Dinner Co-Chairman
Evgeny A. Freidman

Evgeny (Gene) Freidman emigrated with his parents from St Petersburg, Russia in 1976. Growing up in Jackson Heights, Queens he attended the local elementary and junior high school, continuing on to the Bronx High School of Science. In High School he developed an interest in tennis and began volunteering in assisting children from underprivileged families to learn the sport.  Upon graduation he proceeded on to Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY for a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting/Business and then to the Cardozo School of Law, being admitted to the NY and NJ bar 1997.  While attending law school Gene volunteered as a legal aid to domestic violence victims.

In 1996 Gene took over a modest taxi business, Taxi Club Management, Inc. - sole principle, transforming it into the largest fleet in the city with 850 yellow taxies.  The company is like a miniature United Nations with 3000 loyal drivers from a multitude of ethnic and religious backgrounds. It provides constant support and understanding, assisting them in attaining the American dream.  Gene’s sense of social responsibility permeates Taxi Club.  The company is well known for its religious tolerance, courteous service and participation in discounted fares and other programs for low income persons. The company was a pioneer in introducing hybrid fuel and wheelchair accessible Taxies to NYC and continues to be the industry leader in alternate fuel use and servicing the special needs of the disabled.  Annual revenues are presently over $140 million, up from $3 million in 1996 when Gene took over the company with only 60 vehicles. 

Gene’s other business interests include Abac Management, Inc. – sole principle, a real estate holding and management company with 21 properties in NYC.  He is also chairman of FOM Trading LLC which received exclusive North American rights to institutional French clothing brand “Arthur”. The first store opened on Madison Avenue in January of 2008 and two other locations have opened at the prestigious Plaza Hotel and the exclusive Westchester Mall. Currently there are plans for 50 stores nationwide within the next 5 years. In 2008 Gene purchased his first gas station and convenience store and plans redeveloping and rebranding it as a new chain, offering alternative fuel sources as well as health conscious and organic products.

Throughout his career Gene has supported many charitable causes including but not limited to: The Israeli Defense Force, the UJA Federation of New York and Chabad. He successfully set up scholarship programs for Eastern European immigrants at Skidmore College and at the Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School in Manhattan.

For his pioneer entrepreneurial ventures, socially responsible business initiatives and philanthropic work, Gene received numerous awards from New York City, various politicians (city, state, and national), private organizations,  as well as recognition from the local, national and international press. In March of 2008 he was named by Crain’s NY Business as one of NYC 40 most influential business people under the age of 40 (40 under 40 list).

Gene and his son Dylan (4 1/2 years old) split time between their homes in New York City and St Jean Cap Ferrat, France.