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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.

October 26, 2023
Genesis Business Humanity Names Three Additional Honorees for October 26th Fundraiser at RED South Beach
Omar Hernandez, Charlie Tebele, and Nandy Serrano’s lifetime commitments to supporting the local and global Jewish community will be celebrated along with other distinguished guests, actors, and artists

Singer Sophia Toledano will be performing and a multi-platform auction will include luxury items, experiences, and opportunities to support families in Israel

October 25, 2023; Miami Beach, Florida; Tel Aviv Israel – Genesis Business Humanity Club, a private network including business and philanthropic leaders who identify meaningful technologies developed in Israel and bring them to the Americas, today announced additional honorees who will be recognized for their ongoing generosity and commitment to Israel at a fund raising event on October 26^th at RED South Beach. The event will benefit orphans, widows, children, and families in Israel, in partnership with Simcha Connections and other organizations.

“The Genesis Business Humanity team, our amazing Members, and our newly established Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation leaders are blessed beyond words with the tremendous response we have received,” said Amiel Aviman, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Genesis Business Humanity and its related non-profit foundation, both based in Miami.

“Attending this event will raise funds and awareness around the opportunity to ensure orphaned children, widows, and families in Israel will have access to resources and can set out on a path for a successful life of joy and promise,” said Ranny Yarom, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Genesis Business Humanity as well as Co-founder and Co-Chairman of the related non-profit foundation.

Entertainment includes singer Sophia Toledo, who will be performing along with Ksana, singer and stage performer including Mirror of Enigma, and Gaynor van Vuuren, international pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, music director, and fashion designer.

A hybrid auction is live for online bidding and includes a wide range of fine art, luxury products, five-star vacations, unique experiences, sports memorabilia, and more. The auction is being run by Grandstand Sports, with the online auction available on the Philanthropy Refined platform here.

Generous donations of auction items have been given by:
- B&G Guitars: based in Israel and providing the highest quality customized guitars to musicians around the world. B&G has donated a $25,000 gold guitar; a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
- Fine Artist Daniel Mazzone: Scream in Silence, a large-scale limited edition print of one of Mazzone’s finest works.
- Aroma360: a fragrance system for beautiful homes used by top celebrities.
- Go Florida Boating: a four-hour luxury yacht excursion for ten people.
- Zero G: two zero-gravity experiences on a specially modified Boeing 727.
- RED South Beach: dinner for four at one of the most celebrated restaurants in America and the location for tomorrow’s event.
- Elizabeth Sutton Collection: limited edition print of one of Sutton’s most popular works, depicting IDF soldiers shoulder-to-shoulder.
Additionally, the iconic children’s retailer, Cookies Kids, has donated more than $5,000 worth of supplies, apparel, and accessories which will be shipped to Israel and delivered to the neo-natal babies, infants, toddlers, children, orphans and mothers whose lives were forever changed by the violent attacks on kibbutzim on October 7. This package will be available to bid on, and will positively affect so many families who are suffering in Israel.

This special event is nearly sold out, but individual tickets and tables are still available as of press time.

For event information and tickets, please visit this page.

ABOUT GENESIS BUSINESS HUMANITY

Genesis Club members are part of an exclusive network of industry leaders and entrepreneurs committed to supporting businesses who share our mission to serve humanity. The Genesis Club has developed a new economic framework which balances financial, social, environmental, and human capital, and electrifies innovation and success.

Learn more at https://genesisbh.net/

ABOUT GENESIS FRIENDS FOR LIFE GLOBAL FOUNDATION

The Genesis Friends For Life Global Foundation is made up of an extraordinary team of volunteers, partners, and dedicated staff. On October 7, 2023, during the holiday of Shmini Atzeret, Hamas terrorists launched a violent, bloody attack on Israel from Gaza, firing thousands of rockets, breaching the country’s borders, and killing and wounding over 1,000 innocent people.

Working with our Genesis Business Humanity Board of Directors and Membership, and with long-standing philanthropic partners, we are focused on support the orphans, widows, children, and families to rebuild homes and communities following following this horrific attack. We believe Israel will prevail and the Jewish people will stand together as they always do. Am Yisrael Chai.

