The Latest News
Don Mentors Hillsdale College Investment Club
See Hillsdale College Investment Club’s Post here
“A few days ago, a select group of Investment Club analysts were given the opportunity to meet and learn from one of Hillsdale’s largest donors, Don Tocco, a youth mentor, motivational speaker, business leader, and founder of the national marketing company D.L. Tocco & Associates which develops business for industrial construction companies throughout North America.
After spending years as a college dropout in a two hundred square foot apartment, Don Tocco successfully built his business to receive collective bid opportunities surpassing $30 billion since its founding.
Don Tocco “attributes his success to a commitment to teamwork, service to others, patience, determination, and God’s grace.”
He currently tours schools and college campuses to teach, mentor, and inspire students to become their best self.
The Investment Club thanks Don Tocco for his time and continued passion and dedication to supporting Hillsdale College students and youth mentorship abroad!”
EXCLUSIVE
Tocco has been invited to spend a day with his #1 mentor in Scottsdale, Arizona, on March 28th. It has become a tradition, albeit a Covid break, that Alan Mulally and Don play golf and discuss important ideas at least once a year since 2012. Currently Alan serves on the Board of Directors at Google, Carbon 3D and Mayo Clinic. He continues providing an executive training program for large corporations who wish to improve their leadership skills and better serve their customers. He calls his program “Working Together”. The “Working Together” materials are essentially the methods and strategies he used to save Ford Motor Company and Boeing Corporation from going out of business over the past two decades. You can also learn more by reading his book, American Icon. As for the golf portion of these visits, it is Alan Mulally – 6, Don Tocco – 0!!!
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.
Hillsdale College Everett Oratory Contest
Hillsdale’s Director of Forensics, Dr. Kiledal, once again invites Don Tocco to judge the Everett Oratory Contest with its President, Dr. Larry Arnn. This is the 17th of the past 20 years that Don has been invited to join this distinction. This year’s contestants will be presenting their ideas on the topic “Is social media good for us?”. This invitation follows on the heels of Mr. Tocco’s recent Leadership Forum Presentation which was designated to share ideas on creative leadership techniques to the greater body of young leaders at Hillsdale College on January 21, 2023. Don’s continued support of Hillsdale College and their fine young leaders included a donation of $7,500. The program was enjoyed by more than 22 leadership groups around the campus whose associations touch more than 50% of the students at the college.
Northwood University Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala
Tocco to attend the Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala in Dearborn, Michigan, as a past Outstanding Business Leader recipient. This year Northwood is featuring five new exemplary leaders who will receive this distinguished award – Fred Bunting, Vinnie Johnson, Andres Lopez, Michael & Dianne Morey, and Gina Thorsen. Don is also in discussions with Northwood administrators to schedule his most popular presentation for the Learning About Business (LAB) program. An excellent example and testimonial of one of the many students who has used Mr. Tocco’s techniques in excelling their career in business is Matt Baucher whose main goal when attending the LAB session for 2019 was to become an automotive dealership owner/general manager. Matt most recently indicated to Mr. Tocco that he is ahead of schedule by as many as three years on this objective and exceedingly enthusiastic about his accomplishment. Matt Baucher makes himself available to answer questions and make comments on the topic at baucherm@northwood.edu.
Hillsdale College Everett Oratory Contest
3/8/2022
President Dr. Larry Arnn invited Don once again, to judge the schools aclaimed Everett Oratory Contest. Seven students compete in this oral classic lasting ten minutes per student. The winner took home $3000 in prize money; plus the honor of being considered Hillsdale’s Champion Orator.
2022 marks the 16th year Mr. Tocco has been part of the three person judging panel. The others have been Judges from higher courts and nationally recognized political leaders and journalists. Click the link below for the Collegian article.
https://hillsdalecollegian.com/2022/02/rhetoric-department-hosts-edward-everett-oratory-contest/http://hillsdalecollegian.com/2017/03/murphy-wins-everett-oratory-competition/
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.
Hillsdale College Sports Challenge
On March 30 and April 1, 2022, 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.”
Readabout the results here
Hillsdale College Everett Oratory Contest
3/8/2022
President Dr. Larry Arnn invited Don once again, to judge the schools aclaimed Everett Oratory Contest. Seven students compete in this oral classic lasting ten minutes per student. The winner took home $3000 in prize money; plus the honor of being considered Hillsdale’s Champion Orator.
2022 marks the 16th year Mr. Tocco has been part of the three person judging panel. The others have been Judges from higher courts and nationally recognized political leaders and journalists. Click the link below for the Collegian article.
https://hillsdalecollegian.com/2022/02/rhetoric-department-hosts-edward-everett-oratory-contest/http://hillsdalecollegian.com/2017/03/murphy-wins-everett-oratory-competition/
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.
Presentation at Hillsdale College – “The Road Ahead”
Don gave his 18th annual presentation at Hillsdale College on November 5th in the Dow Center. This year’s topic was entitled ‘The Road Ahead”. Despite complications due to the Covid pandemic, the students able to attend were as enthusiastic as ever.
Read more about it at the Hillsdale Collegian
Mentoring Session – Alan Mulally and Don Tocco
Talk at Rochester University
Golfing with Alan Mulally
Hillsdale College Releases Short Documentary on Don Tocco and His Relationship to the College
Don Tocco speaks on student talents, donates to student clubs at Hillsdale College
4/1/2019
The presentation was centered around ways we can start to notice and get in touch with our unique abilities and most importantly, figure out how to build a skillset around that talent.
