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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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