At the helm of YBT Industries in Cedarhurst, New York, stands Steven Odzer, a CEO with a rich background exceeding three decades in the realms of distribution and shipping. His leadership is characterized by a strategic, efficient approach, coupled with a strong emphasis on mentoring, nurturing a vibrant company culture, and a commitment to ongoing learning for enhancing both performance and profitability. As a father of seven and a grandfather to nine, Odzer's personal life deeply informs his professional demeanor, imbuing him with a profound understanding of patience and empathy. These qualities are reflected in his business philosophy, which is rooted in a family-oriented perspective, a dedication to community service, and a firm belief in providing employment opportunities to people with disabilities, fostering their sense of independence and self-confidence. His insights on business strategy underscore the criticality of a well-thought-out approach for organizational longevity. He empathizes with the challenges new CEOs face, highlighting the risks of over-commitment in the early stages of leadership. His advice for strategic development is twofold: clarity in one's priorities and a thorough understanding of how available resources align with these goals. He proposes six essential strategic guidelines for novice CEOs: Clearly articulate your vision. Develop a nuanced understanding of your competitive strengths. Set clear production objectives. Focus on simple, systematic growth patterns. Always maintain a holistic view. Strive to keep your team engaged and satisfied. He likens the CEO's role to that of a symphony conductor, guiding without overtly intervening in the individual performance of team members. Steven Odzer sees mentoring as a cornerstone of effective CEO leadership. He urges CEOs to commit substantial time to mentoring their teams, stressing the dual role of a CEO as both a business leader and a chief mentor. This involves regular mentoring sessions, fostering transparent relationships with executives, aligning team efforts with company goals, and providing the necessary resources for optimal performance. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging exceptional work, encouraging open communication, and conducting focused meetings with actionable outcomes.