Our Founder and Inspiration

Gertrude Thypin Oltchick

The Thypin Oltchick Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship @ F·E·G·S (TOI) was created and named in honor of Gertrude Thypin Oltchick, one of the first women to own and operate a major steel company. With her brother David Thypin, they grew the business their father started in 1910, The Thypin Steel Company, into one of the largest steel companies in the Northeast.

Started a Career at 16

“My brother and I continued what my father started,” notes Gertrude. “It just came naturally to me,“ Mrs. Oltchick laughed. “I was not even 16 when I started working in my father's business, and I just loved what I was doing. I loved it so much that I went straight from high school to Thypin Steel while my friends continued on to college. I really wanted to be successful.”

Grew Company to Major Business

She appreciates that she was one of the very first women in the male-dominated steel business and one of the early members of Professional Women in Construction, a professional association for women who are suppliers or principals in the construction business. In 1997, after 87 years as a family business, she and her brother sold the Long Island City-based business which had become the largest private steel business in the Northeast.

Women Are Dynamos

In 2005, Gert's son, Stuart Oltchick, an active member of the F·E·G·S Health and Human Services System Board of Directors, with his family, established The Thypin Oltchick Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship @ F·E·G·S. “My mother wanted to give other women the skills and opportunities to launch their own businesses. She always believed women are dynamos, and those who desired to run their own businesses could be successful if they had guidance,” states Stuart Oltchick.

Encouragement is Critical

Gert Oltchick adds, “There are some people who have good ideas but they don't know how to execute them, or talents they are not aware they have. The Institute gives women the encouragement to explore their ideas and help them define and locate the resources needed to execute their vision. We can help women see if they are going in the right direction.” Mrs. Oltchick, who is an enthusiastic cheerleader at the Institute's quarterly seminars, was born in New York City. She is the proud mother of three, grandmother of six and great grandmother of four. For the last 37 years, the family celebrates Thanksgiving week by vacationing together.