For more information or to donate or volunteer please visit https://www.genesisglobalfoundation.org/.

ABOUT RED SOUTH BEACH

Since 2008, our mission has been to infuse every dish with passion and extend dedication to every guest. RED South Beach is the place Miami Beach locals turn to for celebrating life’s moments or savoring exceptional cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. As one of America’s Top 10 Steakhouses, Chef Peter Vauthy pays homage to timeless recipes while delivering impeccable service.

RED South Beach offers a warm setting for special occasions. Our newly expanded location boasts a 3000 sq. ft. outdoor patio, two intimate private dining rooms, and an exclusive glass-enclosed VIP room. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, corporate event, or gathering with loved ones, our private spaces create unforgettable memories.

For more information, please visit https://www.redsobe.com/.

MEDIA INQUIRES:

Cynthia Artin

Genesis Digital

info@genesisbh.net

+1 845 664 8484

DONATION AND SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES:

Arti Loftus

Genesis Friend for Life Global Foundation (London Office)

info@genesisglobalfoundation.org
October 26, 2023
Genesis Business Humanity and Red South Beach Name October 26th Event Honorees As Funding For Families in Israel Grows
Stars are aligning, with appearances from major Israeli actors and musical artists including:
- Yaakov Zada-Daniel, star of the Netflix Hit Series Fauda and multiple international films
- Omer Hazan, known for his acting roles in Al Techaki, The Engineer and Asfur
- Ksana, singer and stage performer including Mirror of Enigma
- Gaynor van Vuuren, international pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, music director, and fashion designer
Five long-time philanthropists and friends of Israel will be honored including:
- Jon Berger
- Harley Lippman
- Cookie Falack
- Nigel Kneafsey
October 24, 2023; Miami Beach, Florida; Tel Aviv Israel – Genesis Business Humanity Club, a private network including business and philanthropic leaders who identify meaningful technologies developed in Israel and bring those technologies to the Americas, today announced the expansion of their fund-raising event at RED South Beach on October 26.

The event will benefit orphans, widows, children, and families in Israel, in partnership with Simcha Connections and other organizations.

Honorees include business and philanthropy leaders Jay Goldman, Jon Berger, Harley Lippman, Cookie Falack, and Nigel Kneafsey. Each of the honorees have supported important causes in Israel for decades, and many are serving today as experts and commentators during the Israel-Hamas war.

Sponsors and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from special guest Yaakov Zada-Daniel, from the hit show Fauda, himself an orphan who supports orphanages in Israel.

Omer Hazan, known for his acting roles in Al Techaki, The Engineer and Asfur, will also be joining the approximately 150 guests, many of whom are charter members of the Genesis Business Humanity Club, a Miami-based organization made up of elite business and humanitarian leaders.

Additionally, Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky will be sharing a few words. Elbaz-Starinsky leads the Miami Consulate of Israel and works together with influential Jewish and Israeli communities in Florida to promote interfaith cooperation to combat antisemitism and racism.

“This will be a very special event that brings together the Miami community in support of orphans, children, and families in Israel in the wake of the horrific massacre,” said Amiel Aviman, co-founder and CEO of Genesis Business Humanity based in Miami.

“Attending this event will raise funds and awareness around the opportunity to ensure orphaned children, widows, and families in Israel will have access to resources and can set out on a path for a successful life of joy and promise,” said Ranny Yarom, co-founder and CEO of Genesis Business Humanity based in Israel.

Yarom is leading all projects on the ground in Israel, working with community leaders and the IDF (as a retired Colonel and entrepreneur), and ensuring resources go directly to those most affected by the brutality and destruction near the Gaza border as swiftly as possible.

For event information and tickets, please visit this page.

ABOUT GENESIS BUSINESS HUMANITY

Genesis Club members are part of an exclusive network of industry leaders and entrepreneurs committed to supporting businesses who share our mission to serve humanity. The Genesis Club has developed a new economic framework which balances financial, social, environmental, and human capital, and electrifies innovation and success.

