John Staluppi

Born in 1947 in Brooklyn, native New Yorker, John Staluppi started his life from humble beginnings. His father, Francis, was a hard working electrician who worked two jobs to make ends meet and his mother Millie was a homemaker. It was the 1950's - the golden years of the American automobile. There would never be another era like it and John Staluppi was fortunate enough to have witnessed the innovation, imagination, and vision in the automotive industry. Even though his father encouraged him to become an electrician, John was already bitten by the car bug. His father did, however, teach John the value of quality, hard work, family and friends. John went for the American dream and had the courage to do what he really loved – to be a part of the automotive industry in America.

He was rebellious and had a run in with the law in his youth, but was able to move forward towards his dream. First, he started out as a 16 year old mechanic. John was motivated and talented and soon became an expert in cars. It was at this time that his dad recognized John's exceptional drive and decided to help. His father took out a loan so his son could run a Sunoco station. John Staluppi is incredibly grateful to his father for his support and guidance during that time. Through creative marketing, John was able to make this and other gas stations a success. With these successes and practical experiences, he was able to take a risk on a venture called Honda - an unknown name at the time. John Staluppi was, however, able to see it's potential. Within a decade of hard work, he owned close to 20 dealerships and the Honda name took off in the United States. His commitment to Honda during this time, made him an integral part of shaping the automotive industry. The next venture for John Staluppi was Hyundai, another solid success. The Hyundai investment showcased his business philosophy - to stay with quality franchises, focus on a particular market and try to get the best people. Through all successes, John Staluppi always made sure he put people first. In fact, John is proud that there is a sign in all his dealerships that reads "Every visitor to our dealership is an honored guest in our home, every day, every time, without fail, no exceptions". This statement represents his commitment to his customers over the years.

John Staluppi also expanded his interest into the yachting industry, since he had always enjoyed boating and sportfishing in the 70's and 80's on Long Island. John Staluppi had the motivation and character to succeed at anything he put his mind to. So he created the highly successful - Millennium Super Yachts, a line of custom yachts that is unsurpassed in creativity, beauty and speed. John Staluppi has also created a Classic Car Museum in Florida called "Cars of Dreams" where he regularly hosts local charity events.

John Staluppi 's successes were never just for him. He vowed that if ever really made it - he would help those less fortunate. He grew up with an intimate knowledge of people who have a tough life - and now he feels an obligation to help needy people have an easier life in some way. The list of charities and fundraisers that John is involved with is extensive -from Hospice, National Kidney Registry, to Make a Wish Foundation - John Staluppi says that each charity event keeps him down to earth. When a child hugs him for granting his wish (Make a Wish Foundation) or when he can provide state of the art wheelchairs for spinal cord injury victims (Darrell Gwynn Foundation) - John Staluppi says “ I hope this is my legacy.”