Stephen Odzer

Stephen Odzer recently discussed the opening of the Silver Knights’ new Lifeguard Arena.

 The city of Henderson, Nevada, has seen major changes in 2020. The Silver Knights, the city’s new resident professional ice hockey team, has now opened the doors of a new practice facility. Hockey fanatic Stephen Odzer recently discussed the new Lifeguard Arena and what it means for the team and the local community. 

Stephen Odzer began by stating that the facility opened its doors for the first time on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. Lifeguard Arena spans 120,000 square feet and was built in partnership with the city, giving the Silver Knights a home and providing a location for many youth and community events. 

“A new practice facility may not sound that exciting to some, but Lifeguard Arena is so much more than that,” Stephen Odzer said. “This facility will give the Silver Knights a home, and it will also provide more opportunities for area youth to get involved in the sport of hockey.” 

Stephen Odzer explained that the Silver Knights will join the American Hockey League in the 2020-21 season. This exciting addition to the league is a major positive for hockey fans throughout Nevada and across the country. 

Stephen Odzer added that the Silver Knights will continue to play their official games in Orleans Arena until a new game rink is completed at the Henderson Event Center in two years. He added that Lifeguard Arena has a similar design to City National Arena, featuring team space for the Knights, two ice sheets, a retail space, and a meeting space. Stephen Odzer added that the arena will also house a coffee bar and restaurant set to open in the future. 

“The arena will also feature a Silver Knights fan shop, and the team has recently released its jersey design,” Stephen Odzer said. “It’s an exciting time for the Henderson community.” 

Stephen Odzer added that this facility will expand the youth hockey programs offered by the Golden Knights. The new arena allows more space for teams, and ultimately, more opportunities for area youth to play hockey and enjoy all of the physical and mental benefits the sport provides. 

Lifeguard Arena is currently awaiting the Silver Knights and 2020-21 hockey season. However, Stephen Odzer stated it’s likely area residents will begin seeing events taking place at the facility. It’s an exciting change in 2020 that provides hope and opportunity for local hockey fanatics. 

Over a million people have succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside of deaths, millions have lost their income, and social distancing is keeping people isolated. Some even fear that social isolation could break communities apart, but for entrepreneur Stephen Odzer, the pandemic also offers an opportunity for togetherness and service.

“When we think of history, we often think of great leaders, like Winston Churchill,” Stephen Odzer says. “However, I’d argue that history has been as shaped by communities as anything else. People who work together can accomplish extraordinary things. Right now, we all have to come together to fight COVID-19.”

One way people and communities can fight COVID-19 is through philanthropy. In April, the Wall Street Journal reported that donations to medical research had surged some $13 billion. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey pledged $1 billion, while the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation put forward $355 million. Since then, more continue to give. Stephen Odzer has also pledged resources and has set up a non-profit specifically to combat COVID-19.

“We all have to do our part. That’s how we get through this,” Stephen Odzer contends. “Right now, I am launching a charitable organization to donate masks and other critical supplies to those in need. It’s not about me, however, it’s about us. Those who are able should step forward and provide what they can. If we all do our part, we will emerge stronger from this tragedy.”

Stephen Odzer Talks About How to Make the Biggest Impact During the Pandemic

A lone individual can offer only a limited number of skills and resources. Even the most talented individuals, whether that’s Bill Gates or Stephen Odzer, can offer only so much. However, a community can gather a lot of resources and exceptional but diverse skills. By pooling resources and leveraging various skills, groups of people can accomplish tremendous things.

“Whenever I approach philanthropy, I ask myself if I can bring something unique to the table. If so, I pursue ideas that allow me to use my skills to serve the community. Throughout my life I’ve done a lot of work in distribution, so right now I am working to get masks and vital supplies to where they need to go,” Stephen Odzer points out.

The COVID-19 pandemic may alter global society. Travel has come to a standstill, millions are putting education on hold, others have had to pause their career. Stephen Odzer has set aside some of his entrepreneurial ambitions, but not his efforts to serve the community.

