a cause, Stephen Odzer recommends you show people you care. How can you expect them to care about it if you don’t believe in it yourself? For example, you cannot tell people to recycle when you don’t do it. People also care about personal stories. Stephen Odzer believes in helping Jewish causes because he has a lot of family in Israel. Sharing his personal experience shows people he cares about the causes he supports.
When Stephen Odzer is not taking care of his distribution business or advocating for worthy causes, he’s a family man. Stephen Odzer enjoys spending time with his seven children and eight grandchildren. Stephen Odzer is also a big fan of the New York Yankees and the Las Vegas Knights.
Stephen Odzer Talks About How to Get Involved in Politics
Aside from being the CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, Stephen Odzer would consider likes to stay involved in politics. He says, “ I am very involved with the Republican Party and Republican Jewish Committee.” As a supporter of the Republican Party and Republican Jewish Committee, Stephen Odzer likes to encourage everyone to get involved with their local politics. He knows that not many people understand how to get started, so he considers it a joy to encourage others to get into politics. Below, Stephen Odzer talks about how to get involved in politics for beginners.
Volunteer for a Local Political Campaign
Stephen Odzer says the best way to get started in politics is by volunteering for a local political campaign. Volunteers who want to learn how the system works will benefit from learning about it in the headquarters of a campaign. Some volunteers help with tasks such as registering new voters, making phone calls, and more.
Join a Political Party
Although Stephen Odzer proudly belongs to the Republican Party, he encourages individuals to join the political party of their choice. The best way to join a party is to get involved and learn who the candidates running for local offices are.
Donate Money to Political Candidates
According to Stephen Odzer, once people find a candidate they believe in, the best way to support them is by donating money to their campaign. They don’t have to donate a lot of money, but even a little bit goes a long way. Those who donate money to their candidates will get access to their campaigns. Most candidates will acknowledge even the smallest of donations.
Watch the News and Stay Updated
One of the best ways to stay involved with politics is to pay attention to the news, according to Stephen Odzer. Learning about current events from reliable sources will help people understand what is at stake and give them a voice on issues that matter. For example, if there is a municipal issue, learning about it encourages people to take action to fix it. Learning about politics by watching the news also allows people to have educated debates.
Stephen Odzer also supports agencies that hire people with disabilities, the AHRC Foundation, Bris Avrohom, Jewish and Non-Jewish causes, and Arab/Jewish business cooperation. When he’s not supporting important causes and political affairs, Stephen Odzer is busy running around after his eight grandchildren. Stephen Odzer also likes to spend time with his seven children, especially at a New York Yankees game.
Stephen Odzer – A Yankees Fan and Family Man Makes a Difference in the Lives of People with Disabilities
Aside from being the CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, Stephen Odzer would consider himself a family man first and foremost. “I have 7 kids and 8 grandkids,” he says. There’s no doubt that family is one of the most important things for him. Stephen also likes to stay in contact with his extended family, he says, “I have many family members living in Israel, and I am a large supporter of both Jewish and non-Jewish causes.” One of the best perks of having a big family is that he can take his children and grandchildren to New York Yankees games with him.
Although family, his business, and sports are quite important to him, Stephen Odzer finds full-filling making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Stephen Odzer knows the importance of promoting equality in the workplace, especially for those who suffer from a disability. “We promote and support agencies that hire people with disabilities,” he says.
As a resident of New York, Stephen Odzer strongly supports AHRC. For over 70 years, AHRC has dedicated its cause to helping people with developmental disabilities. AHRC resources expand across all five boroughs and make a difference in the life of over 15,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The work AHRC does to help individuals ranges from specifically tailored programs and services based on their needs. Individuals can receive help via programs at school, day treatment, workshops, and community residences.
With supporters such as Stephen Odzer, AHRC is one of the largest organizations in New York. What drew Stephen Odzer to this cause was the core values that govern AHRC: passion, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence.
On top of all of the support he gives AHRC and other agencies that support hiring people with disabilities, Stephen Odzer also supports Bris Avrohom – a large non-profit that helps immigrants to the United States from Russia. Stephen Odzer is also a strong advocate of Arab/Jewish business cooperation. Due to his strong connection to his family in Israel, Stephen is also a supporter of many other Jewish and Non-Jewish causes.
Because he believes involvement in the community makes a difference, he is also involved with the Republican Party and Republican Jewish Committee. When Stephen Odzer is not spending time in New York, you can find him in Nevada cheering on for the Las Vegas Knights and taking care of business.
