Age: 65
Birthplace: Malta, an island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Education: graduated from Aragon High School in San Mateo, Calif., and spent a year and a half at the College of San Mateo
Family: The seventh child born to Sam and Olympia Barbara. His father died in 1999, and his mother died in 2003.
Siblings: Charles, Joseph (died at age 3), Mary, Theresa, Joseph and Emmanuel.
My advice to a new tire dealer: be honest to your customers and stay with the basics.
I wish my superpower was: the ability to intervene when I see someone being bullied, and then beating up the bully with no fear of being hurt.
My morning routine begins: when I wake up at 5:15 a.m. I get up, get ready, drink some coffee, eat a banana, have a protein shake and watch the morning news. I’m at the shop between 7 and 8 a.m.
The worst part of my job is: when an employee moves away or retires, because they’re my family.
The best part of my job is: coming to work.
If I could change one thing about myself, it would be: my temper.
If I could be anything but a tire dealer I’d be: an F-18 pilot.
The best way to spend a day off is: playing golf. (Handicap is 4.)
If I could golf with anyone, I’d pick: Arnold Palmer.
My guilty pleasure is: eating vanilla ice cream.
The biggest mistake I’ve made is: not going into business for myself sooner.
I got my best grades in: business and auto shop.
My friends from high school: would be surprised.
My life motto is: don’t stop believing.
The best celebrity to portray me in a movie is: James Caan.
The toughest part of the tire business is: customers having trust in you.
My hidden talent is: to negotiate, and motivate.
Something most people don’t know is: I’m shy.
Five words to describe myself: I love Redwood General Tire.
The five words my team would use to describe me: short tempered, volatile, perfectionist, sincere and loyal.
