Tire Dealer of the Year Profile: Nick Mitsos

Sept. 16, 2011

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.

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.

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