Steven Odzer Talks About His Support of the Republican Jewish Coalition
Family and businessman, Steven Odzer is a pillar of his community, not only does he support agencies that hire people with disabilities, the AHRC Foundation, Bris Avrohom, Jewish and Non-Jewish causes, and Arab/Jewish business cooperation, but he also supports the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Steven Odzer has a very unique journey that has turned him into the businessman he is today. He explains, “I went to Yeshiva of Flatbush High School and then to the Brooklyn College Scholars program.” Not only did Steven Odzer prioritized getting his education, but he also followed his entrepreneurial instincts. He says, “I started my first company at age 18 out of my parents’ basement.” Thanks to his keen eye for business, he received the title of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000 in the area of distribution.
After decades of working in the distribution business, his latest venture led him to form YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, where he serves as CEO. Aside from staying busy as CEO of YBT Industries, he also concentrates his energy on supporting politics. “I am very involved with Republican Party and Republican Jewish Committee,” he says.
For Steven Odzer, staying involved in politics is very important, so he shares why he decided to support the Republican Jewish Coalition. Founded in 1985, the mission of the Republican Jewish Coalition is to connect the Jewish community with Republican decision-makers. In order to reach the community, the RJC has chapters all over the country, such as New York, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Florida, and California.
Each office hosts special local events giving local supporters the opportunity to engage in activism and advocacy opportunities. The RJC also reaches out to the community through traditional media, social media, and other forms of digital outreach. To the RJC, the involvement of Jewish youth and women is also important. They sponsor a Youth Leadership Program and a National Women’s Committee to provide them with opportunities to participate and stay active in the community.
Steven Odzer also supports the RJC because of its successful legislative affairs program, which ensures the political issues of the community reach Capitol Hill. The RJC sends representatives to advise and lobby the state leaders in Washington. D.C.
When he’s not supporting important causes and political affairs, Steven Odzer is busy running around after his eight grandchildren. Steven Odzer also likes to spend time with his seven children, especially at a New York Yankees game.
Steven Odzer, CEO of YBT Industries Supports Agencies that Hire People With Disabilities
Steven Odzer, the CEO of a new distribution business, YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, has over 30 years of experience in the distribution industry. As someone who is a self-made businessman, he started his first company out of his parents’ basement when he was 18. Aside from being a successful entrepreneur who won the title of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000 in the area of distribution, Steven has also learned the importance of giving everyone a chance.
As a businessman in the area of distribution, Steven Odzer understands the importance of promoting equality among those with disabilities. He takes his work supporting agencies that hire people with disabilities seriously. Those agencies that work placing people with disabilities in the work-place know there are many benefits for employees and employers.
People with disabilities are more reliable employees
According to a study performed by the Chicago Lighthouse, the retention of employees without disabilities was 0.9 years compared to 1.7 years for people with disabilities. Employees with disabilities make more reliable employees and take less sick or absent days.
People with disabilities make extremely capable employees
What Steven Odzer and the organizations set out to prove is that employees with disabilities are as capable as any. It’s a common myth among employers that people with disabilities are not as capable, and they often refuse to hire them. These agencies set out to discredit this myth and place employees with disabilities with positions they’re fully qualified for.
Employees with disabilities diversify the workplace
Steven Odzer, in all of his years in business, knows that employees with disabilities diversify the workplace. When employees get the opportunity to work alongside co-workers who are disabled, they become more aware and let go of misconceptions. Hiring employees with disabilities also teaches the employees involved how to promote inclusivity and make the workplace more accessible to everyone.
Because of these and many other reasons, Steven Odzer feels compelled to help organizations that support the hiring of individuals with disabilities. It’s important to create awareness and give everyone the chance to succeed.
Aside from supporting agencies that hire people with disabilities, Steven Odzer is also a large supporter of the AHRC Foundation, Bris Avrohom, Jewish and Non-Jewish causes, and Arab/Jewish business cooperation. When he’s not splitting his time between Nevada and New York, Steven likes to spend time with his seven children and eight grandchildren. He also enjoys rooting for the New York Yankees and the Las Vegas Knights.
Steven Odzer Talks About His Support to Non-Profit Dedicated to Helping Immigrants From Russia
Steven Odzer and his family are large supporters of Bris Avrohom, a large New Jersey non-profit that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia to the United States. There’s a reason why this cause is so close to his heart; Steven says, “I have many family members living in Israel and I am a large supporter of both Jewish and non-Jewish causes.”
