Arthur Yaroshefsky
Arthur Yaroshefsky
Corporate Executive
Sea Transfer Corporation
Job Description: I am the owner of an import export trucking company where I dispatch trucks in the New York metro area to pick up cargo at our local piers.
At what point did you consider a business related career?
I was groomed from a small child into this business. I learned all aspects of my job. From driving a truck to dealing with people.
Was this decision influenced by anyone or anything in particular?
My company has been a family owned business since 1940, so therefore my father was a strong influence.
What were any of your other career choices?
I studied “business” in high school and college, so it was only fit for me to run the family business. But my secret wish would have been to become a jazz trumpet player professionally.
Why did you pursue your present career over your other ideas?
I was not that good of a trumpet player, but felt that trucking was a great way to support my “hobbies.
If you could make that decision again now, would your choice be different?
Now that I am here and have seen what i can do, and how good I am at it I would do it all over again for sure.
What role did your friends/family play in helping you pursue your goal?
My father was my mentor, but my wife was my guiding light. And my close friends all listened to my ideas/goals as I grew up.
How did you plan to achieve your goals?
I needed a good support team, starting with my family to my business associates. I asked a lot of questions and listened with open ears. One thing I stuck to was to practicing “The Golden Rule”. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.
How helpful would your planning eventually become?
When I began working at the business we had about 8 trucks we now have over 30. Did I plan this? Yes and no. You need to grow to compete effectively. With growth comes givebacks such as free time and family time.
What was the most helpful tool that helped you achieve your goals?
Good people and trying to practice what you preach. Golden Rule.
Did you experience any setbacks or failures along the way?
Yes we had a lot of “bumps” but we over came them and tried to learn from them.
How did you deal with these circumstances?
I relied on my experiences, advice from people who knew more than me, and my ‘gut’ feeling.
When do you believe you finally achieved your most of your goals?
I am not done yet with my goals. I have in my mind a picture that I see daily. It is not completely painted yet.
What was your first reaction when you achieved your goals?
Most of what I have done I would not call goals. I think I have only done what any family man would have done. Grow and provide for family. Not just my immediate family, but my business family.
What traits would you describe a successful business leader as possessing?
You need to have passion for what you seek, and practice The Golden Rule. Also listen to the advice of others, and never stop learning.
What are the traits that you look for in your employees?
They must understand we are a team, and I am the captain. We only win when we cooperate and work hard. I would never give a job to an employee that I wouldn’t do. So I hope that would gain a confidence with my employees from the top down.
What are important skills that you believe a business leader should have?
Be an honest, a trustworthy person is the most important. Speak what you think, work as hard as you can, and don’t be afraid to seek advice.
What advice would you give a future business leader?
Read books of other great business leaders. They’ve made it. Find what you like and do it to the utmost of your ability. Be passionate of you job or profession.
If you could go back and change one thing about your career choice, what would you change?
I may have taken more risks before. I was young and a gamble at a younger age it might pay off quicker.
What kind of student were you in high school?
I was an average student in academics, but I was above average in music. Music helped me see how hard I had to work to meet my goals. I practiced a lot until I got it right.
Did you participate in any sports?
I was a member of my high school golf team, and a member of our marching/pep band. College was mainly studies and pep band.
Did you attain post-secondary education?
I attended 4 Years of college with a degree in Business. I probably would have gone further had my father not gotten ill.
When did you go to college?
I was fortunate to be able to go straight out of high school to college.
How helpful has your college education been in helping you achieve your goals?
Certain classes and teachers have helped me learn how to reach my goals. I will never forget two important teachers in my life. One for his compassion and the other for his being able to push me to my breaking point and me realizing it was.
Other Comments
Warren Buffet said “In evaluating people, you look for three qualities:integrity, intelligence, and energy. If you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.
Good luck to you all.
