FAU Business Leader of the Year

George W. Schaeffer’s story is a unique and inspiring example of living the American Dream, filled with adventure, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial spirit. The son of Holocaust survivors, Schaeffer was born in Hungary and immigrated to America with his family in 1956. As a young boy, he developed a strong work ethic and passion for business. After receiving his degree from City College of New York in 1970, he worked in his family’s garment manufacturing business in New York City. 

In search of new opportunities and challenges, Schaeffer moved to Los Angeles in 1981 and started a business that would ultimately become a dominant global consumer brand, OPI Products. He built OPI from the ground up and introduced the world to the nail lacquers now preferred by professionals and loved by customers globally. 

As the company thrived, Schaeffer maintained a top priority of giving back to his community. He formed the George and Irina Schaeffer Foundation, which has donated millions to healthcare facilities and charities worldwide, including Cedars-Sinai Hospital, the American Heart Association, the Leukemia Research Foundation, and the National Lung Association. 

After building OPI to be one of the top brands in the world, Schaeffer sold the company and acquired Aloxxi, a professional hair color and care brand where he addresses the need for innovation within professional hair color by offering his color acumen and passion, dedication to product breakthroughs that challenge traditional thinking, and a promise to keep personal service paramount in the industry. 

Outside of the Professional Beauty Industry, in 2014 George Schaeffer assumed the role as President and CEO of People’s Trust Insurance, a Florida based homeowner’s insurance company he co-founded in 2008. 

In an industry not known for innovation, People’s Trust has pioneered a solution that provides affordable rates and a concierge claims service through its Rapid Response Team partner. Built on the fundamentals of preparation and responsiveness, this unique approach to addressing one of Florida’s toughest challenges was recognized as the winner of the 2013 Enterprise Florida Innovators in Business Award. 

With more than 400 employees within its family of companies, People’s Trust has emerged as an industry leader currently providing protection to over 100,000 policyholders throughout the Sunshine State. 

As an integral foundation of the company, Schaeffer has instilled People’s Trust with his vision for building a respected and superior brand that provides the best value and encourages employees to treat customers the way they would want to be treated.

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It is our privilege to honor George W. Schaeffer as the 2023 Business Leader of the Year.

Please view additional event information, sponsorship opportunities, and ticketing details on the associated tabs. For questions, contact Lacey Taylor at LaceyTaylor@fau.edu. We look forward to seeing you at the breakfast!