LENA EPSTEIN KORETZKY:
 
Lena Epstein Koretzky




 
 
 
 
 
Co-owner and General Manager of Marketing of Vesco Oil Corp. in Southfield. Koretzky's business background has helped grow the family business, including her creation of the marketing department, which led to increased sales during the recession. Vesco Oil is one of the largest Valvoline and ExxonMobil distributors in North America, meeting lubricant and waste stream requirements for automotive and industrial markets, as well as providing management of regulated hazardous and non-hazardous materials. For its focus, Vesco has won the Environmental Achievement award from the Environmental Management Association. Koretzky is an active leader in the Michigan Republican Party and serves as the 2012 Lincoln Club president. Recently, she chaired an event to connect Gov. Rick Snyder with the Jewish community and business leaders. Koretzky has been recognized among the "20 in Their 20s" by Crain's Detroit Business. Recently, she was named to Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson's Elite "40 Under 40" campaign and was one of the three finalists for the top spot. Koretzky is active in her community, serving on the board of directors for the Anti-Defamation League, Alzheimer's Association of Michigan, and Temple Beth El. She has served on the Michigan Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Michigan Program and is the treasurer of her family's foundation, the Epstein Family Charitable Foundation. Koretzky received her bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University and her MBA from the University of Michigan.


WHERE BORN: “Royal Oak.”

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: “My parents. They taught me the importance of hard work and dedication to whatever I'm working on and the importance of giving back. They are absolutely my role models. I also admire Florine Mark. She's been my mentor since 2008. She's incredibly brave, incredibly sharp, and has had an impact on the business community philanthropically.”

LAST BOOK READ: “Roberts Rules of Order by Henry M. Robert III, William J. Evans, Daniel H. Honemann, and Thomas J. Balch.”

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: “Passionate, compassionate, hard-working, and brave.”

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: “The oil industry is at the forefront of the world's economy and it's headed toward the center of all activity.”

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: “I can't leave home without my iPhone.”

FAVORITE PLACE: “Anywhere in Northern Michigan.”

FAVORITE HOBBIES: “Spending time with my husband, Brett, and our dog, Bruno.”

FAVORITE FOOD: “Pickles.”

MY HIDDEN TALENT: “I'm really skilled at bringing people together.”

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: “As a leader who made a difference in Michigan's economic future, a devoted wife, daughter, and sister.”


Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.