Shlomo: Faces of Orthodoxy
I was thrilled to be hired as the photographer for Faces of Orthodoxy Season 6 Atlanta (backed by the Orthodox Union). They profiled 6 movers and shakers, to tell their dynamic stories, and show the world that Orthodox people are relatable, rather than exotic or strange as seen in the media.
Week two: Shlomo/Steve Storch
“I had challenges in high school, & after many failed attempts, I dropped out in 11th grade. 9/11 was a wake-up call & shortly after I went to Israel to a great yeshiva called Kesher. It was a transformative experience that taught me life skills I still use today. 5 years later I married my wife Elisheva. After a few years of learning full-time, I took a job for a company called Networx working the night shift in sales. I've always been driven, valued a strong work ethic, & curious about business. I was lucky to join a great group of people & soon moved up into marketing & operations, eventually as CMO. After 7 years in Ramat Beit Shemesh & after our third child, we relocated to our headquarters in Atlanta & I took over as CEO for six years. Now, I serve as the Chief Operating Officer.
Networx helps contractors grow their businesses by connecting them with homeowners searching for pros. My job is to oversee all operations of the business & create alignment between teams. I am most passionate about data, marketing, customer experience, & new technologies. While I didn't follow the traditional route, I value education & encourage my children to make smart decisions about their education. Joining a small company early on, I had the good fortune to work hand in hand with really smart people who helped shape me into who I am today.
As a young manager, I hit a roadblock. I was frustrated with my employees & myself & felt stuck. I was probably a typical type A overbearing boss. My father, a master educator & coach, pushed me to start reading management books & in particular, Energy Leadership by Bruce Schnieder. That book, along with my first foray into Ken Blanchard, was transformative.
I learned how to understand where my feelings & thoughts came from & how to better understand others. Creating an energetic culture in a workplace is hard & takes proactive & strategic planning. I really didn't buy into the stereotypical "bosses are bad." As I continued to grow & read anything I could get my hands on & then apply it, my leadership style improved & we began to win. Shortly after is when I had the opportunity to become CEO.”
“Some of the key points I've learned about business are: 1. What people say or do is about them. How you interpret it is about you. 2. Companies don't fire people & people don't quit companies. Managers hire & fire people, and people quit their manager. 3. Lead yourself consciously. How you show up has a big impact on those around you.
But what gave me the biggest perspective shift on life and work had nothing to do with work at all.
It occurred when I was granted the opportunity to give the gift of life to my father. While we were in Israel, my father fell ill & needed a kidney transplant. He asked if I'd be open to it, & I turned out to be a perfect match. Being a kidney donor for my dad has had a profound and lasting impact on me. It has taught me invaluable lessons about priorities & what truly matters.
We love living in Atlanta. It's a warm & welcoming community that embraces diversity & allows everyone to be their authentic selves without judgment or pressure. For our family, Atlanta has been the perfect place to thrive & grow. We take our Judaism seriously but stay away from labels.
Atlanta is a community that encourages personal development. We tend to be behind the latest trends, & there’s less focus on material possessions & appearances. One of the things we appreciate most is that there are fewer societal pressures for our children here. There’s no rigid path to follow or a sense of being just another face in the crowd. In this close-knit community, we embrace diversity & foster appreciation for others.
I am honored to serve as the president of Torah Day School of Atlanta, a role that allows me to contribute to the broader community. When I first arrived, the school was in a transitional phase with an interim head of school. My professional experience helped me be confident that I could add value to this amazing school. After dedicating 5 years as V.P., I was approached to take on the position of president of the board. Despite my limited availability, my deep appreciation for Torah learning & education motivated me to accept the role. I firmly believe that a vibrant school fosters a strong & close-knit community.”
Behind the scenes with Shlomo photos and video by Yelena Hertzberg, who busted her tush on set every day with her willing hands and meticulous eye.