I met Tony as a fellow steelworker. Tony and I were managers in a demanding environment. You quickly get to know the mettle of an individual working under pressure. I enjoyed Tony’s big personality and how others were drawn to him. Tony moved on to bigger and better things in life and we crossed paths later in life at a community gym. Tony was mentoring High School girls on the basketball court and I was lucky to have Tony meet my youngest daughter. I am glad Tony is out there instilling enthusiasm for life and helping to mold the youth of our future. - Jim Richter
I am Rocco Ranallo. I am a Manager at a SkyZone trampoline park near Cleveland Ohio. I met coach tony at the National Sports Forum in Cincinnati Ohio February 2015. I am writing this on April 12, 2015. Coach tony is such a great person and so good at what he does because what he stands for and speaks of is all real! He genuinely wants to give back to the world and help as many young people as he can! He talks to young people in the realest way possible, not sugar coating anything and not feeding them information to make them feel better about themselves. He will give someone time, resources, advice, anything and everything he can! I have known Tony for two months and he has gone above and beyond to help me and encourage me.
The way he talks to young kids and his ideas and methods for reaching them; I have even began to implement into my leadership and management styles with my team members at Skyzone. Being around him, learning from him, and going back and forth in conversation on any issue and exchanging ideas with him, will make anybody a better person. I know it has for me!
The way he talks to young kids and his ideas and methods for reaching them; I have even began to implement into my leadership and management styles with my team members at Skyzone. Being around him, learning from him, and going back and forth in conversation on any issue and exchanging ideas with him, will make anybody a better person. I know it has for me!
I was helping a customer at the register one day when I heard someone speaking loudly on their cell phone. I looked up, and in the middle of the store was a man looking around at our product on the walls, as he proceeded to order custom duffle bags over the phone. As I listened, I was intrigued just by the man’s confidence and demeanor. I also saw an opportunity to fulfill his needs, as I knew that we could offer him the same product and service that he was ordering from somewhere else. After he hung up, he came up to the counter and was very personable with myself and the other employees. He asked about our team sales and the services we offer, and as he did, I recognized his face and voice, for some strange reason. He then asked me to do an internet search on him, and as he told me his name, I remembered seeing him on ABC’s Secret Millionaire show! We shook hands after that, but I had no idea just what type of relationship I had gained just by listening and offering our services to this gentleman.
From that point on, the name “Coach Tony” Branch has become a household name around our store! Throughout 2013 and 2014, he would frequent our store, teaching all of us what it truly means to Pay It Forward and show respect. The stories and antidotes that he’s shared with us about his life are invaluable. He has given new meaning to the phrase “random acts of kindness” as he not only purchased items for countless underprivileged kids and organizations around the country from our store, but also surprised a lot of customers within our store with his giving heart. A local AAU basketball team customer of ours was also very surprised and humbled to receive player sponsorships from the Coach. He has even come to our staff meetings and dinners to share his knowledge, and give our young employees some valuable life direction. I personally am very lucky to have this man of leadership and faith in my life. I appreciate his business, but more than that, I appreciate the lessons shared, and the friendship given.
In today’s society, it is rare to find someone like this man. He is truly a blessing to our staff, our town, and our nation. Being on that television show is nothing compared to what Coach Tony has given back to countless individuals and families, through his basketball coaching days, his military career, and today as a public speaker and mentor. I am very humbled to call him a friend more than anything, and I hope that his legacy carries on for a long time. Thanks Coach, for all that you do! - Matthew Camella
From that point on, the name “Coach Tony” Branch has become a household name around our store! Throughout 2013 and 2014, he would frequent our store, teaching all of us what it truly means to Pay It Forward and show respect. The stories and antidotes that he’s shared with us about his life are invaluable. He has given new meaning to the phrase “random acts of kindness” as he not only purchased items for countless underprivileged kids and organizations around the country from our store, but also surprised a lot of customers within our store with his giving heart. A local AAU basketball team customer of ours was also very surprised and humbled to receive player sponsorships from the Coach. He has even come to our staff meetings and dinners to share his knowledge, and give our young employees some valuable life direction. I personally am very lucky to have this man of leadership and faith in my life. I appreciate his business, but more than that, I appreciate the lessons shared, and the friendship given.
In today’s society, it is rare to find someone like this man. He is truly a blessing to our staff, our town, and our nation. Being on that television show is nothing compared to what Coach Tony has given back to countless individuals and families, through his basketball coaching days, his military career, and today as a public speaker and mentor. I am very humbled to call him a friend more than anything, and I hope that his legacy carries on for a long time. Thanks Coach, for all that you do! - Matthew Camella