Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business recently hosted a ceremony to recognize George W. Schafer, president and CEO of People’s Trust Insurance, as its 30th annual Business Leader of the Year.
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business recently held a ceremony honoring George W. Schafer.
President and CEO of People’s Trust Insurance, As 30th Business Leader of the Year.
The ceremony, held at Boca West Country Club, drew hundreds of attendees to honor not only his innovative and visionary leadership as a prominent businessman, but also his many years of community service and philanthropy.
“Receiving the Business Leader of the Year Award from Florida Atlantic University is more than just an honor, it is a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities and having a passion for innovation and hard work,” said Schaefer. said. “We deeply appreciate this recognition and remain committed to creating positive change and improving people’s lives.”
The son of Holocaust survivors, Schaefer immigrated to the United States from Hungary in 1956. He built OPI products from scratch and built the beauty care company into a market leader. After selling the company, he acquired professional hair color brand Aloxxi. Schaefer also became president and CEO of People’s Trust Insurance, an innovative Florida-based homeowners insurance company, in 2014.
Mr. Schaefer has made philanthropy a priority in his life. He founded the George and Irina Schaefer Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to various medical charities and hospitals, including the American Heart Association, the Leukemia Research Foundation and the American Lung Association.
“It’s an honor to celebrate George
Mr. Schaefer is a great people leader and a shining example of what is possible in America’s free enterprise economic system with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck.”“FAU’s College of Business is a great opportunity for students to get involved in the community,” said Dr. Daniel Gropper, dean of the FAU College of Business.
Rabbi Pini Danner of the Beverly Hills Synagogue and Tom Gallagher, chief operating officer of People’s Trust Insurance, also spoke, praising Schafer’s adaptability, generosity of spirit and consideration for those around him.
Sponsors of the event included People’s Trust Insurance (Diamond Sponsor); Florida Atlantic Executive Education (title sponsor); JM Family Enterprises
(Platinum Sponsor); and Robin and Elliott Brody (Platinum Sponsor).
FAU’s College of Business has presented the Business Leader of the Year Award since 1991, recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding business leaders in Southeast Florida and the state of Florida. Past recipients include Keith Koenig, Patrick Geraghty, Rick and Rita Case, Jordan Zimmerman, Jim Moran, Carl DeSantis, Alan Levan, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
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