Genesis

Author: Reece Loftus

  • Cookie Falack: A Philanthropic Leader in the Apparel Industry

    Cookie Falack: A Philanthropic Leader in the Apparel Industry

    In times of humanitarian crisis and conflict, it is crucial to recognize the individuals who step up to make a difference. A proud partner and member of Genesis Business Humanity Club, Cookie Falack, president and founder of Cookies Department Stores has continually made a host of dedicated efforts towards making a positive impact in the lives of others.

    Founded in 1973, Cookies Department Store has been a huge financial success for Falack, offering a wide array of apparel and accessories for children from the world’s biggest brands. With this lucrative success Fallack has dedicated himself to philanthropy, using his brand to provide for others ahead of his own monetary gain. 

    His contributions to innovation in Israel have set a benchmark for technological advancements in various industries such as healthcare, technology, and sustainability. By supporting Israel’s top 44 inventions, Cookie Falack has played a vital role in fostering progress and innovation. In doing so, he has not only improved the lives of people in Israel but also made a global impact.

    Today, to alleviate the indignant suffering taking place in and surrounding Israel, Falack is continuing to show support by focusing his effort and attention on the myriad relief efforts, fundraisers, and charities aiming to help those in need. 

    His unwavering commitment to making a positive impact has seen him involved with a number of reputable organizations such as Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Cookie Falack ensures that essential support is reaching the people who need it most during this time, this dedication to providing relief has and continues to make a tangible difference in protecting the lives of the countless innocent individuals and families in the region.

    The ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with thousands of lives lost and widespread destruction. Amidst this chaos, the significant impact of Cookie Falack’s donations has made a significant impact on organizations working tirelessly to alleviate suffering in the region. 

    These contributions provide much-needed resources for humanitarian efforts, including medical aid, food, and shelter. However, the immense scale of the crisis necessitates continued support from philanthropists and individuals interested in charity work. By donating to accountable and efficient charities, we can collectively make a difference and aid in the recovery and rebuilding of affected communities.

    However, support is still needed to ensure the long-term recovery and rebuilding of the affected communities. Thanks to the generosity of Genesis Business Humanity Club Member, Cookie Fallack, over $5,000 worth of supplies for families displaced after the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas is being shipped directly to Israel in early November. This donation coincides with a larger event being held by Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation at Red South Beach, Miami, wherein Fallack will be proudly admitted as an honoree of our organization.

    Cookie Falack’s philanthropic journey and contributions have made him an exemplary figure in the apparel industry and beyond. His unwavering support for medical aid and relief efforts to Israel and Gaza showcases the power of one person’s commitment to creating positive change. By donating to reputable organizations, supporting innovation, and providing essential resources, Cookie Falack has become a beacon of hope for many affected by crisis and conflict. Through his actions, he reminds us of the importance of compassion and the profound impact that kindness can have in the world. Let us continue to work together with individuals such as Cookie Falack to create a brighter future for those in need.

  • The Philanthropic Journey of Jay G. Goldman: Illuminating Lives Through Investment and Giving Back

    The Philanthropic Journey of Jay G. Goldman: Illuminating Lives Through Investment and Giving Back

    Renowned as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jay G. Goldman boasts an impressive career spanning across several decades. As the founder of J. Goldman & Co., L.P., an independent investment management firm, Goldman has made significant contributions to the financial industry. However, his accomplishments go beyond only financial success, as his dedication to philanthropy has illuminated the lives of many.

    Prior to founding the firm, which would epitomize his financial success, Goldman first honed his skills as a trader at prestigious firms such as Gruntal & Co., Arbitrage Securities Corporation, Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated, and Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb. His experience included options arbitrage, options hedging, and the trading of listed equity securities and Eurodollars. Armed with this and a B.S. in Economics obtained from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Goldman would commit to becoming an entrepreneur, founding his own company in 1986.

    J. Goldman & Co. is known for its investment philosophy based on fundamental analysis, a comprehensive understanding of the capital markets, and disciplined execution of investment ideas. The firm prides itself on achieving attractive risk-adjusted returns with low correlation and volatility for its customers across any and all market conditions. With a rigorous process of identifying, evaluating, and allocating capital, J. Goldman & Co. has established itself as a meritocracy where talent is rewarded, teamwork is demanded, and absolute integrity is required, but also as a catalyst for positive change.

    Goldman’s career in the financial industry has been marked by his deep knowledge and understanding of the capital markets. His dedication to fundamental analysis and disciplined execution have garnered him a reputation for achieving attractive risk-adjusted returns for his clients. With over three decades of continuous operation, J. Goldman & Co. stands as a testament to Goldman’s commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate the complexities of the investment landscape.

