Orin Zelenak is a distinguished entrepreneur and seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in architectural design, non-profit governance, and sustainable development. Respected for his ability to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful change, Orin has established himself as a key figure in multiple industries, including construction, food security, and social justice.
Orin’s career began with a deep-seated passion for transforming resources and managing intricate projects. After completing his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from McGill University, Orin embarked on a journey that took him from private English tutoring in Korea and Japan to founding the Architectural Projects Group in New York City. This venture, which he has led since 2002, specializes in luxury interiors and has earned a reputation for excellence in the industry. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its services to include design and engineering consulting, project management, and importing high-quality building materials from Europe and Asia.
In 2013, Orin expanded his entrepreneurial horizons by founding From The Wild, Inc., a superfood company focused on the Lycoberry, a new crop with potential benefits across food, cosmetics, and wellness industries. This initiative highlights Orin’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security, as he has successfully undertaken the largest wild harvest of Lycoberries in the USA and partnered with stakeholders to cultivate this crop on reclaimed lands under stringent Organic Certification standards.
Orin’s expertise extends beyond the business world into the non-profit sector. Since 2021, he has served as a Board Member for the Hudson Valley House of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence. His role involves governance, grant submission, fundraising, event planning, and community outreach, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to social causes.
In addition to his board role, Orin founded ZED1, Inc. in 2019, an architectural interiors fabrication business with a unique twist. The company uses real-world projects to fund an in-house training program, equipping individuals with practical industry skills and securing long-term job placements. This model reflects Orin’s commitment to workforce development and community empowerment.
Orin’s educational background includes a Ph.D. candidacy in Philosophy at SUNY Albany, where he completed four years of coursework and participated in various teaching assistantships. He also recently completed a 5-day immersive course at the Grantsmanship Center, enhancing his skills in proposal writing, quantitative research, and project planning.
Orin’s diverse skill set encompasses proposal writing, quantitative research, client presentation, project planning, grant submission, fundraising, and community outreach. His proficiency in these areas is complemented by endorsements in marketing, product development, strategic planning, and team building.
Orin Zelenak’s career is a testament to his ability to bridge the gap between business innovation and social responsibility. With a mission to drive positive change through leadership, Orin continues to make significant contributions across various sectors, embodying a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community service.
Character:
Orin Zelenak exemplifies integrity and dedication through his diverse entrepreneurial ventures and non-profit work. His commitment to creating impactful solutions reflects a deep sense of responsibility and ethical leadership.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of experience across architectural design, sustainable agriculture, and non-profit governance, Orin possesses a broad and nuanced understanding of multiple industries. His academic background in political science and philosophy further enriches his strategic insight and problem-solving capabilities.
Strategic:
Orin’s strategic acumen is evident in his successful development and scaling of innovative business models, such as ZED1’s training program and From The Wild’s superfood initiatives. His ability to integrate practical industry solutions with long-term goals demonstrates a clear vision for growth and impact.
Communication:
Orin effectively communicates his vision through various channels, from managing high-profile projects to leading community outreach and fundraising efforts. His skills in proposal writing, client presentations, and strategic planning enable him to articulate and drive organizational goals with clarity and impact.