Northwood University Outstanding Business Leader Award
3/26/2019
Don Tocco rejoins friends and alum at the 39th Annual Outstanding Business Leader Award on March 26, 2019,at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. He continues his work helping Northwood University Business Bound Students and entrepreneurs with planning and motivation. One of the OBL recipients for 2019, Jack Krasula, was nominated by Mr. Tocco. Jack’s experience as a businessman and host of WJR Radio’s Weekly Show, “Anything is Possible” was a big hit at this year’s event.
A Tribute to Don’s Friend: Joe Girard
3/26/2019
Indeed it’s that time for Don Tocco and the millions of others around the globe who were ardent fans of Joe Girard’s speeches and best selling books put him on the international map after he became recognized in the Guiness book of world records as the greatest salesman in the world. Joe earned this distinction by selling six cars on average every working day for 12 years.
Don and Joe became close friends after meeting in 1979 at a public event. The friendship grew and a dozen years later when Joe proposed marriage to his beautiful Kitty, he soon after asked Don to be their best man. What a wedding!!! (Place link to the actual toast by the best man)
Equally notable another fact that is also in the record books is of the over 400 presentations done by Don for the youth of America – he has never failed to tell the story about Joe Girard’s famous morning warm-up that started with the words “I Feel Good – I Feel Great!” Just ask any Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership student or Hillsdale College student this past quarter of a century.
The world has lost a great man who will never be forgotten. No doubt Joe is motivating his fellow angels as we speak in that great theater in heaven so that they might go out and sell more souls on the idea of grace!!!
Don Tocco speaks on student talents, donates to student clubs at Hillsdale College
4/1/2019
The presentation was centered around ways we can start to notice and get in touch with our unique abilities and most importantly, figure out how to build a skillset around that talent.
nineteenth Annual Executive Dinner
10/20/2018
Don had the opportunity to meet with the Tocco “unofficial” Board of Directors.
Hillsdale College Everett Oratory Contest
2/17/2017
President Dr. Larry Arnn has invited Don once again, to judge the schools aclaimed Everett Oratory Contest. Seven students compete in this oral classic lasting ten minutes per student. The winner takes home $3000 in prize money; plus the honor of being considered Hillsdale’s Champion Orator.
2017 Marks the 10th year Mr. Tocco has been part of the three person judging panel. The others have been, well, Judges from higher courts and nationally recognized political leaders and journalists. Click the link below for the Collegian article.
http://hillsdalecollegian.com/2017/03/murphy-wins-everett-oratory-competition/
A Day With an Icon
2/17/2017
Last month Don shared a day with the man known as the American Icon. Alan Mulally did save Boeing Aircraft from going out of business twice and provided an even greater service when saving Ford Motor Company from a similar fate. Alan is a beloved figure in Michigan and an automotive giant- Fortune Magazine ranked him the 3rd greatest leader in the world, behind the Pope and head of the European Union. Don has been given the honor of sculpting Mulally’s bust which will be given to the Automotive Hall of Fame later this year and on permanent display. More Later…
7/21/16-Don attends the Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for Alan Mulally (Pictures with Don, Alan, and Don Petersen)
7/20/2016
Michigan Design Center-May 18th, 2016
6/23/2016
Q&A’s for “Learning How to Fly” Presentation at Hillsdale College 4/13/16
6/3/2016
Northwood University “Senior Send-Off” 4/20/16
4/7/2016
Northwood University of Midland, MI has invited to Don to present a farewell address to the graduating seniors on Wednesday, April 20th @ 5:00 PM at the Gerace Auditorium
“Learning How to Fly”-Hillsdale Presentation 4/14/16
4/7/2016
Hillsdale College has invited Don to speak in front of 400+ students to help provide them with the tools they need to be successful both professionally and spiritually.
The event will be at the Searle Center at Hillsdale College on April 14th at 7:00 PM
Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL) Gala
1/30/2016
Northwood University awarded Don and six other business leaders from around the country with their prestigious outstanding business leader award. Their criteria for selecting the awardees includes contribution to education, community involvement, philanthropic contributions, support of the integration of business and the arts, contribution to the philosophy of private enterprise and business and professional success. Past recipients include Richard M. Devos, Amway corporations; Arnold Palmer, Palmer Enterprises; John Teets, CEO of Greyhound Corporation; Bob Eaton, CEO of Chrysler Corporation; Dave Bing, Chairman of Bing Group; Keith Crain, Crain Communications; Kim Yost, CEO of Art Van Furniture and many others. The event was highlighted by having many students attending from the Northwood University campus in West Palm Beach. All attendees received a copy of Don’s book, Art of the Journey.
Below is a link to the full recording of the event. Skip forward to 1:09:00 to hear Don’s introduction and speech
Lincoln High School Presentation
1/10/2016
Mr. Tocco returns to his high school alma mater for more than 30 years in a row. Speaking to the senior class with focuses on the importance of seeking knowledge, and at that presentation provided his book, Art of the Journey, as a gift to all students, along with CDs which emphasizes setting goals, discipline and courage. The assistant principal, Vic Breithaupt, feels these visits provide hope and help make changes for the better in his students.
4th Annual Michigan Greatest Artist’s Competition
12/8/2015
Once again, Brooks Patterson (Oakland County Executive) and his assistant Kristy Zamora, are presenting the Michigan Greatest Artist’s Contest for the 4th year in a row. This event invites all interested artists from Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties to compete in this exciting annual event. Past winners have received great recognition and have gone on to become professional artists, selling their creative works for enthusiastic recipients. As an artist, Mr. Tocco has enjoyed the opportunity to critique, judge, and offer encouragement to these newly developing artisans. You may want to visit the Michigan Greatest Artist’s website for more details at: http://www.migreatartist.com/pages/judges.aspx.