FAU Honors George W. Schaeffer as Business Leader of the Year

Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business recently hosted a ceremony to honor George W. Schaeffer, president and CEO of People’s Trust Insurance, as its 30^th Business Leader of the Year.

The ceremony at Boca West Country Club drew hundreds of attendees to celebrate Schaeffer not only for his innovative and visionary leadership as a prominent business figure, but also his years of service to the community and his philanthropy.

“Receiving the Business Leader of the Year Award from Florida Atlantic University is not just an honor but a validation of how important it is to take chances and have a passion for innovation and hard work,” Schaeffer said. “I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgment and remain dedicated to creating positive change and bettering people’s lives.”

Schaeffer, the son of Holocaust survivors, immigrated to the United States from Hungary in 1956. He launched OPI products from the ground up, building the beauty care company into a market leader. After selling the company, he acquired professional hair color brand Aloxxi. Schaeffer also took on the role of president and CEO of People’s Trust Insurance in 2014, an innovative Florida-based homeowner insurance company.

Schaeffer has made philanthropy a priority in his life. He created the George and Irina Schaeffer Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to various health care charities and hospitals such as the American Heart Association, the Leukemia Research Foundation, and the National Lung Association.     

“We are honored to celebrate George Schaeffer who is a tremendous leader of people and a wonderful example of what is possible in the American free enterprise economic system with hard work, determination and a bit of good luck,” said Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Business.

Rabbi Pini Dunner of Beverly Hills Synagogue and Tom Gallagher, chief operating officer of People’s Trust Insurance, also spoke and commemorated Schaeffer’s adaptability, generosity of spirit and concern 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 Broidy (platinum sponsor).

FAU’s College of Business has presented the Business Leader of the Year award since 1991, celebrating the legacies of outstanding business leaders in the Southeast region of Florida and the state. Past recipients include Keith Koenig, Patrick Geraghty, Rick and Rita Case, Jordan Zimmerman, Jim Moran, Carl DeSantis, Alan Levan and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

-FAU-