Many experts now believe that shutdowns and other measures will be necessary until a vaccine is developed and distributed. This likely won’t happen until early 2021 according to some medical professionals. Yet together communities can make conditions more bearable now and in the future.

Stephen Odzer adds, “I’ve seen a lot of talented individuals in tech, in medicine, in mental health, in many other areas step forward to offer their own skills amid this pandemic. It has been both aspiring and humbling. Together, we can beat COVID-19, the members of my own communities have convinced me of that.”

The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Everyone and Stephen Odzer Has Set Up a New COVID-19 Donation Fund To Help Those in Need of Masks

The coronavirus pandemic has had an adverse impact on everyone. This public health crisis has touched all corners of the world, infecting millions of people and leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Even though there are some cities that are starting to reopen once again, the reality is that the virus is going to be with us for the foreseeable future. Because of this, it is important to continue supporting one another. Stephen Odzer has set up a COVID-19 donation fund to help those in need of masks. Stephen Odzer knows that people are in need of food, medical supplies, and other support during this difficult time, which is where this donation fund comes in handy to help those in need of masks.

Stephen Odzer Discusses the Importance of Following the COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines

Stephen Odzer continues to follow the guidance of public health officials and encourages everyone to do the same. According to Stephen Odzer, the following are some of the most important guidelines to remember. First, people should wear a mask whenever they are going to be within six feet of someone else. Scientific studies have shown that wearing a mask will reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other people. Finally, it is also important for everyone to wash their hands on a regular basis to reduce the spread of the virus.

Stephen Odzer Discusses the Assistance of the Donation Fund

At the same time, Stephen Odzer knows that there are a lot of people who are still in need of assistance. This is where the COVID-19 donation fund is helpful. This fund is designed to raise money for those who desperately need funds for masks to keep themselves and their families safe during this time. With so many people losing their jobs, Stephen Odzer knows that many people are having trouble trying to make ends meet and be able to afford proper masks. If this fund can make even a slight improvement in the lives of others during this serious public health crisis, then it’s worth all the effort.

Stephen Odzer Discusses the Future Amidst the Pandemic

Stephen Odzer is still concerned that many people may be talking about the pandemic as if it is in the past. While there are some people who are saying a vaccine is going to be ready soon, a vaccine might not be ready until 2021. Therefore, it is important for everyone to remain strong and continue to follow the guidance of public health officials. Wearing a mask can ultimately reduce the spread of the virus and protect those who are most vulnerable.

Stephen Odzer, a Jewish entrepreneur and philanthropist, makes a charitable donation for $100,000 worth of goods to benefit NYC hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, putting a huge dent in the world’s economy. One place that has been hit especially hard by the virus is New York City. Thousands of people in the city have died in the city’s hospitals. To help protect the medical professionals fighting the virus on the frontlines, Stephen Odzer wanted to do his part to help doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in the NYC hospitals.

When Stephen Odzer saw the need in the New York City hospitals, he knew he had to do something. “I am a large supporter of many Jewish and non-Jewish causes,” he says.

Knowing that masks, hand sanitizer, and other essential items were in short supply, he decided to raise funds to buy more supplies for frontline workers. To do this, Stephen Odzer called Rabbi Eitan Rubin, the head of Beit Midrash of Great Neck, a yeshiva on Long Island. Stephen Odzer is a native of Brooklyn whose son studies at Rabbi Rubin’s yeshiva. The yeshiva had become a makeshift distribution center, which supplied masks and hand sanitizer to New York City hospitals for free.

Stephen Odzer said one reason he called Rabbi Rubin was, “He’s a rabbi — the way his brain works is he wanted to know how do we help people.”

