John Amodio Honored for Six Decades of Service
By MICHAEL ANDERSON, Content Development Specialist
Louis R. Miller, affectionately known as “Lou” and respectfully known as “Mister Miller” by his colleagues and mentees, was a passionate mentor for countless Staten Island business professionals.
“Lou Miller was quiet. He wasn’t pushy, and he knew how to listen. He didn’t tell you what to do. Instead, he encouraged you to do what was the right thing,” said John J. Amodio, who is proud to call the former community activist his mentor.
In 1994, Miller wanted to recognize the accomplishments of small business professionals and show them off as role models to others. He teamed with the Business Education Development Council (BEDC) at the College of Staten Island, which was chaired and organized by Amodio, to salute these leaders.
Unfortunately, Miller passed away during the planning stages of the awards ceremony. Amodio thought the perfect way to honor his legacy was naming it the “Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award.”
To ensure worthy candidates are selected annually, Amodio has remained a committee member of the Award since its inception, carrying on the legacy of Lou Miller.
“Lou found me when I started working at Community National Bank. We started talking a little bit and it brought me out of my shell. I became more involved with things in the community, and he introduced me to a lot of people who became an influence on me,” recalled Amodio. “He then continued to guide me as I went through Community National Bank. When I needed help educating my staff on various things, I asked if he would be willing to talk and mentor people on my staff. This way, they were able to deal with me, and I would be better able to deal with them as we moved the bank forward.”
And now, after honoring over 275 honorees spanning 28 years, the award comes full circle as Amodio is receiving a Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award, which he will receive as a “founder” of the awards program. The awards -- which are presented by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Advance -- honor the memory of Miller, the businessman and West Brighton resident who was also a community leader.
When you review Amodio’s resume, it’s clear he’s not receiving the honor based upon his connection to Miller. Instead, he’s being honored for his more than six decades of experience in strategic planning, financial services, management, marketing, and problem-solving.
And just like Miller, once Amodio retired after 50 years in business, he knew what came next. During his career, he worked with businesses of all sizes. But Amodio had a strong focus on small businesses, and realized there were ways to offer his assistance.
“Part of the experience I had with banking while dealing with small businesses showed me that they needed education,” said Amodio. “One of the reasons I started a consulting business [in 1991] was because I wanted to help them.
“I had all this experience and expertise that God blessed me with, and I wanted to pass it along and carry it forward,” he added.
So, after retiring for the third time in 2013, he decided it was time to start paying it forward on a larger scale.
Amodio, who received his CPA license in the late 1960s and previously served as President and Director of the Staten Island chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accounts, got started by joining the Staten Island chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). The non-profit organization is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals.
In 2017, Amodio elevated his role to Chairman of the non-profit organization.
“Initially, when I joined and became involved, I came in as a mentor. I became an officer along the way, and then four years ago, I became Chairman,” he said.
Between the Staten Island chapter of SCORE, which averages about 250 unique clients and 700 mentoring sessions annually, and Amodio’s 100-plus personal mentorship connections over the last five years, the number of businesses on Staten Island that has benefitted from his direction is immense. In addition, the leader possesses a wide array of experience assisting both small and large businesses.
“As Lou Miller helped me in my business, I wanted to follow in his footsteps and do the same type of thing,” said Amodio. “When I consulted, a lot of the consulting I did was helping CEOs with strategic plans, and I mentored them. It was one of my favorite things to do.”
While Amodio’s business resume is strong, his devotion to the Staten Island community is just as lengthy.
Amodio has volunteered for a host of local organizations, including Vision for Staten Island, Inc. (Director/Treasurer), the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce (Past Chairman), the Staten Island Rotary Foundation (Chairman), the Rotary Club of Staten Island (Senior Member), the Staten Island Community Fund (Director), Staten Island University Hospital (Past Vice Chairman), the Small Business Development Center (Advisor); and Meals on Wheels of Staten Island (former Chairman/Director). He has also lectured at various seminars for the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Staten Island Business Development Center, the College of Staten Island, St. John's University, and Wagner College.
“In 1985, I was honored to have been selected as the President (now known as the Chairman) of the Staten Island Chamber in Commerce. Normally, people would come along in the Chamber and work through various positions before being named President. But I had a visit from three Past Presidents. They said there was a void that was happening, and they approached me about filling that void,” he recalled.
Amodio has been a member for 42 years with the Rotary Club of Staten Island and served as Chairman for the Club’s various committees. Armed with his financial background, Amodio was tabbed 27 years ago as the Chairman of the Staten Island Rotary Foundation, which donates funds to many causes throughout the borough.
“During those 27 years, we have raised and distributed $1.9 million to the community. And I’m proud of that and proud that we were able to do that. It’s a team effort. It wasn’t me alone,” he said.
Also, due to his tireless work and dedication, Amodio has been honored by many noteworthy organizations, including Meals on Wheels, the Staten Island Heart Society, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, the NYS Society of CPAs, Rotary International, the YMCA, and the College of Staten Island.
And just like receiving the Lou Miller Award, Amodio is humble about receiving the recognition.
“I’ve never really looked at it that I was gaining anything from it. I really just wanted to help where I could,” he said.
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Recipients of the Louis R. Miller Awards are recognized as effective business leaders and for their outstanding contributions to the local community. Awards are given out in four categories: Emerging, Established, Master, and Not-For-Profit. This year, however, given the 125th Anniversary of the Chamber, we are awarding a special “Founder” award. The honorees will be recognized during the annual Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 16. For tickets, visit www.sichamber.com or call the Chamber at 718-727-1900.
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Current occupation AND title: Chairman of the Staten Island chapter of SCORE
Hometown: Raised in Manhattan, moved to Brooklyn at 17, and moved to Staten Island 52 years ago.
Some of my life goals include: Spending time with my family, especially my four granddaughters.
The best part of my job: Using my experiences to help others.
The most difficult part of my job: Finding time to do the administrative work.
My life philosophy: Help others and expect nothing in return.
I am most proud of: Starting the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award along with Brian Laline and recognizing over 275 role models from the community. Also, consolidating Meals on Wheels’ preparation of food for the homebound at the Louis R. Miller Building, Elizabeth Connelly Pavilion.
Something that no one knows about me: That’s for me to know.
The quality I like best about myself: Patience to endure my blessings.
Personal interests and hobbies: Doing things with my children and grandchildren.
I laugh at: Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First” and the TV show “Kids Say the Darndest Things.”
I am really good at: Resolving problems and getting others to resolve their problems.
I admire: People who are humble and give to others.
Some important things I would like you to know about me: Lou Miller mentored me and I considered him my “surrogate father.”