Learn more at https://genesisbh.net/

ABOUT GENESIS FRIENDS FOR LIFE GLOBAL FOUNDATION

The Genesis Friends For Life Global Foundation is made up of an extraordinary team of volunteers, partners, and dedicated staff. On October 7, 2023, during the holiday of Shmini Atzeret, Hamas terrorists launched a violent, bloody attack on Israel from Gaza, firing thousands of rockets, breaching the country’s borders, and killing and wounding over 1,000 innocent people.

Working with our Genesis Business Humanity Board of Directors and Membership, and with long-standing philanthropic partners, we are focused on support the orphans, widows, children, and families to rebuild homes and communities following following this horrific attack. We believe Israel will prevail and the Jewish people will stand together as they always do. Am Yisrael Chai.

For more information or to donate or volunteer please visit https://www.genesisglobalfoundation.org/.

ABOUT RED SOUTH BEACH

Since 2008, our mission has been to infuse every dish with passion and extend dedication to every guest. RED South Beach is the place Miami Beach locals turn to for celebrating life’s moments or savoring exceptional cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. As one of America’s Top 10 Steakhouses, Chef Peter Vauthy pays homage to timeless recipes while delivering impeccable service.

RED South Beach offers a warm setting for special occasions. Our newly expanded location boasts a 3000 sq. ft. outdoor patio, two intimate private dining rooms, and an exclusive glass-enclosed VIP room. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, corporate event, or gathering with loved ones, our private spaces create unforgettable memories.

For more information, please visit https://www.redsobe.com/.

MEDIA INQUIRES:

Cynthia Artin

Genesis Digital

info@genesisbh.net

+1 845 664 8484

DONATION AND SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES:

Arti Loftus

Genesis Friend for Life Global Foundation (London Office)

info@genesisglobalfoundation.org
October 24, 2023
Genesis Business Humanity Club Announce October 26th Event to Raise Immediate Funds for the People of Israel
- Event will take place at Red South Beach in Miami
- Yaakov Zada-Daniel, Star of Netflix Hit Series Fauda, to share his life story as an orphan growing up in Israel
- Israel Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky will also address the audience
October 13, 2023; Miami Beach, Florida; Tel Aviv Israel – Genesis Business Humanity Club, a private network including business and philanthropic leaders who identify meaningful technologies emanating from Israel and bringing those technologies to the United States, today announced they are hosting a fund-raising event at Red South Beach steakhouse on October 26.

The event will benefit orphans, widows, children, and families in Israel, in partnership with Simcha Connections and other organizations. Sponsors and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from special guest Yaakov Zada-Daniel, from the hit show Fauda, himself an orphan who has established an orphanage in Israel.

Additionally, Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky will be in attendance. Elbaz-Starinsky leads the Miami Consulate of Israel and works together with influential Jewish and Israeli communities in Florida to promote interfaith cooperation to combat antisemitism and racism.

“This will be a very special event that brings together the Miami community in support of orphans, children, and families in Israel in the wake of the horrific massacre,” said Amiel Aviman, co-founder and CEO of Genesis Business Humanity based in Miami.

“Attending this event will raise funds and awareness around the opportunity to ensure orphaned children, widows, and families in Israel will have access to resources and can set out on a path for a successful life of joy and promise,” said Ranny Yarom, co-founder and CEO of Genesis Business Humanity based in Israel.

Yarom is leading all projects on the ground in Israel, working with community leaders and the IDF (as a retired Colonel and entrepreneur), and ensuring resources go directly to those most affected by the brutality and destruction near the Gaza border.

For event information and tickets, please visit this page.

ABOUT GENESIS BUSINESS HUMANITY

Genesis Club members are part of an exclusive network of industry leaders and entrepreneurs committed to supporting businesses who share our mission to serve humanity. The Genesis Club has developed a new economic framework which balances financial, social, environmental, and human capital, and electrifies innovation and success.

Learn more at https://genesisbh.net/

MEDIA INQUIRES:

Cynthia Artin

Genesis Digital

info@genesisbh.net
October 13, 2023
A Moving Film That Moves Us To Action

#IsraelPalestineWar #Israel #Hamas #Gaza #Terrorism #America #TogetherStronger #Government #BidenAdministration Thank you Genesis Business Humanity Club Member Shafrir Godel for bringing this to our attention so we could share it forward.

