Steve Schaeffer has long been a role model for others, a shining example of how a Sidney High School graduate can develop important skills and character traits early in life that enhance accomplishments, and establishes a mindset of giving back, both in career endeavors and community activities.
Steve underwent the rigors required to become an Eagle Scout, benefiting from the ideals learned in this journey. He enjoyed a successful scholastic career in Sidney, which included being chosen as a Sidney Rotary Foreign Student to the Netherlands. Steve also participated in basketball and developed a lifelong love affair with the game actively continuing today. After graduating from Cornell University and entering the banking field, he re-connected with a fraternity brother, Les Wagner who had started a small saw mill. Together they created Wagner Lumber Products, which today is the 10th largest distributor of hardwood lumber products in the country. Along the way, they knew the true struggles of small business ownership and the personal strength it takes to endure the tough times, even literally rising from the ashes when their business was destroyed by fire.
Today, Steve and Les own 4 lumber mills, employ 140 workers operating the largest lumber mill complex in New York State. Their business is international including strong activity in China. Wagner Lumber has been honored as Business of the Year.
What truly resonates in reviewing all of Steve's success and accomplishments is his commitment to helping others and giving back. His love and appreciation for Sidney has been evidenced by Steve's major support of the SCSAA, Alumni Basketball, the Sidney Boys and Girls Club, and the Sidney Congregational Church.
Steve's compassionate and caring nature has extended well beyond Sidney. He is a student of the world, traveling extensively including taking his family on a volunteer mission to Cuba and to live in the Netherlands. Steve has supported the Educate the Children program, funding school opportunities for low cast girls in Nepal and also offering farming support for men and financial assistance to women who are starting small businesses to support their families in this country. He has given of his time and resources to help countless small businesses get a start particularly in the lumber business. Steve has constantly sown seeds for personal and business growth throughout the world, as Sidney's own special version of Johnny Appleseed.
Steve and his wife, Marcy live in Ithaca, New York. They have two daughters, Kelsey, a sophomore at Ithaca College and Julie, a senior in high school.