Mitch Shapiro, born in Brooklyn, New York on September 6, 1952, is anything but your average guy. In fact, average is probably one of those words that’ll never be used to describe Mitch. Another sound you’ll never hear Mitch utter is the word can’t. “When you put your mind to it,” Mitch will tell you, “there’s nothing you can’t do.”

Below, Mitch answers some personal questions, because, as he says, “Ask me anything. I’ll tell you everything.” If you know Mitch, you know he’s not joking. And if you really know Mitch, you wonder whether it’s possible for Mitch not to be joking. “Let’s face it,” he says, “I’m a sucker for a corny joke.” But that’s just Mitch: a fun-loving workaholic who lets nothing, nada, zip, zilch, zero stand in his way of getting what he wants.                             

With his launch of the Foundation for Sight and Sound (FSS), Mitch says he’s been blessed with a dedicated and enthusiastic team of energetic and talented volunteers who are helping him bring his Dream to life.
Read Mitch’s Dream.

But who is this high-spirited, unfatiguing, ultra-optimistic man about town? The brief profile, below, provides an opportunity for us to know Mitch on a different level. In fact, you may be surprised to know, “Two real passions of mine,” Mitch confesses, “and I’ll bet most people probably don’t know, are gardening and horses.”

What kind of music do you enjoy most?

"Mostly kool Jazz, but I also like listening to new age and country tunes." 

Tell us one thing people might not know about you:

"I'm a very picky eater." 

Who has inspired you most in your life? 

That's easy. My father.  Mostly because of his attitude, his  attitude, his ability to give me direction, his extensive knowledge, and his vast experience and expertise in many different areas. He always led by example, as opposed to just telling me what I should and shouldn’t do. An important lesson I learned by his example is the importance of building relationships and treating people with respect. He’s been a great role model because he has strong values, a terrific business sense and he’s been an invaluable advisor to me. One thing that has really made a strong impression on me is he really knows how to give back to the community. I saw how he always did so much with never any expectation for anything in return. That’s been one of the greatest inspirations to me because more than anything, we must know how to give, not just take.

While my father has been a great inspiration, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Saul. When I was in college (Miami Dade Junior College), I met Saul, a 40-year-old blind army veteran. He’d always go to class, and he’d always bring his tape recorder so he wouldn’t miss a thing. Even though that was years ago, and we haven’t kept in touch, to this day, Saul continues to be such an inspiration because he always handled himself so graciously. He pushed forward in his life, and never let any obstacle get in his way. I was so impressed with the great job he did. He went out and conquered, and never let anything interfere.

Tell me about a job you’ve had that may surprise people.

Well, I’ve had a string of jobs that may surprise you. For example, my first job out of college was at the Playboy Club in Atlanta (and I tell people that’s why I’m going blind! Ha Ha!). Sure, you hear Playboy Club and think “WOW!” that must’ve been some experience. But in reality, my job was anything but glamorous. I was a steward.

I’ve also worked quite a bit with horses. I worked on a horse farm in Kentucky and I worked at quite a few race tracks, including Roosevelt Raceway, Belmont , Saratoga, Aqueduct and Hialeah (Florida). I'd groom the horses, and also serve as a hot walker (someone who walks the horses after they train or race to cool down.) I’ve been into horses almost my whole life, and I still love them.

Tell me about an accomplishment you feel especially proud of.

While I worked at the Swan Club in Roslyn, which was owned by our family at that time (it has long-since been sold), I was in charge of landscaping and took care of about five acres of property. I must’ve planted over 70,000 spring flowering bulbs, which involved creating color schemes, correctly positioning the bulbs so certain ones bloomed at specific times, kind of like choreographing nature. I got tremendous satisfaction from this job because I created something for everyone to enjoy. I loved working so hard to plan how all the colors, shapes and sizes would work with one anther. Many people came to the Swan Club, for weddings, parties and all kinds of events. And people enjoyed walking through the gardens I created just to look at all the beautiful flowers.

I remember, there was this group of senior citizens who came each year for a special event – and many would come outside to visit the gardens. This one day, I’ll always remember, one of them said: “God gave you a gift to create something that others can enjoy.” Those few words seem to make it all worthwhile. It made me realize just how much of a difference I could make in people’s lives. That really touched me.

Any truth to the rumor that you enjoy golf? I’ve even heard you hit a hole-in-one. True?

I play. But I don’t live for it. I’m a social person and I enjoy being with people and having fun, so I enjoy an occasional game of golf. As you can imagine, it’s not that easy to play golf when you can’t see. I need some help getting pointed in the right direction, and I take it from there. Although I do have to have “blind trust” in the people I play with to be honest with my scoring!

No, I really didn't get a hole-in-one.  But I did win a putting contest.  I sunk a 35 foot putt on the first shot and won a cash prize.  I'm signed up to play in a golf outing next week.  I'm just going out to have fun.  That's it.  Be with people ... and not let anything get in my way.

You’re always so busy meeting new people, attending meetings and trade shows, speaking at schools and business groups, going to restaurants…how do you get around with what appears to be so much ease?

Well, if it’s important, I find a way. Sometimes I’ll walk if I can, but mostly I’m blessed to have very-generous and caring volunteers, friends and family who help me quite a lot. I’ll also use public transportation when necessary. But like I said, I go to all these meetings and events because they’re all opportunities. More than just a possibility – an opportunity. And if it’s important, I’ll always find a way. I’ll get there somehow.