October 13, 2023
‘Bring Itay home’: American parents plead for Biden’s help rescuing hostage held by Hamas

Originally published on USA Today

TEL AVIV — Outside the U.S. embassy in Israel, the parents of a kidnapped American-Israeli dual citizen stood in protest Monday pleading for action from President Joe Biden to save their son following the weekend’s stunning Hamas attacks in Israel.

Itay Chen, a 19-year-old member of the Israel Defense Forces born in New York City, is believed to be among the 130 or more people kidnapped from Israel by Hamas terrorists now being held captive in the Gaza Strip.

“We are asking the president to do what he can in order to bring our kids back safely home,” said his father, Ruby Chen, standing alongside other family members and supporters.

They wore T-shirts that read “Help Find Itay,” with a photo of a grinning Itay Chen, and held signs that said, “USA protects its citizens!” “Bring Itay Home Now,” and “Help find Itay.”

The U.S. embassy sits facing the Mediterranean Sea, the very same one Hamas fighters infiltrated to launch their deadly offensive.

An emotional Ruby Chen, holding hands with his wife, called on the Biden administration to reach out to Hamas leaders who kidnapped his son and other Americans to demand the militant group follow international laws for protected war prisoners.

Attempts to reach son go unanswered

Corporal Itay Chen serves in Israel’s Armed Corps and was on the Gaza border during Saturday morning’s attack.

He was raised in New York, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each day and cheering on American sports. Itay Chen grew up a Los Angeles Lakers fan who adored Kobe Bryant while his dad rooted for the hometown New York Knicks.

“That’s how kids are,” Rudy Chen told CNN. “They always are rebellious.”

Rudy Chen later moved his family to Israel, where he resides with his wife and three children Netanya, north of Tel Aviv. Ruby remains a U.S. citizen and U.S. taxpayer.

After attempts to contact their son after this week’s Hamas attack were unsuccessful, Ruby and his wife Laity Chen made their way to the Lahav 433 center for identifying the missing after the first day of the Israel-Hamas war, named by Israeli forces as “Operation Swords of Iron.”

There, his parents were officially notified of his status as Missing In Action – or MIA. The Israeli Defense Forces defines a person as MIA when no officer has identified him in the last 36 hours. This means he was not found in any hospital, had not been identified as deceased, and in this context, had a high probability of currently being held in Gaza.

Chen’s parents and the IDF believe that there is enough evidence to suggest he is a Prisoner of War.

White House not sure how many hostages are Americans

At least 11 Americans were killed in Hamas’ stunning weekend attacks on Israel. The Biden administration has confirmed U.S. citizens are unaccounted for but not said how many Americans are being held hostage.

“While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas,” Biden said in a statement Monday. “I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis.”

Biden said that includes sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the U.S. government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts.

John Kirby, a White House spokesman on national security matters, said the U.S. does not know how many Americans are hostages. “We’re in constant touch with the Israeli officials right now to try to get a sense of the whereabouts of all the unaccounted Americans,” Kirby said in an interview on Fox News.

A State Department spokesman declined to comment to USA TODAY when asked about the whereabouts of Itay Chen and whether the U.S. is tracking him.

Hamas has claimed that four hostages were killed by Israeli airstrikes and pledged to kill additional hostages if Israel doesn’t stop bombing civilian areas in Gaza.

Abu Obeida, spokesman of Hamas’ armed wing, said Monday the group will kill one Israeli civilian captive any time Israel targets civilians in their homes in Gaza “without prior warning.”

‘Step up for our children,’ father says

Outside the U.S. embassy in Israel, Chen told USA TODAY that the government of the United States needs to stand up for all Americans − including those living in Israel and abroad.

“Kids need to know that the U.S. is behind all of its citizens,” he added.

Itay Chen’s younger brother, Alon, was set to celebrate his bar mitzvah this coming Saturday, expecting to share it with his family. “We are still hopeful that we will be able to celebrate together as a family,” Chen added.

