Last fall, seniors Howard Sobel and Scott Janovitz were tired of the same old Beachwood clubs, so they decided to pursue their interests in business by starting a local chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Marketing teacher Greg Perry was asked to advise this new club.
FBLA is beginning to gain attention from the student body, although it is a new concept for many students. Co- President Janovitz said, “FBLA is a nationwide club. It is part of a large organization that exercises one’s business and leadership skills.” He explained that club members attend annual competitions and field trips to expand their business knowledge.
The club is known for offering national seminars and competitions. FBLA provides participants with resources to help them enter the business world.
“Basically the name speaks for itself,” said adviser Greg Perry. “There are over 215,000 student members across the United States. Many of them are from northeast Ohio, including chapters at Solon and Mayfield,” he said. Perry is excited that he can take his knowledge of business and help students receive the guidance they need to make FBLA a successful club at BHS.
Last year, FBLA held three official meetings. Complimentary refreshments were used to attract members. Co-President Sobel emphasized that FBLA looks good on college applications. “The club already has over two dozen members. We know what the students want when it comes to a club,” he said.
Sobel has always had a passion for the business field and wants to expand his skills before he applies to some of the country’s top business schools.
Howard Sobel’s twin brother Ari is also a member of the club, and he hopes to earn a Vice President position this year. He explained that since the club is new at BHS, “It may take a while for members to become adjusted to the [way] the club is run at other schools.”
Students may have noticed FBLA advertisements in the hallways. Meetings are held monthly and attendance is steadily rising. “We’re really open to anyone joining. We want younger people to join so we can keep the club at the school for many years to come,” said Janovitz.
Janovitz has even put an FBLA bumper sticker on his car. He added that they have attracted sponsors such as Tony Alexander, who is the local sales manager at Chick-Fil-a.
Sobel added that he wishes that he and Janovitz had more time at BHS to see the club really develop and become an active member in the nationwide FBLA organization.
Because the club does not yet have funding from the school district, it requires a $10 fee to join.
“Beachwood is the perfect school and community for FBLA because of its strong connection to local and international business,” said adviser Perry. “One of the first things that I always teach my students is that EVERY job comes back to business,” said Perry.
There will be a FBLA meeting after school on Tuesday, Nov. 1st in the green room.
