Nominate John Taddeo for 2019 Horatio Alger Award and Membership

I have had the pleasure of knowing John Taddeo for over 18 years and I can truly say he exemplifies the character of a Horatio Alger member. Despite the many obstacles that life has thrown his way, he has always strived to overcome these situations with a better attitude and outlook on life while learning these "life lessons". His continuous dedication to creating a better life for anyone he may meet is a testament to his character. John also has a love for animals and puts all his heart into his rescue dogs. John truly is a giving and caring person. John has been a personal inspiration to me and my family as we only hope to overcome and accomplish all that he has. He has counseled myself and daughter several times about continuing our education and because of watching him succeed with great determination, I am planning to attend law school and my daughter has planned to attend medical school after she completes her bachelor's degree in 2019. Everyone who meets John is a better person just because they know him. We look forward to seeing all the good things John will continue to accomplish in the future.

8 years ago Featured

I have personally known John Taddeo for more than 15 years and would highly recommend John for this award. John meets and exceeds the qualifications listed because he has (1) hurdled numerous emotional and physical challenges, (2) has too many professional accomplishments to list but most recently he completed law school and started his own law practice, (3) is very philanthropic in assisting others through charitable events (generously donating both his time and money) and (4) is the definition of free-enterprise by being the ultimate entrepreneur over and over again. Also, John generously mentors and encourages younger people (my daughter and son included) to pursue their dreams through higher education and hard work because he lives by that example.

John Taddeo is synonymous with what the award is all about .,..hope he wins

John was a student of mine during his time at Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. I can say without reservation or fear of overstating that he is one of the best people (not just students!) whom I have ever known. I know that there are other letters noting John’s accomplishments before law school, so I will speak to the difference he made while at Nova. John always dreamed of pursuing a legal education, but things kept getting in the way, not the least of which was cancer. John would not be deterred, however, and he finally began his law school career in the Fall of 2013. Being a nontraditional student, he was older than most of his classmates, and even older than his legal writing professor (that would be me!). As a professor, it is always a little disconcerting when you have a student older than you and with much more life experience, but I quickly learned that John’s humility knew no bounds. By the time John came to law school, he had already owned companies (plural!), worked for one of the largest corporations (Marvel), and been through much in his personal life, but he never flaunted that. In fact, that information would have to be drug out of him. Not surprisingly, John quickly became someone the other students looked up to. He assumed the role of mentor and “big brother,” as easily as he breathed. In our small section of legal writing, there were a diverse group of students who came from all different levels of education and background. Nonetheless, that group grew to be the closest and most successful group of students I have ever taught, and I believe it is all due to the leadership of John. Those students had their lives changed just by being assigned to the same class as John. He encouraged them to pursue their dreams, gave them pep talks when they needed it, but also delivered truth to them when they needed to hear it. But John was never condescending, never talked down to his fellow students. I watched their i

John is as perfect an example of someone deserving this award as any one who has previously received it. From a humble lower middle class family he rose to create and sell several retail stores before he graduated college. Upon entering the workforce he was a treasured employee of a client of mine where he exceeded the managements expectations so frequently that when a rival firm had a senior level assignment available his boss urged him to apply because he felt John was ready for such an assignment and it wasn't available under him. Events then lead John to found and grow a successful trading business. Then came the adversity in the form of cancer. John fought his battle without whining or depression. He emerged from that multi-year fight and after consulting for several diverse companies entered law school and again exceeded expectations and within a year was a partner in a rapidly expanding legal practice. Throughout all of his professional career he has been a mentor to numerous young and old martial arts students he has tutored. He has always been there for numerous friends and family whether it was to help them think through a problem or actually actively invest his time in resolving the problem. As a management consultant for more than 40 years I have earned my living identifying and promoting talented executives in numerous organizations. John is on my shortest list of go to executives.

8 years ago Featured

John Taddeo is a great person and even better friend. My husband and I think so highly of him that we asked him to officiate our wedding. He is truly a remarkable person and very well deserving of this award.

John Taddeo is above and beyond one of the greatest people I've ever met. He is the friend you always have in your corner and will help you through anything. I strongly recommend him for this award.

