Stephen Wangel, 47, a 20-year resident of Lynbrook, has been a veteran of the home improvement trade for nearly 30 years. While his expertise is in kitchen and cabinetry space planning, his experience makes him an expert in retail sales and marketing. Wangel brought this experience to the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, serving as the editor of the chamber’s newsletter and chairman of its planning committee, which oversees the implementations of programs to drive business to local merchants.
“I am very pleased, of course, to get the award,” said Wangel. “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Nancy Friedman and Rhonda Glickman for nominating me. I am also flattered that the entire board of directors of the Lynbrook Chamber was so quick agree.  I must also thank my wife, Deirdre, for giving me enough alone-time to work on these projects!”
A constant advocate for mom-and-pop retailers, Wangel has lectured on the effectiveness of small retail businesses and increasing their bottom line, with the advent of mass-merchants infiltration the New York Area. Wangel became an active member of the Coalition for Community preservation, a grassroots organization that served to educate the public about the downside of warehouse stores.
Wangel and his wife, Deirdre have a son, Joshua. He and his wife are administrators of Joshua’s Journey, a group that funds research for and raises awareness of autism spectrum disorders.