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JANUARY 2017
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FEATURE
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Celebrating Leadership Excellence
to 2015. He served on the SAAGNY board
from 1992 to 2000, including a term as its
president, and as a SAAGNY Foundation
trustee from 1995 to 2007.
His accomplishments during that time
were extensive, including helping set the
foundation for today’s Regional Association
Council (RAC), at a 1998 summit of
regional associations in Chicago.
Looking back at them, Schaffer says,
“I have been (rightfully) accused by
those I served with of being too creative,
too much an agent of change and great
at starting projects, but letting others
complete them. Guilty, your Honor.
“There are many things I am proud of
in my service. Having helped raise the
bar on professionalism for thousands of
suppliers and distributors over the years
may be my proudest accomplishment. It
is followed closely by having a significant
role in reshaping what is RAC today.
Beyond that, there are little things that have
endured—the ‘invention’ of the first Valet
Express at trade shows, being the first to
donate my speaker honorarium to PPEF.
However, every step of the way there were
fantastic volunteers with me. Indeed, it
takes a team.”
Beyond the business advantages and
professional milestones, volunteerism
has brought Schaffer strong bonds and
turned colleagues and acquaintances into
friends. He notes, “I have rubbed elbows
with the best of the best. Their knowledge
was willingly shared. Their viewpoints
helped me understand areas I had little or
no expertise in. The takeaway transcends
business. Volunteerism builds lifelong
personal friendships with those who serve
with you. I have many, many personal
friendships lasting decades with people
with whom I served. It is a priceless benefit
you simply know is coming when you first
raise your hand to volunteer.”
“Volunteerismmust be inherited as both
my children, Allison and Brett, have and
continue to volunteer for this industry,”
Schaffer adds. “Without the endless
support of your family, volunteerism is
more difficult. The number one enabler
in my life is my wife and partner, Elyse. In
turn, all of my family has satisfaction in
knowing it was a job well done by us all.”
Kiewiet adds, “Joel has challenged and
changed many people and has made the
industry a stronger one and the Association
more engaged and alive. His influence on
this Association will continue for many,
many years and I can think of no one
more deserving than him to receive our
highest honor.”
Reflecting on his induction into the PPAI
Hall of Fame, Schaffer concludes, “Above
all, being inducted into the Hall of Fame
means … ‘Thank you, job well done.’ That
is the ultimate paycheck one can get from
volunteer service. I am honored to take my
place next to an impressive list of people
who have built this fantastic industry.”
James Khattak is news editor of
PPB.
Joel Schaffer, MAS, pictured on the back row, was an engaged and outspoken volunteer during his service on the PPAI Board of Directors from 2004 to 2008.
“I have many, many personal friendships lasting decades with
people with whom I served. It is a priceless bene t you simply
know is coming when you rst raise your hand to volunteer.”
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