INSPIRATION

Steve Greenberg is dedicated to upholding the great American tradition of citizens working to improve the lives of their families and neighbors through government service.  He has learned from key leaders that it is possible for an individual in politics to make a difference and that policies must work for the people, not the other way around.

Steve attended the 1992 Republican National Convention and was moved by Ronald Reagan's speech.  President Reagan's delivery demonstrated how eloquence and passion could capture the hearts and minds of the audience and remind them that government should give a voice to the people.

Steve learned economics firsthand from Jack Kemp and what it means to be a statesman from President George Bush Sr.  Both gentlemen were guest speakers hosted by Steve's family at events for their customers.  Kemp reinforced how lower taxes drives the engine of America.  President Bush Sr. spoke of building coalitions and what it takes to be a liberator.

Steve witnessed a government working for the people when Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin created and implemented a welfare reform program that worked with businesses in hiring individuals on welfare.  Steve's family business, Promotions Unlimited Corporation (PUC), participated in the program.  One example was when they hired a man whose family was living in their car--the family eventually was able to buy a home and send their children to college.

Steve entered the political arena officially when he began serving on the Illinois Republican Finance Committee.  He was elected a Republican precinct committeeman and has been a fundraiser and key supporter of various candidates through the years.  Steve is also a member of Americans for Prosperity, an organization of grassroots leaders who engage citizens in the name of limited government and the free market system.

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN

Steve witnessed firsthand the process of pursuing the American dream as his parents worked hard and struggled to build a family business, PUC.  At the same time they gave back to their community through programs from youth hockey to shelters for women and children.

Steve worked for PUC, a company that is currently a sourcing arm for 6500 retail stores nationwide.  While at PUC, Steve ascended from the Vice President of Regional Sales to Chief Operating Officer, coordinating procurement of goods as PUC expanded its sourcing overseas.  Steve was a key presenter in educational forums in which he inspired "mom and pop" retailers by providing them merchandising support and encouraging them to change with the times to remain competitive against the big box retailers.

For the last  five years Steve has focused on saving jobs by acquiring and merging underperforming distribution companies.  As Co-Chairman of the Board he identified target companies, executed negotiations and secured financing.  To date he has successfully restructured four companies.  Steve is also an owner of Ben Franklin Craft and Variety.com.

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE

Steve played professional hockey for the Hampton Roads Admirals, a minor league affiliate of the Washington Capitals.  Only physical injury prevented Steve from going on to play in the National Hockey League.  Steve will use the discipline, determination and teamwork that made him a winner on the ice to be an effective leader and advocate for change in Congress.

Steve has utilized the experience gained from playing high-level hockey by coaching youth hockey for the past 15 years.  He coached players ranging from four to twenty years old--his team of sixteen-year-olds won the state championship.  Steve also served on the board of Team Illinois Hockey and as the Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Chicago Steele USHL Jr. Team.

FAMILY MAN

Steve has been married to Kristine for fourteen years.  They have three children: Tyler, 13, Claire, 12 and Jack, 9.  The Greenberg children attend local public schools and are involved in local sports and volunteer work along with their parents.  In addition Steve and Kristine have completed the training required by DCFS to serve as foster parents, and for four years served as housing parents and guardians for five United States Junior League hockey players ranging in age from seventeen to twenty-one.