Stephen Odzer asked Rabbi Rubin if he could find investors for the philanthropy project. Stephen Odzer was the first to make a charitable donation, which consisted of $100,000 worth of goods for the NYC hospitals. Other investors and contributors helped to raise funds for an initial order of 35,000 N95 respirator masks and 4,000 hand sanitizer dispensers. Another 50,000 masks and 8,000 hand sanitizer dispensers were also promised. Hospitals that benefited from the charitable act included Mount Sinai, Maimonides, and Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Stephen Odzer went to Yeshiva of Flatbush High School and then to the Brooklyn College Scholars Program. He has been in the distribution business for over 30 years. He got his start at the age of 18 when he founded his first company in his parents’ basement. In 2000, Stephen Odzer was named the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the area of distribution. Besides a successful businessman, Stephen Odzer is also a family man. He has 7 children and 9 grandchildren, with much of his family in Israel.

Many young people getting started in business have the same goal that Stephen Odzer had when he started a business out of his parents’ basement at age 18: to become a visionary. While the word visionary may mean different things to different people, Stephen Odzer believes that being a visionary means creating progressive solutions to problems, while staying true to the beliefs and values that matter to you the most.

Stephen Odzer’s distribution business has taken the industry by storm, and he’s heralded by many as one of the top distribution professionals in the field. Stephen Odzer believes in looking at long-standing problems in your industry and utilizing your imagination in order to create new solutions. According to Stephen Odzer, having a vision for a better future within your industry is key for making long-standing changes that will be recognized by others as changing the game.

Stephen Odzer also recommends respectfully challenging the way that things have always been done. While you may be hesitant to speak up if you’re a newcomer to your industry, Stephen Odzer encourages you to remember that you have what others in the industry don’t – a fresh set of eyes that can bring a new perspective to systems. Taking a look at the way that things have always been done and searching for a more efficient, cost-effective way to change long-standing systems can go a long way in helping you to recognize your vision of changing your industry.

Above all else, Stephen Odzer encourages young people to change their business to keep people first in all that you do. When you change things for your company, you want to be sure that both employees and consumers are positively affected. While it can take some time for those affected by the change to get behind differences in the way things have always been done, your goal should always be an end product that makes life easier and better for everyone involved, according to Stephen Odzer.

If you’re set on becoming a visionary in your industry, Stephen Odzer says that you’re already on the right track. Setting out to make things better and different can be hard, and many people are afraid to suggest new ideas and rock the boat. Stephen Odzer says that people who consider themselves visionaries are different. If you’re ready to switch up your industry, question the status quo, and search for new solutions, you’re on the fast track to being able to include yourself in the visionary category.

The coronavirus pandemic has people from all levels trying to do what they can, and philanthropists like Stephen Odzer are trying their best to get things back to a safe place.

Various people and organizations are trying their best to make things go more smoothly and safely during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly aiming to make sure that the pandemic ends sooner and with as few deaths as possible. Whether it is accomplished through donating items or money, philanthropists are really stepping up to contribute. This is not the easiest thing to accomplish, given the severity of the pandemic, but Stephen Odzer explains how and why philanthropists are so invested in getting this crisis taken care of sooner than later.

Stephen Odzer: Why are Philanthropists so Invested in Dealing with the Pandemic?

Some of the ways that philanthropists like Stephen Odzer are trying to help during the pandemic is by getting supplies to the people that need them. For example, a lot of hospitals have been, at least early on, needing a lot more supplies than they had available, due to how unprecedented the coronavirus pandemic was. Philanthropists will either focus on giving money to organizations in order to get the materials themselves, or they try to acquire and supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks.

One of the simplest reasons that philanthropists like Stephen Odzer want to get involved is that philanthropists, being potential victims of the pandemic themselves, are able to use their money to push measures designed to improve conditions. After all, they’re still people, whose friends, family, and themselves are all at risk of getting sick. Granted, they’re more stable, but they want to take care of their loved ones. Conversely, they want to make sure that they can help people do the same when they do not have the money or the means to do so themselves. This is not to suggest that philanthropists only care because caring benefits them and their loved ones. Indeed, some may, but philanthropists like Stephen Odzer and many other philanthropists see something that they can do to help and having the tools to do so, go ahead with it.