As I was reading the values the Horatio Alger Association Award represents, there is no doubt that the values represent John as a whole. John is successful, highly intelligent, articulate, stable, hard working, but the most important quality of John is that he is a good man. He has a heart of gold, he is sensitive and kind which is the reason he is respected. It is humbling to see such a wonderful, successful, respectful man give and encourage others to be better versions of themselves. He goes above and beyond to help others. He chose to be a lawyer, which I believe is a noble career to do because a lawyer has all the tools to help and make a difference for people who need it. There is an aspect of selflessness that John truly embodies, which I do believe is a rare quality to find. My husband and I recently had a baby, we asked John and his wife, Donnna, to be our son's godparents. Our son is our world, our absolute reason to keep striving in this world for him to grow to be a good man. We do not want John to do anything, only to be himself because we know John will be a role model. A role model who will show him what and who a good person is by demonstrating not telling him about honesty, kindness, compassion, intelligence, and much more. It would be an honor for John to receive the Horatio Alger Association award. The real honor is ours, to have him in our lives.

John is great. He truly is an honorable and kind person. There are not many people like him. I have known him for about 4 years, throughout the years he has taught me a lot. John this is a great award that has your name all over it, but one thing is true that no one compares to you because you are one of a kind person.

John is a person who truly embodies what this award stands for

John is hard working, philanthropic, sincere and reliable. He will give you the shirt off of his back even if it means he will have nothing. I've never met a more honorable person and don't know anyone more deserving of this award.

8 years ago Featured

John Taddeo is truly deserving of this award. He has a unique and innovative mind that sometimes takes him on roads less often traveled by others but brings him to greater achievement. He has tried and failed but always finds a way to pull himself up by his bootstraps and succeed! His success is a model for everyone who believes in themselves and remains optimistic about their future.

8 years ago Featured

John is one of those people you can count on to always be there as a friend, colleague, and mentor. He deserves to be recognized for all that he does not only as an attorney but as person.

Fantastic candidate that far exceeds all criteria.

One of the greatest people i have had the pleasure of getting to know!

There is no one who deserves this more than John. He is selfless, brilliant, ambitious, charismatic, and overall one of the best people I know all around. His humble nature, wisdom, and generosity bring out the best in the people around him. It's a privilege to know John and call him a friend.

I have had the privilege of growing up and being part of John Taddeo's life for 40 years. Just the thought of him or hearing his name makes me smile. John has made a permanent footprint in my life for the better. My relationship with John has been far greater than just knowing him a long time. We grew up up together side by side and I have experienced firsthand both personally and in business how he will sacrifice his own needs to help others. Nothing makes this man more happier than going out of his way to help someone else achieve their own goal. Having known John for 40 years, I can probably write a list of all his accolades and accomplishments. It would be far more difficult for me to compile a list that shows his benevolence, generosity, kindness, charitableness, dignity and leadership qualities. That list would go on and on. I have watched John make a success of countless business opportunities, overcome major obstacles and persevere through a devastating health related matter. Always with optimism and grace. John has also carried out many beautiful random acts of kindness. One in particular is how much he loves to give children in need gifts for the Holidays. He has done things like this throughout his life with no expectation of a reward or notoriety. John Taddeo is brilliant, creative, hard working and a born leader. Fortunately, he has used his gifts not just for his own personal gain but for all those such as myself that have shared life with him. I believe John deserves the Horatio Alger Award because he embodies all the qualities and values the award stands for.

John Taddeo is the most deserving candidate of the the Horatio Alger award. I have never met a more dedicated, genuine, selfless and creative person. Throughout the years I have seen what a determined person John is in mentoring others, helping those around him. John goes above and beyond, dedicating his time, energy, money and love to those around him. There is no obstacle that can stand between John and his hard work and determination. Simply put, he is deserving of this award and much more in his life. I wish him nothing but the best!

John is a great guy and deserving of this award !

To the Horatio Alger of Distinguished Americans, I have a great deal of respect for The Horatio Alger Association of distinguished Americans and the purpose for which it stands. This level of respect is my motivation to highly recommend John Taddeo for its prestigious award and membership. I have had the pleasure of knowing John on a personal and professional level. His core values have earned him the respect of the people that he encounters. John leads by example, a great husband, a mentor to others, he has overcome adversity at many levels along with his willingness to step out on the limb to make a positive impact on society. The world needs more people like John and by his nomination, The Horatio Alger Association will acquire another asset to their Purpose. Sincerely Michael Ashley.