Board of Directors Spotlight: Paul Ozminkowski
By contributing writer Arlene Hisiger
November 2005

Paul Ozminkowski is a man of many talents, among them his ability to downplay them all. Case in point: Paul, at the time a partner in a local accounting firm, so impressed the executives of one of his client companies - V.I. Manufacturing Inc. - that they embarked on a campaign to recruit him to join their staff. Today, he's president of this growing precision sheet metal company that has two locations in Webster.

Born and raised in Irondequoit, Paul and Cindi, his wife of twenty-seven years, are the proud parents of three children, two boys and a girl. The oldest boy, Phil, is currently in the military serving in Korea, while 16-year-old Matt and 14-year-old Lisa are at home.

His partnership in the accounting firm not only served as a springboard for his current role as president of V.I., it also gave him the opportunity to get involved in the community. Among other things, he has served on the Board of Directors of Rochester Community Baseball. He has done this for the past 20 years, although he doesn't seem nearly old enough to have garnered such lengthy tenure. While his official title is Board Secretary, the youthful golf enthusiast's primary function is to support the financial pieces of the Red Wings organization.

Paul describes his experience on the board as a time of mutual growth. He has watched the team grow from a "small operation" to a "hugely professional" one, and notes with great pride that the franchise recently received the John H. Johnson President's Trophy for being the best organization in Minor League Baseball (which is comprised of more than 150 teams). It's the crown jewel of a body of work that has seen the Wings garner many national awards, on both the organizational and individual staff.

In turn, he is thankful for the opportunity to interact with the "accomplished professionals" on the Red Wings Board who have contributed immeasurably to his professional and personal growth.

Though he is a "numbers guy," he waxes poetic when recalling the freewheeling days of his youth when his favorite player was left-fielder Royle Stillman and he spent his days vending at Silver Stadium. That was a time when bullpens were accessible, and as a reward for bringing a hotdog to a hungry pitcher or catcher one could get an autographed baseball or bat. While he no longer is the starry-eyed kid he used to be, he gets a vicarious thrill watching his son get an autograph from the likes of Red Wings hurler Francisco Liriano, and the visiting Don Zimmer.

Today, it's "the regulars" who bring a smile to his face. It's a second family for many, including Paul and his crew. With all their goodness and all their eccentricities, the Red Wings Family is like a lot of others, but instead of having dinner around a table in a cozy dining room, it's a huge nightly experience in perhaps an equally cozy place - Frontier Field - with entertainment in our favorite back yard like no other!

Yes, Paul has seen many changes in the Red Wings organization, and in himself too. He can recall the "long drawn-out process" in the early-to-mid-80's securing state funding for the renovation of Silver Stadium, as well as the exciting but grueling process of Frontier Field going from dream to reality. Yet all the growing pains were well worth it in the end, as the result was a ballpark that in Paul's words is "state-of-the-art, more comfortable, and fan-friendly."

To Paul, the defining quality of the Rochester Red Wings is an earnest commitment to the County and region, but most importantly, to the fans … our community. In its planning stages, Paul spoke of the Wings' commitment to keep affordable baseball in Rochester. Now, nearing a full decade of operation, it's the daily dedication of the board, staff and fans that make it a vibrant hub of baseball entertainment for all to enjoy as Rochestarians and baseball fans.

Says Naomi Silver, the ballclub's chairman and chief operating officer, "Paul is one of the most dedicated people I know. He cares about the organization, the franchise, and the fans, and he has a rational, cool way of thinking things through. He's very logical, and that makes him a good sounding board - the best thing a board member can bring to the table."

In keeping with his modest nature, Paul would deflect any credit … it's one of the many positive character traits of this kind and uniquely skilled Red Wings Baseball board member and fan.

Coming soon.