There are also philanthropists who are helping out from other angles, Stephen Odzer explains. For instance, America is facing unprecedented levels of unemployment due to states closing businesses to reduce infection and death. This is understandable and has helped curb both, but workers need to be able to afford food, shelter, and general safety, Stephen Odzer notes. Some philanthropists are working to help offset that burden. People who are struggling with joblessness may benefit from certain charities, particularly due to the circumstances of said unemployment, Stephen Odzer explains. Such philanthropy confers a world of good for all the people left out in the cold by Covid-19.

Businessman and philanthropist Stephen Odzer discusses the unique benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

Less than 20 years ago, qualified job applicants with disabilities were regularly screened out of traditional hiring practices. Thankfully, the passing of the ADA Amendments Act in 2009, guaranteed superior accommodation for many Americans with disabilities. Even more, superior technology, recruiting processes, and access to new training techniques mean that today, businesses can successfully hire disabled employees who may need certain support systems. Businessman and philanthropist Stephen Odzer recently discussed the unique benefits businesses enjoy when hiring people with disabilities.

“For countless years, disabled potential employees were simply skipped over in the hiring process,” Stephen Odzer said. “Not only was that unfair to the people seeking employment, businesses were missing out on valuable assets too.”

Stephen Odzer explained numerous studies have shown that businesses enjoy numerous benefits when choosing to hire qualified applicants with disabilities. Stephen Odzer stated that one obvious benefit is a larger hiring pool. Applicants who were more than qualified but immediately discarded in the past, are now not being cut out immediately. This means employers actually have a chance to review their applications, achievements, and skill sets.

Stephen Odzer added that workplace diversity is essential, and disabled employees add to this diversity. Employing people from various cultures and walks of life can provide more insight into what customers want and create more room for varying ideas. Many times, people of different backgrounds and different abilities have different ways of thinking. One person may not see a solution to a problem, but somebody else of a different background may use their varying life experience to solve the problem. Stephen Odzer explained that a person with a disability may have different outlooks and ideas than those who haven’t dealt with such challenges.

Businessmen like Stephen Odzer explain that employees with disabilities can positively impact the other employees in the workplace. Studies have shown that businesses with employees with disabilities see a positive impact on the retention of current employees. They also see an increased work ethic among those working for the company. Staff morale as a whole is shown to be higher with a more diverse workplace, especially those including disabled employees.

“Recorded studies from 1998 through 2020, have shown that numerous positive business opportunities are shown with the hiring of qualified applicants with disabilities,” Stephen Odzer said. “Employees are more dedicated and show higher morale. Higher morale results in higher productivity, and higher productivity results in higher profits.”

Stephen Odzer suggested that hiring qualified employees with disabilities isn’t just beneficial to the employee; it’s beneficial to the company as a whole. 

Stephen Odzer discusses the aid provided to Coronavirus victims in Israel and how it could be improved going forward.

Stephen Odzer has been donating his time and money to those in need in Israel for decades. Over the years, Stephen Odzer spent part of his time with his family in New York, while spending the rest of his time with his family living in Israel. Moreover, Odzer believes in the need for Israelis all over the world to help the country whenever possible. With the spread of Coronavirus, the need for aid to victims in Israel has never been greater.

People (and even some celebrities) from all around the world are currently donating their time, money, and supplies to Israel. These donations and volunteer efforts have not been in vain either. Israel has had one of the most successful responses to Coronavirus thus far. Stephen Odzer counts himself among the philanthropists who have contributed, though he’s more interested in how friends of Israel can improve and bolster their efforts to completely eradicate the virus in the country.

Stephen Odzer Talks about Sending Aid to Israel’s Coronavirus Victims

Many Israel doctors and nurses have already returned to the homeland to provide aid to their Israeli brethren in need. Additionally, money and medical supplies are coming in from all over the world. However, Stephen Odzer believes that we can do better:

• “The current state of Coronavirus in Israel is stable, but far from perfect. Government actions have been swift, but there’s only so much you can do against a fast-spreading virus. Now is the time to increase efforts to thwart this disease. It will be difficult, but not impossible.” – Stephen Odzer

 

