Today, we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Tonon.
Hi Adrian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in an immigrant Italian household in Detroit, Michigan. As a first-generation American, many other children made fun of me due to my father’s thick Italian accent and my name, ‘Adrian,’ which in the late ’70s was heavily associated with a girl’s name.
My grandparents were restaurateurs and influenced my parents to open a restaurant in 1976, that is still family-owned and operated today. Growing up in the restaurant business with dedicated entrepreneur parents required me to roll up my sleeves early in life and get to work. Of course, I resented it, but later in life, I began to appreciate the art of customer service
My father passed in 1993, and at 21, I was thrust into leadership at the restaurant. I worked the doors and floors for many years while building foundational relationships in business, philanthropy, entertainment, and government.
In 2014, I joined then Mayoral candidate Michael E. Duggan. We won the election, and I was appointed Detroit’s founding Director of Customer Service, where I implemented hospitality culture for 8000 City of Detroit employees.
With my experience in business and creative economy, I later became Detroit’s first ‘Night Time Mayor,’ where I represented the Mayor from 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
After four years of serving in that role, I was courted to run for US Congress to create a seat at the table for the ‘Creative Economy.’ Today, I have returned to the private sector to advocate for a thriving 3 trillion dollar and growing creative economy.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am grateful for my path, but it has never been consistently smooth. Smooth at moments and absolutely what seemed to be insanity at times. Losing my father, young forced me to be the man of the family at an early age.
As an early adopter and advocate of the creative community, my role in government as Detroit’s first Night Time Mayor was not valued by many other than those in nighttime industries and some progressive City officials.
Today, I advocate for a community that has traditionally been left behind, and today, we are the world’s change-makers.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was drawn to music and creativity from inception. My Mother was an influence in my adolescence. She exposed me to music at an early age. My first concert was Stevie Wonder at the famed Fox Theatre Detroit.
Throughout the years, I have played in bands and managed many artists. Today, that passion has led me to become a full-time music executive, entrepreneur, and creative economy advocate. My vast knowledge in business, government, and philanthropy has given me a unique perspective on advocating for an economy that I am both a member of and a champion of.
We are in an age of awakening, and creatives have an opportunity to influence the world and truly make it a better place for generations to come.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The world is at a pivotal and historic moment in time. I have learned that nothing is promised. Put in the work, stay principally based, and live with intention and gratitude. Make time for the ones you love. It’s simple.
It’s simple.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AdrianTonon.com
- Instagram: @AdrianTonon
- Facebook: AdrianTonon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-tonon-78b3081/
Image Credits
Agron Berishaj
