As with every Dealer of the Year, we like to ask some personal questions of our winners. What makes them tick, who do they admire, and who their influences are. We asked Joe Troilo for a quick rundown.
Full name: Joseph Anthony Troilo Jr.
Nickname: Tony
Age: 45
Hobby: Volunteer fireman (since mid-1960s)
I’m most proud of: My family
Favorite childhood memory: Family vacations at the beach
Biggest regret: Trauma I put everyone through when I had my accident
Favorite book: “Gone With the Wind”
Favorite movie: “Sound of Music”
Favorite television shows: “The Commish,” “Lassie”
Favorite actor, actress: Richard Pryor, Barbra Streisand
Favorite athlete: Sam Huff
Favorite sport: Football
Favorite politician: Pope John Paul II
Favorite food: Soup, any kind; Italian food
Are you a morning or a night person? Night
My friends like me because: I’m genuine
My goals in life are: To be happy and successful but not at the expense of others
A perfect evening for me is: Being with my wife and family
Nobody knows that I: Have no sense of smell
Smartest thing I’ve ever done: Married Pat
Best advice your parents gave you: Be yourself and respect others and love God
You’re advice to children: Respect others and yourself and stay in school
You’re most humbling experience: My accident
The great thing about tire dealers today is: They can be as successful as they want to be
You’re advice to a tire dealer just starting out: Be open-minded and open to explore new avenues
About the Author
Bob Ulrich
Bob Ulrich was named Modern Tire Dealer editor in August 2000 and retired in January 2020. He joined the magazine in 1985 as assistant editor, and had been responsible for gathering statistical information for MTD's "Facts Issue" since 1993. He won numerous awards for editorial and feature writing, including five gold medals from the International Automotive Media Association. Bob earned a B.A. in English literature from Ohio Northern University and has a law degree from the University of Akron.