• “While the government of Israel holds the burden for its people, we also have a duty to help our fellow Israelis. Aid in the form of money, medical equipment, and medical professionals needs to increase. That’s the only way that Israel will rise from this crisis without experiencing a significant economic and potential security crisis.” – Stephen Odzer

 

• “New Zealand completely eradicated Coronavirus. It was the first country to do so. Other countries like South Korea and France have done well at isolating hot-spots and preventing the spread of the virus before it could even start. With the kind of technology that our government can access, there’s no reason that we can bring the number of active cases in Israel to zero as well.” – Stephen Odzer

 

• “The key is collective action on the part of the international community. From its very first days, Israel has had a target on its back. The impact of Coronavirus could open the door to violence and disruption of daily life throughout the country. To stop this, we must aid the Israeli government and charitable organizations to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep victims from succumbing to this deadly virus.” – Stephen Odzer

The fight against COVID-19 involves many nations trying to keep it from spreading, but it’s not an easy one by any means. Stephen Odzer explains how Israel’s tech sector is helping.

There are a lot of different ways that people are trying to employ to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, however, the battle is certainly an uphill one, as we are still a fairly long way out from a vaccine being developed. As a result, many of the solutions are more about preventing those affected by COVID-19 from causing others to contract it. In one such case, the Israeli technology sector has been hard at work, trying to develop ways that people can do this more easily, and Stephen Odzer explains how they’re doing it.

Stephen Odzer on How The Israeli Tech Sector is Combating Covid-19

Stephen Odzer notes that there are a lot of at-risk groups when it comes to covid-19, and one of the groups that puts themselves most at risk are medical specialists, who have to not only have frequent contact with patients, but also have to deal with a constrained supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Stephen Odzer finds it especially sad how medical personnel are forced to improvise to the extent that they are. Thankfully, the Israeli tech sector is hard at work, creating ways around this. One of the ways is through an experimental surgical mask that contains a virus-neutralizing sticker. This was developed at the Galilee Medical Center, and the sticker was created using 3D printing by the Technion-Israel Institute. Stephen Odzer explains that the sticker uses nanofibers to capture nanoparticles and, if things work out, disinfect any viruses caught in those nanoparticles, including the coronavirus. Meanwhile, even high school students are getting in on it, Stephen Odzer explains. Students are producing robots that can help in situations where contact with patients would not be entirely safe for medical personnel. This remote-controlled robot is not only able to deliver both medicine and food but also has a two-way screen that allows the staff to communicate with patients as needed.

One of the big problems many countries face, Stephen Odzer notes, is when they have to rely on other countries for their supplies. Countries are struggling to supply their own citizenry with PPE and other necessary supplies, much less when they are providing them for other countries. In order to not be dependent on other countries for this, Naomi Habib, professor at the school’s Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Science, proposed using small magnets to help Israel with COVID-19 testing and reduce how much is needed for each test. These are just some examples of how technologists from Israel are doing their duty to help fight COVID-19 — not only at home, but abroad as well. Stephen Odzer looks forward to seeing how things develop as time goes on.

The Stephen Odzer Foundation committee will soon announce the winners of the scholarship program. The Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program provided 20 scholarships valued at $1000 each. “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. Those students who applied for the award had to be enrolled in a college or a university. High school students were also eligible if they have a college acceptance letter. Winners of the scholarship will receive their award to start the fall 2020 term.

Students who decided to apply for the award had to submit proof of enrollment or acceptance, and they had to write a 500-word essay answering the question, “What is the biggest issue facing our modern society.” Future applicants can learn more about future scholarship opportunities by visiting https://www.stephenodzerscholarship.com/.

“The Stephen Odzer Scholarship Program is a way for me to give back to the community,” Steven Odzer says. 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 attended Yeshiva of Flatbush High School and moved to the Brooklyn College Scholars program. With his first business, Steven Odzer sold paper cups, napkins, and plates, which he sold door to door in his neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn. 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.

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. Aside from assisting young students to 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.

In his free time, Steven Odzer likes to spend time with his seven children and attending a Yankees game. He also mentions his grandkids keep him on his toes, and Steven is about to welcome his 10th grandchild.