The excellent work Bris Avrohom does for Russian Jewish Immigrants is what attracted Steven Odzer to this organization. Ever since its foundation in 1979, Bris Avrohom has been making a difference in the lives of Russian immigrants. For supporters of the organization like Steven Odzer, it’s important to help these new members of the community find a home, jobs, and continue to improve their spiritual education. Because Bris Avrohom wants to keep the traditions of the community alive, they also perform bris or bar Mitzvah and Jewish Weddings.
Bris Avrohom, a name chosen by Lubavitcher Rebbe, means “The Covenant of Abraham.” Since its establishment 40 years ago, Bris Avrohon has helped over 28,000 people and integrate them into the community. The traditions Bris Avrohon fosters go back about 3,300 years, which is why it’s so important to keep them alive. They continue to keep their traditions alive by enhancing the education of those who seek it whether they’re young and old.
Although the Bris Avrohom headquarters are in Hillside, NJ, they have expanded to other locations. Those interested can also visit their Jersey City and Fair Lawn or Brooklyn. Because of the great role they play integrating Russian Jewish Immigrants into the community, Steven Odzer is proud to support Bris Avrohom.
Steven Odzer is the CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, a promising distribution business. Although his new company is a fresh face in the business, Steven Odzer started his entrepreneurial ventures early on. After attending Yeshiva of Flatbush High School and then to the Brooklyn College Scholars program, he got his start. “I started my first company at age 18 out of my parents’ basement. I was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000 in the area of distribution,” he says.
Aside from his distribution business, Steven Odzer has plenty of activities in his life to keep him busy. When he’s not rooting for the New York Yankees or flying to Nevada to see the Golden Knights, he’s busy playing with his eight grandkids
Steven Odzer of YBT Industries Supports New York’s AHRC, for the Sake of Disabled People and Children in Need
Among the many worthy causes that YBT Industries CEO Steven Odzer donates his time, effort and money to, New York’s AHRC has special significance because AHRC, a New York non-profit, focuses on serving people and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Steve Odzer is now looking to continue his support of people with disabilities in Nevada.
Steven Odzer is aware of the difficulties people – and especially children – may encounter due to prejudice, poverty and political circumstances beyond their control. An intellectual or developmental disability only exacerbates the discrimination for the most vulnerable.
A Jewish man who grew up in New York but who still has strong ties to Israel, where many of his family members still reside, Steven Odzer knows about the tough experiences of his ancestors and relatives. Odzer’s concern for the disadvantaged in his hometown of New York City prompted his interest in AHRC, and now continues in Arizona and Nevada.
AHRC Has a Mission to Improve Lives
A New York mother, Anne Greenberg, who sought help in caring for her mentally disabled five-year-old girl in 19048, is attributed as being the catalyst behind initiating what became the AHRC when she sought help for her dilemma by placing a two-line classified ad in a newspaper more than seven decades ago.
In those days, intellectually or developmentally disabled children were treated as outcasts – and often institutionalized. Medical advancements to treat their unique issues were still on the horizon. But a groundswell of support quickly gained critical mass and AHRC was able to define its mission of improving lives – not only sustaining AHRC’s impetus, but expanding its profile.
After a modest and uncertain start more than 70 years ago, AHRC has blossomed from its humble beginnings into a network of nearly two dozen centers throughout the metropolitan New York area, offering multiple services to not only children but most anyone with learning, cognitive, mental or physical disabilities.
Today, AHRC coordinates and organizes programs in New York area schools, colleges, businesses and camps; and provides support for adult day services, family and clinical services and home care and residential assistance for families and communities, including at-home help, job (“Get Work”) assistance and educational initiatives (“Go to School” program).
The mission of AHRC intersects with the goals of YBT Industries CEO Steven Odzer. “We promote and support agencies that hire people with disabilities,” Odzer said. He also supports other charities and philanthropic organizations that assist disadvantaged people, including Bris Avrohom, a large non-profit founded in 1979 that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia adjust to life in the U.S.
To learn more about AHRC, go to ahrcny.org.
About YTB Industries and Steve Odzer
YBT Industries CEO Steven Odzer has more than 30 years in the distribution business. YBT Industries, based in Henderson, NV, is Steven Odzer’s newest company in the distribution business, and he applies the principles and lessons he has learned from three decades as a distributor to his new business.
