- One word to describe yourself: Detailed
- Alma mater: DePaul University, Chicago
- Favorite book: "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson
- Favorite TV show: "Shark Tank"
- Favorite movie: "Saving Private Ryan"
- Favorite hobby(ies): Golfing, fishing, and ice hockey
- Fun fact about yourself: I was gored in the leg by a bull while running with the bulls — and now have a permanent dent in my leg as a reminder.
- Favorite station or stop that you have ever visited or frequent (and why): I like Union Station in Los Angeles, California. It's an iconic California site, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places and has beautiful architecture.
Steve Orzech Jr., alumni of DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, is the business development manager for the rail seating market at Freedman Seating Co., a passenger seat supplier to the transportation industry. FSC is a 125-year-old family owned business with more than 900 employees and Orzech is a second generation Orzech to work for the Freedman family.
Six years ago, Orzech seamlessly transitioned from the technical side of the rubber-tired, heavy-duty bus transportation industry, bringing with him 13-plus years of technical seating experience, into the steel-wheeled train transportation industry. He has been successful in building relationships within the rail industry, which has excelled Freedman Seating’s growth as a passenger seating supplier to the rail market. His responsibilities include specification review, product development, contract proposals, as well as implementing the improvements internally at FSC necessary to manage the growth the company has incurred.
Orzech works with OEMs and operating authorities by providing an unparalleled level of customer service, while developing innovative seating solutions for the market. He works personally with OEMs and operating authorities to suggest and implement alternate types of metal finishes, which are more aesthetically pleasing and more cost-effective for the OEM and end user. In fact, newly built trains built for cities of Calgary, Minneapolis, San Francisco and Charlotte are seeing some of these impacts.
He also challenges the status quo of technical specification writing by suggesting improvements to passenger seating materials and working with OEMs and end users to propose alternate metals, like aluminum instead of stainless steel, or plastic instead of fiberglass, to reduce vehicle weight and save on end-user operating costs. His service is key to the working relationships necessary for success in this market.
Aside from his day-to-day responsibilities, he is a member of the company’s “Green Team,” an internal, volunteer-based cross-functional team leading the way toward renewable resources. He is also an active member in all American Public Transportation Association committees regarding rail and passenger seating safety, as well as an industry participant of the PRIIA Section 305 NGEC, which is a committee created by Amtrak to design, develop specifications for, and procure standardized next-generation equipment. Orzech is also a supporting member of the high-speed rail movement in the United States, demonstrated by participating in events with the Midwest High Speed Rail Association as well as supporting and presenting at the US High Speed Rail Association (USHSR) conferences.
Orzech also volunteers with Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and helps coach young athletes for local youth baseball and soccer teams.
“The people and the diversity. At Freedman Seating Company in Chicago, Ilinois., minorities and women make up 85 percent of our workforce, reflecting racial and gender diversity. Outside of the office, my work takes me across state lines, through cities and across oceans. From end users to OEMs to supply chain, I am afforded the opportunity to meet, work with, and learn from a very diverse number of professionals. The exposure to alternate business practices, unique colleague interaction, and understanding of cultural differences is enriching.”
“’Feel’ and ‘comfort’ are objective and it’s often a challenge getting all stakeholders aligned and on the same page.”
“Freedman Seating Company’s success so far in the rail market is what I’m most proud of. I am thankful that Freedman Seating Company gave me the opportunity to set a path forward and make an impact in the market. I am thankful that we employ a great team that supports my efforts. I am excited to see how this market continues to develop and how transportation changes in the coming years.”
“Passenger seating can be complicated and unfortunately it is often over-simplified. It doesn’t hurt to have a discussion regarding product needs. Please involve the experts (i.e., me) when there is a need for new passenger seating; it is most likely that if we don’t currently have it then we can make it for you.”
“Although Freedman Seating Company is a not a transit agency, we work directly with OEMs and agencies across the U.S. and Canada and are highly engaged in various markets such as bus, rail, paratransit, marine, etc. I am especially proud to be a member of organizations such as the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) working to ensure that public transportation is available and accessible for all in communities across North America.”
