Tar Heel power couple branch out from furniture manufacturing into other pursuits

Holly Springs, N.C. —Abel and Barbara Zalcberg are co-founders of OFM, one of the nation’s leading office and school furniture manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers. Now, they are also among the newest ownership partners for the Raleigh-based National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

The Zalcbergs started OFM in the early 1990s on the third floor of their home. It has grown into a major global business venture with headquarters in North Carolina and operations in Phoenix, Ariz., and Taiwan. The company also works with manufacturers in Mexico and throughout China.

Not content to stand still, the power couple set up a private charter business out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport called Fly Private, LLC. And just last year, they created ABCZ Solar, LLC, a solar power company that sells electricity to Progress Energy through a 250kw solar farm which is among the largest renewable energy sites in the state.

An ownership stake in the Stanley Cup-winning Hurricanes was a natural next step, explains Abel Zalcberg, who is chief executive officer of OFM.

“Like OFM, the Hurricanes are a start-up that’s done incredibly well in a short period of time,” he said. “Since moving to North Carolina in 1997, they’ve become a powerhouse, surprising everyone by winning the 2006 Stanley Cup and becoming the first Tar Heel team to take home a major league championship. We couldn’t be prouder to be part of their team.”

Earlier this year, the Zalcbergs became one of 10 new investors to join in ownership of the N.C. sports franchise.

Abel Zalcberg says he now holds three titles: office furniture manufacturer, solar power entrepreneur and major league sports owner. “We like to say it’s our own version of a hat trick,” he jokes.