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Sheldon Yellen    

CEO of BELFOR, Disaster Recovery Innovator, Emmy-Nominated Leader

Sheldon Yellen is the CEO of BELFOR, a global leader in disaster recovery and property restoration, known for his unique approach to leadership that focuses on relationships, trust, and a people-first philosophy. From a young age, he hustled in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of Detroit, learning early the importance of these values. Under his leadership, BELFOR has grown from a modest construction firm with a few million dollars in revenue to an industry pioneer with $1.5 billion in annual income. His episode on the TV show "Undercover Boss" not only showcased his distinctive management style but also earned an Emmy nomination, highlighting the impact of his leadership.

BELFOR is not just about restoring properties but also lives, as demonstrated in the aftermath of events like Hurricane Katrina, where the company played a significant role in the recovery efforts. The commitment of the BELFOR team to both their work and the emotional support of their clients underlines the culture Yellen fosters—an environment where employees and clients alike are valued highly. This ethos is crucial in an industry as demanding as construction and disaster recovery.

For Yellen, BELFOR is akin to an extended family. His disdain for traditional corporate structures—such as meetings, committees, and layers of hierarchy—is well-known, preferring a more personal touch where the growth of his business equates to the expansion of his family. This family now includes over 6,500 individuals across more than 250 offices in 30 countries. His talks and presentations reflect his journey and the philosophies he upholds, emphasizing the significance of caring for people, ethical standards, and community building within the business, which have been instrumental in BELFOR's success. His approach not only professionalized the disaster recovery industry but also ensured its growth by genuinely connecting with people at all levels.

Speech Topics


Breaking Through Barriers by Putting People First

So much has been focused on the science of management (bottom line, numbers oriented) that organizations have fostered a passionless and disillusioned feeling by many. We have lost touch with the human side of leadership, mastering the art of leadership that touches people’s hearts and breaks through barriers. Sheldon Yellen discusses how he took a $5 million company to a $1.5 billion global leader by putting people first. Learn how his employees have built an incredible culture of loyalty and compassion, providing permission to perform selfless acts of heroism for their clients. Explore how taking the long view, by focusing on the welfare of the families of workers and of customers, can reap word-of-mouth business opportunities that no amount of marketing dollars can buy. Feel the difficulty of always taking the high road, and the huge rewards for sticking to your ethical convictions. Understand what it is like to develop an environment where your workers enjoy giving their all every single day, with joyous pride and professionalism that is infectious. With tons of immediate take-home value for you, we promise that this will be one of the most insightful and touching leadership speeches you will ever experience.

A Leader’s Story: Overcoming Adversity & Creating a Culture of Success

In his nearly 30 years running BELFOR, Sheldon Yellen has seen disasters, crooked insurance companies and almost anything else that could be thrown at him, yet BELFOR still grew to become a global leader. Learn how Yellen surrounded himself with talented and committed people, and how they weathered leadership numerous crises and captured opportunities. This is the perfect presentation for people who want a different perspective on how to grow your business.

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