Mike Triantafellou, Handee Marts Inc.
The cowboy with a big heart and big sense of humor
You can call him “Mike T,” everyone else does. The Philly-born native is the president and CEO of Handee Marts Inc. — a 41-year domestic licensee of 7-Eleven and operating 63 stores.
The University of Pennsylvania graduate started off in the industry 35 years ago as a restaurant manager at Truckstops of America. Other notable positions on his resume include multi-unit and executive positions including director of restaurant operations, director of marketing, vice president of operations and marketing, and COO, as well as serving as a director on both private and public company boards.
Mike T currently resides just east of Pittsburgh with his bride of 35 years, Jackie, five horses, two dogs and 10 barn cats! He and his wife are also proud parents of four children and are blessed with six grandchildren.
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteaks, preferably from Angela's on Roosevelt Boulevard.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Out of stocks — single coverage on a shift; and when one our horses evacuates themselves in a perfectly clean, just mucked-out stall.
Fill in the blank. Fast food is the breakfast of overweight champions.
If you could be another person for a day, who would you be and why?
A homeless person because it would serve to remind me of those in need. In this hectic world we often forget how blessed we are and how those less fortunate could use our help.
What was the last thing to make you laugh out loud?
The Dallas Cowboys.
What hidden talent do you possess?
The ability to use my significant management and communication skills, and always get the last words in during every conversation I have ever had with my bride of 35 years. Those words of wisdom are “Yes dear.”
If you were stuck on a deserted island with no hopes of rescue, who is the last person you'd want with you?
It's a toss up between Charles Manson, Jerry Jones and Lady Gaga.