As human beings, we seem to be locked into an ongoing mission to find meaning in our lives. While what gives life meaning is different for everyone, the search to leave the world with something greater than ourselves is universal. Neil Samahon, President/CEO of Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. (OE) in Valparaiso, takes this quest for a greater good to heart and lives each day with one question on his mind: ‘How can I make what I do today really matter?’
Samahon was born in London and moved to Chicago as a young boy, later moving to the south suburbs where he grew up. He first learned of Opportunity Enterprises while in the process of moving to Valparaiso back in 2011.
“I spoke with someone and shared my family story, which includes having a daughter with a disability, and she told me of OE,” Samahon said. “Within a few weeks, I took a tour and immediately knew this is where she needed to be.”
At the time Samahon’s daughter Ashley was living with her mother and step-father in southern Illinois but made the move to Valpo along with Samahon, his wife Deb, and his other daughter Clare. While Ashley began receiving services at Opportunity Enterprises, Samahon got involved as well, serving on the Board as Board Chair.
“Shortly after, CEO Ellen DeMartinis shared that she wanted to retire, and after initiating the process to seek a replacement, I began to consider my candidacy for the position,” Samahon said.
Samahon spent 25 years with Metro Recycling and was very active within the recycling industry. As CEO, he was quite happy with what he was accomplishing there, yet in the midst of his happiness, he was always searching for the best way to live out the message of a poem that hung in his office. The poem by Michael Josephson, entitled “What Will Matter,” emphasizes the importance of living a life that will leave a lasting, positive impact inspired by helping others.
“It was something I read a few times a month, and several lines always stuck out to me,” Samahon said. “As the poem says, ‘What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose a life that matters.’”
At the time Samahon was also visiting his mother, who was battling cancer. He began having conversations with her about his thoughts on a career shift, and she encouraged him to pursue this new direction.
“I also imagined that as one nears the end of their life, it's natural to take stock of their life. I asked myself if I was doing enough of what will matter, and when the time came for me to assess my life, how would I reflect upon the choice I made?” Samahon said. “I had the opportunity to pursue something where success is measured by the significance you have on others' lives.”
With his mind made up, Samahon approached the board and was given the opportunity to fill DeMartinis’ shoes, an opportunity he continues to find value in every day.
“I was lucky to have been given the opportunity I have,” Samahon said. “It's a privilege to head up this organization as I look to serve our clients and staff.”
Samahon has now served as CEO of Opportunity Enterprises for 15 months and could not imagine making a difference anywhere else.
“It is knowing that what I do can have such a positive impact on others' lives that makes what I do so rewarding,” Samahon said. “Every day that I can see the enjoyment our clients have in the experiences they have at OE makes it a great place to be.”
Samahon finds inspiration in the form of a historical figure, Winston Churchill, as well as all those he has worked with over the years.
“Although certainly flawed, Churchill rose to the occasion and was an incredible leader in a time of need. His determination to succeed because of his understanding that the consequence of failure would have been catastrophic is something that drove him, and I've admired that,” Samahon said. “However, I think the people I've worked with and who have worked for me have influenced me the most. You witness the efforts and commitment that so many people have, and that inspires and influences me to strive to be the leader that is needed.”
Samahon also enjoys photography, a wide variety of music, and traveling whenever he can. One of his most memorable experiences was a trip he took to the Antarctic in 2011.
“I'd have to say that is my favorite traveling experience. The beauty of it all was moving, at times almost otherworldly,” Samahon said. “I think the other part of the trip that made it so memorable was that I was quite sick as we went through the Drake Passage. Perhaps a life lesson; the rough journeys make getting to your destinations so much more worthwhile.”
In his journey to lead an impactful, meaningful life, Samahon strives to overcome adversity and place an emphasis on reaching out to others.
“Always look for opportunity within adversity and always seek out ways to collaborate with others,” Samahon said. “First seek out ways to help them achieve their goals, and your opportunities will follow.”