A
successful entrepreneur and businessman, Michael Ricatto is devoted to his
family, and dedicated to serving his community.“Mike” is known for his work ethic and for his big heart and he has been recognized and honored for his generous contributions of both time and money to charitable organizations, political causes and to people in need.
In recognition of his many contributions to his community, his heritage and to his country, Mike has been named a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. This rare honor is accorded to outstanding Americans who have distinguished themselves as citizens of the United States.
The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded to those individuals who have shown outstanding qualities in their personal and professional lives while maintaining the richness of their particular heritage.
Mike was born in Harlem, and then grew up in Queens and, during his teen years, on his family’s farm in Nassau County. Even as a young boy, Mike demonstrated an aptitude for business. Because of the extra services he offered – like offering salt with the job – Mike was able to charge more than other boys to shovel snow and still get most of the business.
In his teen years, Mike worked on the family farm and was able to use the money he made to start a successful automobile business. Even then, Mike developed a reputation as a fair and honest businessman.
After graduation, Mike went to work in his family’s businesses, including Fratelli Ricatto Import Export Company, Red Fleet Haulage, Tally-Ho Nursery School and the Forest Hills Country Club. In just three years, Mike was able to quadruple revenues in these family enterprises.
At the same time, Mike began investing in his own businesses. Today, Mike is President of Ricatto Enterprises. Ricatto Enterprises includes Advanced Fleet Maintenance – an authorized Allison Transmission dealer and the largest engine and transmission remanufacturing plant in the five boroughs – as well as Allboro Engine, Ricatto Marine, the St. James Restaurant, Barry Street Development, Country Club Development, East Village Development, Ricatto Racing Stables, Real Deals, Inc., and East Village Management.
As Mike’s businesses have grown, so has his involvement in the community. Mike serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Italian-American Museum, of Italian Charities of America and of Better Leadership America. He is also a past member of the Queens College A.C.E. Board of Directors.
Mike is a member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, Italian Charities of America, Tiro A Seguo, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the International Horse Country Club, the Republican Presidential Roundtable and the Queens Village Republican Club. He has been honored as Businessman of the Year by Italian Charities of America and is the recipient of the Queens County Republican Committee Ronald Reagan Gold Medal.
Mike is the proud father of four sons, Michael, John, Vincenzo and Santino, and a daughter Patricia, 23. He is also the proud grandfather of Julia.
