Arete
[Ancient Greek Term] Translates to
Becoming your best self.
Don Tocco is a business leader, artist, writer, and motivational speaker.
He is the founder of D.L. Tocco & Associates, Inc., a national marketing company based in Troy, Michigan. The company specializes in developing business for industrial construction companies who work throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The firm’s collective private bid opportunities secured from industry since inception has surpassed $30 billion.
Don began his career and company with $45,000 in debt and no previous business experience, mentors or formal education. He attributes his success to a commitment to teamwork, service to others, patience, determination, and God’s grace.
Since 1977, he has spoken to over 325 youth groups, charging no fee and receiving no travel reimbursements. Students from every state in the U.S. and 70 countries, have become fans of his exciting “can-do” ideas and encouragement. His boundless passion for helping others learn to realize their potential culminates in creating a successful life.
Highlights
Business News: Tocco & Associates
In a rare update, Tocco & Associates, an industrial marketing company for builders of automobile facilities, large manufacturing facilities, steel, chemical and petro-chemical customers has nearly completed its 20-month long rebuilding process replacing four past clients with extraordinary national companies including the following:
E.S.Wagner – heavy civil out of Ohio;
Wright Brothers – heavy civil out of Tennessee;
Gephart Electric – full service national electrical out of Minnesota and Tennessee;
Brandenburg Demolition – out of Illinois; and continuing with
Ben Hur Steel – out of St. Louis, Missouri;
Seaway Painting – out of Livonia, Michigan;
National Environmental – out of Flint, Michigan;
National Roofing & Sheet Metal – out of Burton, Michigan; and finally,
FSG Electrical – out of Austin, Texas
replacing Site Development, Superior, WJO Mechanical and Adamo Demolition.
Currently Tocco & Associates and its clients are serving as major subcontractors at the Blue Oval Tennessee and Blue Oval Kentucky sites for Ford Motor Company and with Stellantis in Kokomo, Indiana, as well. T&A client Ben Hur recently received phase 1 of the structural steel fabrication for the Toyota facility in Liberty, North Carolina. When all services on these contracts are completed by 2025, the contract value will surpass $300 million.
Lecture at Hilllsdale College – Time to Double Down
Hillsdale College Sports Challenge
On March 30 and April 1, Don went to Hillsdale College where he challenged sororities and fraternities to compete against him to earn a portion of $35,000 in funds which Don has donated to student organizations at Hillsdale. The competitions consist of completing passing routes to receivers on Hillsdale’s football team, hitting 85 mph pitches in the batting cages, shooting free-throws and three-point-shots, ping pong, and chess.
Don donates this money to Hillsdale’s student organizations to help show the world that “Hillsdale College is the most important institution in American education.”
Hillsdale Career Day Opportunities
On March 3rd, 2022, Don organized an on campus visit for the second time titled “Hillsdale Career Day Opportunities”. Three associates of Don’s were kind enough to spend the day at Hillsdale College and offer detailed explanations about their businesses and career opportunities therein. Walbridge – a world renowned construction manager for industry and commerce based in Detroit – sent two top executives. Nino Chirco, VP of Estimating and Dan Wulf, Senior Estimator for major automotive industrial projects.
Joining Walbridge were E.S. Wagner from Ohio and Wright Brothers from Tennessee. These two companies are both engaged in heavy civil construction and are leaders in heavy highway construction and major site contracts. E.S. Wagner was represented by Kurt Huber, VP of Human Resources and General Council. Wright Brothers was represented by the CEO, Steve Wright, and VP of Human Resources, Penny Ragland.
The afternoon program was well received by students considering employment in major industry and follow up communication is ongoing. Discussions are underway to provide the same career day opportunities next year with some additional new ideas to help create greater interest and a wider variety of options. Jeff Lantis and Sharon Kahn were excellent hosts and remarkably helpful in generating this opportunity.
Remembering Joe Girard
Watch Don Tocco’s latest presentation at Hillsdale College, The Art of the journey
6/21/18 Northwood University – L.A.B. Camp – “Learning About Business”
On June 21, 2018 — for the second year, Don Tocco was invited to address Northwood University’s special student outreach program entitled “Learning About Business (L.A.B.). This five day residential program coordinated by Professor John Gustincic, offers a concentrated course on how to launch, promote and fund a new enterprise concept.
