The son of Greek immigrants, Mitsos made a major career change at age 40 when he joined the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. as an entry-level retail salesperson for $6.50 an hour. He had a family of five, and a son getting ready to go to college. “But I wanted to learn the business.”
Full name: Nicholas Mitsos
Age: 68
Family: wife, Irene, and three sons: Chris, Michael and Paul
I am most proud of: my family.
My hobbies and interests include: drag racing and traveling.
My favorite childhood memory is: playing baseball, being together with my friends.
My biggest regret: I have no regrets. I make it a point never to look back.
My favorite book: I’m not much of a reader, but I enjoy fiction.
My favorite sport: football. Go Jets!
My favorite athlete: Duke Snider, center fielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was my idol.
My favorite food: pasta
My favorite TV shows: “American Idol,” “Harry’s Law”
My favorite politician: Are you kidding?
If I could change one thing about myself I: would be more patient and absorb life a little more.
My goal in life is: to make sure my wife and kids with their families have no worries.
A perfect evening for me is: a great dinner with family and friends.
The smartest thing I’ve ever done is: marry my wife.
Best advice my parents ever gave me: Never lie, always respect your elders and work hard.
My advice to a tire dealer who is just starting out: Know the business and lead by example.
The greatest thing about the tire industry today: There is always a challenge and it can take you two ways — keep you young or make you old in a hurry. It’s up to you. To keep yourself young, you must be an innovator, and be sharp every day to meet the competitive challenges.