On the 25th Anniversary of the Kidnapping and Murder of His Cousin, Steven Odzer Remembers and Honors Nachshon Wachsman
Sadden by the memory of his cousin, Nachston Wachsman, as the 25th anniversary of the kidnapping and murder just past, Steven Odzer, wants to honor his memory. For Steven Odzer, family is one of the most important things in life. “I have 7 kids and 8 grandkids,” he says. Despite having a large immediate family, Steven Odzer is also quite close to his extended family. “I have a lot of family in Israel.” On October 14, Steven and his family will gather in honor of Nachshon Mordechal Wachsman.
As a dual citizen of Israel in the United States, Nachson Wachsman grew up in Jerusalem with his seven brothers. His father was Israeli-born while his mother immigrated to Brooklyn from her native Germany. Sargeant Nachshon Wachsman served as an IDF soldier for the military.
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 common practice by many Israeli Soldiers, Nachshon Wachsman attempted to either hitchhike or catch a bus at the Bnai Atarot junction. Unfortunately, he never made it back home. According to Israeli Intelligence, Hamas militants kidnapped him as he attempted to catch a ride. Witnesses spotted Nachson entering a car with four men who wore kippahs, as to not raise suspicion. It was also reported the kidnappers had a Tanakh, siddur, and played Chassidic music.
Once Nachshon Wachsman boarded the vehicle, the four men overpowered him and drove off to the Palestinian town of Bir Nabala. Bir Nabala is only six miles northwest of Jerusalem. On October 11, 1994, 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 kidnappers also forced Nachshon so say, “The group from Hamas kidnapped me. They are demanding the release of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and another 200 from Israeli prison. If their demands are not met, they will execute me on Friday at 8 P.M.”
Nachshon’s parents appealed to world leaders to aid with the rescue of their son including, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, President Bill Clinton, and other Muslim religious leaders. 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.
Unfortunately, the rescue mission did not go as planned. The rescue operation due to faulty explosives and other technical difficulties failed. The Israeli military lost the element of surprise with the kidnappers. 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.
This was a very painful loss in the lives of Steven Odzer and his entire extended family. The entire family will continue to honor the memory of Nachshon Wachsman forever.
Distribution Executive Steven Odzer Balances His Growing Business, YBT Industries, with Family and Sports
With more than 30 years in the distribution business, Steven Odzer now serves as CEO of YBT Industries of Henderson, NV, a relatively new face on the distribution business landscape.
Steven Odzer recalls his early education and entrepreneurship this way: “I went to Yeshiva of Flatbush High School and then to the Brooklyn College Scholars program,” he says. “I started my first company at age 18 out of my parents’ basement. I was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000 in the area of distribution.”
YBT Industries
Although YBT is a new company, Steven Odzer applies the principles and lessons he has learned from three decades as a distributor. As YBT expands its business profile, Odzer anticipates exciting upcoming announcements about his new company’s growth.
Steven Odzer’s strong work ethic keeps him focused. Instead of aiming for retirement, he’s striving for the next big thing. YBT Industries holds that potential, he believes. But family, sports and political interests also keep him very busy.
Family Ties
Steven Odzer has already enjoyed a rich life. “I have seven kids and eight grandkids,” he says with a smile. “I also have many family members living in Israel and I am a large supporter of both Jewish and non-Jewish causes.” Odzer also stresses that he is “solid advocate of strong Arab-Jewish business cooperation.”
Odzer’s children, and even more so his grandchildren, keep him fit and on his toes, he says.
Yankees and Golden Knights
As a New York City area resident, Steven Odzer has always been a big fan of the New York Yankees baseball team, a club that has provided its fans with far more World Series championships than any other Major League Baseball organization. The Yankees are headed to the playoffs again in 2019.
But in recent years, Odzer has spent some of his time more than 2,500 miles away from New York, in Henderson, Nevada. While there, he fell in love with the Las Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. The Knights were the first expansion team in the top tier of any major American sport to reach the championship round of the playoffs in their very first season, 2017-2018.
Steven Odzer believes in giving everyone a chance.
“We promote and support agencies that hire people with disabilities,” he says. “And we are a large supporter of Bris Avrohom, a large non-profit founded in 1979 that helps Jewish immigrants from Russia adjust to life in the U.S.”
Another worthy organization that Steven Odzer has affection for is the AHRC Foundation, which provides financial assistance and support services for the benefit of individuals, especially children, who suffer from intellectual or other developmental disabilities.