Don’s segment of the program was near the program’s conclusion and was designed to help augment the necessary and dynamic phases of business which include selling, market approach, sustainability, and also how to overcome resistance and marketplace impediments. Student feedback was exceptionally positive!
9/7/17 Hillsdale College Special Event – Detroit Marriott Troy
Hillsdale College – bastion of free enterprise, capitalism and committed to protecting the constitution, invited over 500 supporters to join its’ President, Dr. Larry Arnn, in a special presentation “The Constitution and the Salvation of Free Government.” Don Tocco, longtime friend, fan and supporter of Hillsdale College, was asked to host and act as the Master of Ceremonies at the event on September 7th, 2017 at the Detroit Marriott Troy.
It is reported that Dr. Arnn and Tocco had a friendly sparring match during the introduction session at which time Dr. Arnn poked some friendly jabs at Don, claiming that he somehow was rigging the sports competition these past 10 years, in which he competes against Hillsdale’s best athletes. Since Tocco has recorded a 7 win, 3 loss record against these tough Division II ball players, Dr. Arnn swears there must be scoring manipulation (with a grin!).
This joviality was enjoyed before Dr. Arnn’s very serious discussion about Hillsdale College’s mission in the modern day of politics. Please listen and enjoy Don’s introduction of Dr. Larry Arnn that evening.
9/7/17 Hillsdale College Special Event – Detroit Marriott Troy
Hillsdale College – bastion of free enterprise, capitalism and committed to protecting the constitution, invited over 500 supporters to join its’ President, Dr. Larry Arnn, in a special presentation “The Constitution and the Salvation of Free Government.” Don Tocco, longtime friend, fan and supporter of Hillsdale College, was asked to host and act as the Master of Ceremonies at the event on September 7th, 2017 at the Detroit Marriott Troy.
It is reported that Dr. Arnn and Tocco had a friendly sparring match during the introduction session at which time Dr. Arnn poked some friendly jabs at Don, claiming that he somehow was rigging the sports competition these past 10 years, in which he competes against Hillsdale’s best athletes. Since Tocco has recorded a 7 win, 3 loss record against these tough Division II ball players, Dr. Arnn swears there must be scoring manipulation (with a grin!).
This joviality was enjoyed before Dr. Arnn’s very serious discussion about Hillsdale College’s mission in the modern day of politics. Please listen and enjoy Don’s introduction of Dr. Larry Arnn that evening.
7/20/17 Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
On July 20, 2017, the Automotive Hall of Fame once again recognized four giants from the world of the Automotive Industry: Alberto Bombassei, August Fruehauf, Jack Roush, and Edward Welburn. Additionally, Bill Chapin, the Hall’s President, gave honorable mention to past Ford Motor Company Chairman, Don Petersen for his major role in bringing exciting new products to market under his tenure, including the Ford F150 truck.
Also featured were Don Tocco’s four sculptures of Ford Motor Company’s top leaders of the past 70 years, including the famed Ed Lundy, two past Chairmen – Don Petersen and Red Poling, and the more recent Ford phenomenon, Alan Mulally. Bill Chapin went on to say that the four busts would be a permanent part of the Hall of Fame exhibits.
6/22/17 Northwood University “LAB” Learning About Business
6/22/17 Northwood University “LAB” Learning About Business
This Northwood University program provides instruction about business. Historically, 40% of attendees become Northwood University students. A win-win all around!
4/28/17 interview with john mcelroy of autoline – the #1 network for the auto industry!
4/28/17 interview with john mcelroy of autoline – the #1 network for the auto industry!
4/20/17 Hillsdale College – “The Four Seasons of Life!”
4/20/17 Hillsdale College – “The Four Seasons of Life!”
4/20/17 Hillsdale College – “The Four Seasons of Life!” Q & A Session
9/14/16 Don delivers the eulogy for beloved long-time friend, Hugh O’Brian (aka 60’s TV Star Wyatt Earp). Hugh had over 55 million viewers, young and old, but only one fan got to do his eulogy.
7/21/16 Don attends the Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (Pictured here with Don Petersen – former Ford ceo, Alan Mulally – former ford president and ceo, and Mark Fields – Former ford ceo).
Hillsdale Collegian – Don Tocco to speak on leadership for the 13th year in a row!
Hillsdale College – “Learning How to Fly”
Hillsdale College invited Don to speak in front of 400+ students to assist in providing them with the tools they need to be successful both professionally and spiritually.
The event was held at the Searle Center at Hillsdale College on April 14, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.