Bio

Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, Claas moved to the United States in 1999 at the age of 24 to pursue an internship at his family business’ subsidiary for one year.

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After the internship ended, Claas decided to become more involved in the US business side of his family business, eventually becoming its CEO and majority owner. The business imports and distributes a variety of European specialty foods to US supermarket chains.

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Along with enjoying his involvement in the business, he enjoyed living in New York City and since 2001 spent weekends on the eastern end of Long Island.

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Summer and year round rentals in Bellport, Southampton, Water Mill and Bridgehampton turned into buying the first home in North Haven in 2012. In 2019, Claas moved to his current residence on Coves End Lane, where he and his wife Lindsay are full-time residents.

 

Claas can often be seen walking the streets of North Haven with his Bernedoodle Winston. 

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Mayor Sander appointed Claas trustee in July 2021 to fill the un-expired term of David Saskas.

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Claas was elected trustee in July 2022 and appointed Deputy Mayor by Mayor Chris Fiore.

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In March 2023 the County of Suffolk Public Works, Transportation & Energy Committee appointed Claas to the Suffolk County Tick Control Advisory Committee.