    While Goldman’s financial expertise has set him apart, his commitment to philanthropy has set him on a path to making a lasting impact on society. Recognizing the importance of giving back to the community, Goldman has utilized his resources to support various causes close to his heart. For over 50 years, he has been actively involved in the Jewish Federation, serving as a volunteer fundraiser, and now he joins the Genesis Business Humanity Club as a dedicated member.

    Representing a blend of financial success, leadership, and generosity, Jay G. Goldman has achieved remarkable success in the industry while embodying the principles of Genesis Business Humanity. In recognition of the remarkable contributions he has made throughout his career and his continued support of Israel, Goldman will be named an honoree of the Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation during our October 26 Miami Event. Showcasing compassion and leadership while remaining a staunch ally of Israel, Jay G. Goldman will continue to be an exemplary model for others.

  • Member Spotlight: Aaron Hammer

    Member Spotlight: Aaron Hammer

    Genesis Business Humanity Board Member Aaron Hammer is an energetic and highly effective polymath, contributing to improving lives through his work as a respected attorney, investor, entrepreneur,  thought leader, and philanthropist. He devotes his time, treasure, and talent to leadership organizations, professional associations, charitable causes, and more, blending his experience in business with a passion for the hospitality industry and lifelong commitment to the betterment of society.

    In addition to his membership in Genesis Club, Aaron is an active member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO), a premier leadership organization that provides a global platform for chief executives to engage, learn, and grow.  As Membership Officer for YPO’s Chicagoland Chapter and Illinois Area Chair for the YPO Mid-American Region, Aaron is committed to identifying and developing future leaders destined to impact organizations and the community they serve.

    As Past President of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) and TMA Global Executive Board Member, Aaron is dedicated to the corporate turnaround community both locally and globally.  As a champion of the TMA Chicago/Midwest Chapter’s Executive Speaker Forum (ESF), Aaron has led teams in bringing a dozen world leaders to Chicago over the last decade to engage TMA membership on political and economic issues.  Past ESF honorees include President George W. Bush, Senator Mitt Romney, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen.

    As Co-Director of Development and Board Member of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Midwest, Aaron is committed to fighting antisemitism, hate, and bullying in every form.  He is an active fundraiser for ADL causes and champion of ADL’s First Amendment Freedoms Art & Essay Contest, which offers students the opportunity to earn scholarships for submissions on how the First Amendment affects their daily lives and provides educators with the resources they need to facilitate that discussion.

    Aaron devotes his legal practice to solving his client’s most challenging insolvency and creditors’ rights issues by emphasizing a practical, business-oriented, relationship-based approach in both distressed transactions and related litigation. Over twenty-five years, Aaron has led major engagements on behalf of corporate borrowers, lenders, and financiers and, most notably, bankruptcy committees in hundreds of significant bankruptcies and workouts across the country and in many foreign countries. He is a shareholder and partner at the global AmLaw 100 firm Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockton LLP (KTS) in its national Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring practice group.

    Raised in an international family business, Aaron carries on his family’s tradition of entrepreneurship as a principal, partner, and investor in special situations and healthy transactions, with a focus on hospitality, professional services, and real estate.

    Aaron is the Managing Partner of Bisteca Hospitality Group LLC. In this capacity, Aaron manages restaurant operations, business development, and strategy for Red South Beach and its related businesses. Prior to this role, Aaron was (and remains) an active investor in multiple award-winning restaurants, including a fine dining concept with 3 Michelin stars, an iconic gastropub that boasts Bon Appétite’s top cheeseburger in America, as well as TimeOut Chicago‘s top fast-casual ramen shop with multiple city-wide locations.

    Aaron is a founder and principal of Calle Piedra LLC, which owns and operates a dozen high-end luxury villas in Marbella, Spain. He previously served as chairman of the board of NuCheck Advantage, a nationally recognized background checking and technology firm, as Chairman of the Executive Committee of Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP, and on the four-person Executive Committee of HMB Legal Counsel, which combined with KTS in March 2024.

    Less than 12 months after graduating magna cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law at the top of his class, Aaron was appointed to the faculty as an adjunct professor of law, where he revolutionized the insolvency curriculum by developing three new insolvency classes and teaching them to over 300 students for nearly a decade. 

    Aaron was the youngest professor ever appointed to the school’s faculty in its then 100+ year history at age 25. Since then, Aaron has received nearly continuous recognition for his achievements in law for his clients and the larger corporate turnaround community. Aaron has been recognized as an advocate for his creative solutions in the most challenging insolvency matters by leading publications such as Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Turnarounds & Workouts, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times. 

