Chief Executive Officer, Tony Munafo, was recently interviewed by Cincinnati Business Courier, as part of the 2018 Forty Under 40 Class. The honorees of the annual award program are the leaders in the region who have made a significant impact on their community, both professionally and socially. They come from a variety of backgrounds and each have a special perspective to share. Learn a little more about Tony below!
What was your first job? My first job was working at DeGeorge Ceilings & Flooring for John Dunn, who was one of my father’s best friends. I hung drop ceilings while walking on stilts. It was hard work, but it taught me discipline and seeing things through to the end. I will be forever grateful to John for giving a young guy a shot.
What’s the simplest thing you never learned to do? I have never really learned how to play euchre.
What’s the most recent experience you’ve crossed off your bucket list? My wife and I attended this year’s Super Bowl, which was a bucket list item for the both of us and an experience we’ll never forget.
What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? Why focus on being the best when it’s easier to just focus on being great? I was in a sales position working hard for the top spot and a co-worker said this to me, which still baffles me. I’ll never be one that’s OK with settling in life and don’t understand why everyone wouldn’t want to be the absolute best they can be in all aspects of their life.
What’s one luxury that is absolutely worth the money? I don’t necessarily look at luxury, but I do look at the value of my time and making sure I spend it meaningfully. Losing my father when he was only 39 taught me to truly value your time and take advantage of every single day.
And one thing you’d never splurge on? I am a pretty frugal, so there are a lot of things I wouldn’t splurge on.
You know it’s a good day when … The sun is out, hanging out with my family, and reggae is on the radio.
What do you wish someone would invent tomorrow? Some sort of tool that would help negative people become positive people. You only get one life and one opportunity. I just think everyone should maximize their full potential in life rather than wasting time being negative.
When was your last vacation, and where did you go? My family’s last vacation was a trip down to South Holston Lake in Tennessee. It is right outside of Bristol and is a little slice of heaven. It is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountain Line. It is a great place to spend time outdoors with my family, relax, unwind and think.
Most recent book or podcast you enjoyed? The most recent book I finished was “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins, which was very inspirational. The book I read before David Goggins was “Shoe Dog,” which is a memoir by Nike co-founder Phil Knight. It details the history of Nike from its early struggles to becoming one of the world’s most successful businesses. I really enjoyed that one and have recommended it to many friends and co-workers. I also like to listen to the John Maxwell Leadership podcast while I run.
Biggest pet peeve? People who aren’t the authentic versions of themselves. I truly believe in being your own individual and the best version of yourself. You can certainly look up to people, but you should still be yourself. I think it’s important for people to understand who they are, but I think it’s equally important to understand who you are not.
For the full article, please visit the Cincinnati Business Courier: First job taught Prolink CEO how to walk tall