Saturday’s attacks marked the deadliest incursion into Israeli territory since Egypt and Syria’s attacks in the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago. Israel responded with attacks on Hamas infrastructure in Gaza.

The death toll on both sides from the three-day war rose to about 1,600 on Monday, including 900 in Israel and more than 680 in Gaza.

With each passing moment, the Chen family only grows more concerned for their son, adding fuel to the fire of what their mission is. “What about liberty, justice, and freedom for all?” his father asked.

“Biden needs to step up for all children — all citizens deserve protection, and kids need to know that the United States is behind them 100%.”

October 11, 2023
Pray For Israel’s Defense Forces: Brave Women and Men Risking Their Lives to Protect Others

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)were established in 1948 and have grown to become one of the most powerful military organizations whose mission is to protect the State of Israel on land, in the air, and at sea.

IDF represents all of Israel’s military forces and “…the purpose of the IDF is to preserve the State of Israel, to protect its independence, and to foil attempts by its enemies to disrupt the normal life within it,” says the IDF’s website.

Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists attacked Israel with barrages of rockets, killing and wounding thousands of innocent people – children, women, elders, sisters, brothers, friends, and entire families beginning the morning of October 7. Thousands of rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip in a surprise ambush and Palestinians everywhere were called to attack Israelis by a senior Hamas military commander, Mohammad Deif.

While The Iron Dome has warded off thousands of rockets and missiles and Israeli officials have reported 90% effectiveness it is not the only line of defense. David’s Sling is the secondary line of defense, and the Arrow is the third. All three systems are designed to combat missiles and rockets.

But should this war continue to be fought on the ground, keep in mind that the human beings who joined the IDF – hundreds of thousands of them – are at great peril and need all the support we can bring, including more equipment, supplies, technologies, and more.

And keep in mind that if other terrorist organizations join with Hamas to expand this unconscionable terror campaign, we could be facing a new holocaust right here in our own land.

On Sunday, the Biden administration ordered the U.S. military to provide aid to the IDF and ensure they’re equipped for war, but we need more support – from the U.S. and every other country who believes in democracy and the right of every human being to a productive, peaceful, and happy life.

“The attack was in the ground, and the air, and also through the sea,” said IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht in a video posted to IDF’s X account (formerly known as Twitter). “They didn’t go for military targets. They went for civilians. They went for grandmothers, children, babies.”

The style of attack is barbaric – as or even more barbaric than 9/11. This is Israel’s 9/11, and we believe the world should respond as it did at that terrible time.

Our Genesis Business Humanity team in the U.S. has been exceptionally active over the last few days, and we are raising funds from our elite membership that will go directly to families who need assistance urgently.

We are contacting elected officials, asking for support. Here’s one example of an elected official speaking out:

“As the only Member of Congress who has worn the uniform of both the U.S. Army and the Israeli Defense Forces, I know that those on the ground are willing to give their last breath for their country and for their friends, family, and neighbors. My prayers are with them,” Rep. Brian Mast, congressman from Florida posted Sunday to his account on X, formerly known as Twitter. volunteered with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) after retiring from the U.S. Army.

Let us not let a single hour or single day go by when we forget the sacrifices being made by our military and their families.

May they return to our beautiful state of Israel unharmed and if they are wounded or perish, let us never forget and always remember their courage, bravery, and love of our homeland.

October 11, 2023
It Is Time To Unite To Protect Israel: We Implore the U.S. Government to Immediately Step Up and Send Significant Resources

In an unprecedented assault launched from the Palestinian enclave of Gaza on Saturday, Hamas militants brutally stormed into Israeli towns, leaving thousands of people dead and injured, escaping with innocent hostages, from young children to our respected elders, in the deadliest day for Israel since the 1973 war.

These are crimes against HUMANITY not just the Jewish people, and these are crimes with have been documented and promoted by the terrorists who are determined to capture, torture, kill and otherwise destroy the State of Israel and Jews around the world.

There is no diplomatic solution; the era of reasoning with these savages is over. We must obliterate the Hamas terrorists’ infrastructure to save lives now, and to ensure such horrors are never committed again.

