Lazar Finker, Neighbor

Lazar Finker is a Jacksonville-based business executive, philanthropist, and educator with decades of expertise under his belt. After receiving his education in Russia, he founded the country's first community college. Lazar's career as an educator continued when he, along with his wife, Raissa Frenkel, was invited to serve as a guest professor at Florida State College. The couple enjoyed their stint at the college so much that they chose to remain in the United States.

From there, Lazar Finker established a name for himself in the energy business, putting his background in economics to good use. He and Raissa went on to found Forum Capital Group, a private equity firm specializing in seafood and real estate. The couple also founded the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together a community of like-minded philanthropists. The Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes, including child welfare, education, religious development, and medical research. Today, they have seen their son, Eugene, and a variety of others embrace philanthropy through their organization and could not be prouder.

Lazar Finker is also an avid musician, sometimes performing violin under the stage name "Lonya." He and Raissa are frequent travelers, but enjoy spending time with family in Jacksonville.