Race for the Cure Goes Virtual

Residing in Methuen, Massachusetts, Benjy Orbach is an accomplished operations manager. In addition to his professional achievements, Benjy Orbach actively participates in charity events such as the Race for the Cure.

The Race for the Cure is a fundraising event organized by the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer. Typically held in different states throughout the year, Race for the Cure consists of 5K runs that promote awareness about and raises funds for the fight against breast cancer.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 Race for the Cure event series will be held virtually. On the day of the race, a live opening ceremony will be hosted on Facebook. Breast cancer patients and survivors will have the opportunity to share their stories online.

A special mobile application has been launched where participants can track the event, take quizzes, and engage in challenges. Participants will be encouraged to complete their runs in neighboring parks or on their treadmills. To successfully earn the Virtual Finisher Medal, participants must walk 6,000 steps and log them on the application.

Exploring Byron Glacier, Alaska

A resident of Methuen, Massachusetts, with experience in operations management, Benjy Orbach has a passion for travel and outdoor activities. Benjy Orbach’s travels have taken him to destinations including Alaska, which offers a wide range of scenic highlights, from fjords to mountains.

One noteworthy site is Byron Glacier, about an hour south of Anchorage near Portage Lake, on the way to the Kenai Peninsula. Starting at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, a moderate trail less than a mile long follows a glacier-fed creek through an alluvial plain in Portage Valley that is verdant, rocky, and lightly forested with alders, aspen, and cottonwood trees.

Near the end of the trail, the forest thins out and approaches rugged cliffs that frame an expansive glacier. Every visit, the glacier has a different appearance, as the ice is constantly freezing and melting. At times, there may be ice caves, which some hikers explore, though the caves can be slippery and dangerous. With avalanches a risk during high-snowfall conditions, the valley tends to trap clouds, and rain is common. For that reason, full rain gear is recommended.

Way of Improving Business Processes

A Methuen, Massachusetts, professional, Benjy Orbach has a leadership background spanning operations management, sales, and marketing. Benjy Orbach’s expertise includes organizational strategies for improving efficiencies and decreasing operational costs.

One area of emphasis, particularly for smaller companies without large-scale solutions in place, should be on automation through the use of business process management software. Keep in mind that flow charts, Google Docs, and MS Word are tools for organizing data, rather than automation.

For automating strategy, look toward specialized platforms, such as QuickBooks for accounting and other platforms that automate human resources, workflow, customer support, and payroll. These are designed to amplify what human workers accomplish and reduce errors through populating data in ways that integrate with complex processes and decision points. In addition, such systems can bridge reporting gaps between departments and help eliminate the silo mentality that often arises when teams act independently of one another.

Business process automation, while beneficial, requires careful planning, as the division between automated functions and those managed by internal staff must be delineated in ways that make strategic sense. Consider bringing outside consultants on board to assess organizational needs and dynamics before implementing a change.

Ascending Quandary Peak in Colorado Rockies

Benjy Orbach is an entrepreneur in Methuen, Massachusetts who has overseen diverse sales, marketing, and operations management activities. An avid skier, Benjy Orbach also enjoys hiking and has explored mountains in the Colorado Rockies.

One of the classic routes in the Rockies is Quandary Peak, which is the most accessible of the “14ers” that rise more than 14,000 feet in elevation. Twenty minutes from Breckenridge, the 6.75-mile trek starts just to the north of Hoosier Pass and includes a significant climb, from 10,850 feet to 14,265 feet. Despite the elevation changes being within short stretches, there is little exposure to drop-offs along the course.

However, the trail gains a daunting 1,100 feet over the last mile to the summit, which makes the hike strenuous and recommended only for those who are fit. The peak also has the highest number of accidents for any peak of its height, which reflects the popularity and year-round accessibility of the route.

With the Quandary Peak ascent above the tree line, hikers often encounter marmots and hardy mountain goats. With lightning risk in summer months, hikers are advised to climb before midday to avoid the frequent afternoon thunderstorms.