    On February 3, 2023, The M&A Advisor announced the winners of its 17th Annual Turnaround Awards. Aaron Hammer was named “Legal Advisor of the Year” for his extraordinary track record of client representations, including many notable recent transactions and disputes resolved and lifelong contributions to the turnaround industry. Genesis Business Humanity Club is honored to have Aaron as a Board Member, contributing his strategic mind, creative approach to problem-solving, and legal expertise to our organization and the entrepreneurs we support.

    Learn more about Aaron here.

  • Member Spotlight: Harley Lippman and Diversity as a Blessing

    Member Spotlight: Harley Lippman and Diversity as a Blessing

    In 1999, Harley Lippman asked 12 of his former colleagues to help him build a professional technology services firm that companies across the U.S. would rely on to deliver experienced, professional business and IT talent. Ten colleagues said yes, and the company was named Genesis10 in their honor.

    Today, Genesis10 is a talent, workforce solutions, and technology consulting firm. Recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as one of the Largest IT Staffing Firms in the U.S., the company is dedicated to helping companies implement business and technology initiatives cost-effectively. Genesis10’s unique hybrid service model adapts and scales to deliver proven business and technology professionals how, when, and where needed.

    Clients include some of the world’s most recognized public and private companies in industries including financial services, energy, healthcare, insurance, communications, consumer products, manufacturing, and technology.

    Based in New York, Genesis10 has grown organically and has more than 2,000 employees and consultants and more than 20 sales and recruiting offices throughout North America, including three U.S.-based delivery centers.

    Prior to starting Genesis10, Harley was the founder and sole owner of Triad Data Inc., an information technology consulting firm. Harley sold Triad Data in 1998 just before founding Genesis10.

    Harley serves on the boards of many business, educational and cultural organizations. Among them, he is:

    • A member of United States Agency for International Development’s Partnership for Peace Advisory Board
      (he was appointed by the Biden administration to sit on this advisory board addressing ways to improve relations between the Israeli and Palestinian people.  The goal is to bring them together and build trust without the involvement of the Israeli government or Palestinian Authority)
    • A member of the US Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad by Presidential appointment and Senate confirmation (appointed by Bush and reappointed by Obama, Trump, and Biden)
    • A Board Member of Yale University Business School of Management
    • An Advisory Board Member of Columbia University’s Graduate School of International and Public Affairs 
    • A Political Leadership Council and Executive Committee Member, American Israel Public Affairs Committee
    • An Executive Committee Member, Middle East Forum
    • A trustee, The Brookings Institution
    • A trustee, The Washington Institute

    Neurodiversity A Multiplier

    In 2023, Genesis10 became certified as a Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE), which is granted to businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, controlled, and managed by a person with a disability.

    Our CEO Harley Lippman is neurodivergent.

    In a 2013 interview with Forbes, Harley shared, “For me, it strengthens other traits that I have, like intuition, and being able to read people. It also forces me to ask people to give me the bottom line first.”

    Harley has always asked people to begin with the bottom line—start with the outcome, ensure mutual understanding, and then discuss supporting particulars. This approach, which encourages transparency, curiosity, deep listening, and a focus on what matters, laid the cornerstones of the company’s culture.

    Be present. Listen deeply. Execute. It’s how we do business. It’s how we separate ourselves from our peers. Unchanged since our founding in 1999.

    While some may describe neurodiversity as a deficit, we believe it’s a multiplier.

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    Giving Back

    A dedicated philanthropist, Harley and his family have been caring for children in Cambodia for more than 20 years. Near Phnom Penh, they built the Children First Center, which opened in 2018. At the center, the family helps the children with their education through college and, to date, have paid college tuition for 11 children. The family also supports an English-language center in Siem Reap, paying the salaries of two teachers. Harley and his family will be involved in the lives of the children of Cambodia for years to come.

    Harley also has funded efforts since 2009 to explore an overlooked aspect of the Holocaust. He works to find mass graves where Jews were murdered and buried. He has memorials to honor and preserve their memory throughout the year. He made a documentary on this, Safeguarding Memory, which appeared on PBS and won two awards. He also funds scholarships and financial aid programs for American military veterans – particularly soldiers who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    In keeping with their core values, Genesis10 actively encourages and makes it possible for their team to give back and support dozens of diverse charities and other organizations with contributions of time, energy, financial and other forms of support. You can learn about some of the many organizations that benefit here.

    This article was originally published by Genesis10.