None of us wish for innocent civilians lives to be destroyed but given the savagery – from killing children in front of their parents, to raping, torturing, and killing women, to kidnapping elderly people, to burning people alive, and gunning down hundreds of young people at a peace concert leaves us no moral choice but to do what is necessary.

What’s important now is the international community show its solidarity with Israel. The condemnation of Hamas needs to continue until they end this violent terrorist activity against the Israeli people and all of humanity.

Peace is still possible after this crisis ends, and we will continue to keep the faith that we can do everything we can to co-exist with all of Israel’s neighbors.

But now – now is the time for Americans to rally – to gather – to contact their elected officials – and to stand up in the hundreds of millions for democracy, for the innocents, and for humanity.

October 11, 2023
Putting People and the Planet First Drives Sustainable Profitability
Much has been written about the “Triple Bottom-Line” since the term was coined in the mid-1980’s.

A lot has changed since then. Four decades later, society continues to face existential threats, from climate change and social engineering to geopolitical polarization, pandemics unlike any we’ve seen before, and a sharp rise in violence in what we perceived as the most peaceful and safe communities.

The general goal of a sustainable business strategy is to positively impact the environment, society, or both, while also benefiting shareholders, but until now, the tensions between profitability and progress when it comes to a more equitable and peaceful society have left too many Triple Bottom-Line initiatives unrealized.

The triple bottom line is a business concept that suggests businesses should commit to measuring their social and environmental impact—in addition to their financial performance—rather than solely focusing on generating profit, or the standard “bottom line.”

This has evolved into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance), which is an approach to investing that recommends taking environmental, social, and governance issues into account when deciding which companies to invest in. ESG now forms the bedrock of most sustainable investing processes.

Those of us at Genesis who continue to build a platform for supporting innovative companies whose potential to change the game is significant appreciate the metrics that have emerged from Triple Bottom-Line to ESG and turn to those metrics in our decision-making processes.

The triple bottom line can be broken down into “three Ps”:
1. Profit
2. People
3. Planet
In a capitalist economy, a firm’s success most heavily depends on its financial performance, or the profit it generates for shareholders.

In the past, many firms’ goals have solely focused on economic growth. Now, purpose-driven leaders are discovering they have the power to use their businesses to effect positive change in the world without hampering financial performance. In many cases, adopting sustainability initiatives has proven to drive business success.

When it comes to people, traditionally, businesses have favored shareholder value as the success driver and measurement.

As businesses have increasingly embraced sustainability, they are continuing to shift their focus toward creating value for all stakeholders impacted by business decisions, including customers, employees, and community members.

When we consider an investment in a company, we drill down into how the company is making an impact on people, include ensuring fair hiring practices, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and encouraging volunteerism in the workplace. We also explore how companies are forging successful strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations that share a common purpose-driven goal.

When it comes to the planet, we assess how companies are committing to net-zero carbon emissions. Since the birth of the Industrial Revolution, large corporations have contributed a staggering amount of pollution to the environment. While awareness and programs are growing more popular, a recent report by the International Energy Agency found that the global energy industry released 135 million tons of methane into the atmosphere in 2022. Adjustments like using ethically sourced materials, cutting down on energy consumption, and streamlining shipping practices are steps in the right direction toward long-term sustainability.

Proof Positive: Innovative companies have shown time and again that it’s possible to do well by doing good.

In our work with startups, we’ve proven over and again that it is entirely possible to do the right thing and make money at the same time. In fact, we support startup entrepreneurs who understand, as we do, that solving the world’s problems presents trillions of dollars’ worth of economic opportunity.

We’d love to hear what you think, and to see what you are seeing out there in the real world. We’re always on the lookout for inspired entrepreneurs and teams who genuinely seek to do all they can to improve life on the planet, while measuring and managing their company’s own practices in responsible and sustainable ways.

Our bar is high, but so are the stakes.

If you admire a company that fits our criteria, let’s engage! Share here.

(Links to form)
July 18, 2023
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 17^th 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.

July 18, 2023