Joe Graca welcomed as newest member of Rotary Club of Edina
The Rotary Club of Edina is proud to announce that Joseph Graca is a new member of our Club. Joe's classification is Mortgage Banking, and his sponsor to the Club was Mike Opitz. He joined the Club on July 10. Learn more about Joe by clicking on the link below...
Periodically we feature a new member of the Rotary Club of Edina on our website. This week we meet:
Name: Joe Graca
Classification: Mortgage Banking
What was your first job? I started a dry-cleaning business when I was in high school with a pal, so we could fund a ski trip to Snowbird Ski Resort. The local cleaner let us make up and sell dry-cleaning coupons for 10 percent off. We sold them to our neighbors because they couldn’t say no. We cleaned up, so to speak, and had a great trip.
Who was your first role model and why? My mom—without a doubt. Raising four boys who had a penchant for getting into mischief and a husband who was a practical joker was no easy task. She was 100 percent German and knew how to run the show. She never hung up the phone without saying “I love you.” And she was the greatest chef on earth.
Why did you want to join Rotary? I have always enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. My life was like Groundhog Day. This Club has really been a breath of fresh air. I also look forward to the opportunities to give back to the local community.
What do you like best about being part of the Rotary Club of Edina?
1. I don’t have to eat leftovers on Thursday.
2. I get to hang out with Mike Opitz more.
What one piece of advice do you offer other business leaders? If you sell a man a fish, that’s great. If you teach a man to fish, it’s a lost business opportunity.
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Edina, Joe!