“Joe the Box” has become one of Suffolk County’s most recognizable America-First personalities, turning The America First Warehouse in Ronkonkoma into what supporters call “the most patriotic venue in all the land.”
A longtime and successful business owner, Joe says his nickname came naturally. “I own a moving company. That’s why they call me Joe the Box,” he said. “Because I pick things up, I put them down.”
Joe and his wife Toni have built the warehouse into an active and popular hub for conservative events, live broadcasts, and patriotic gatherings. In addition to hosting a sold-out birthday celebration for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whom Joe proudly calls “America’s mayor," he's hosting an "America 250" bash on June 20th.
As part of The South Shore Press “Video Vault” series, Joe recently discussed patriotism, President Donald Trump, and America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration.
Stefan Mychajliw: : Joe, what does it mean to have Rudy Giuliani coming to your warehouse?
Joe the Box: “It’s incredible. It’s honestly divine inspiration. Through this path in life, we got involved with Rudy many years ago and the relationship grew. I’ve gone down to his apartment, I’ve had dinner with him many times. My wife and I are close friends with him. I do anything and everything I can for the man because I believe in him and I believe he loves this country.”
Q: You clearly have a strong connection to patriotism. Where does that come from?
Joe: “I grew up believing America is the greatest country in the world. My parents raised us that way. Faith, hard work, family, and country. I’m sixty-four years old now and I still believe we are blessed beyond belief to live here.”
Q: Why are you so passionate about America’s 250th birthday celebration?
Joe: “It’s the greatest time to be alive. Can you imagine? Two hundred and fifty years. I can’t get over it. We are so blessed and that’s why I’m gonna fight so hard to keep it. People should be proud to celebrate this country.”
Q: You also spoke a lot about President Trump during the interview. Why do you connect with him?
Joe: “We are blessed to have this man. I think everyday Americans understand that. People are struggling right now. Young people trying to buy homes, raise families, build a future. It’s hard. I’ve got four sons and they work their butts off every day. I see it firsthand.”
Q: Do you still believe in the American Dream?
Joe: “Absolutely. I followed my father’s footsteps and built a business. The American Dream went from him to me and I tried to pass it down to my boys. That dream still matters. People just want opportunity again.”
Q: What can people expect from your upcoming events?
Joe: “The weekend’s gonna be great. We wanted people to have an opportunity to be intimate a little bit with the mayor, take pictures, get autographs, make memories. And with the America 250 celebration, we want people coming together to celebrate this country the way it deserves.”
The America 250 Celebration will take place Saturday, June 20th, at The America First Warehouse, 90 13th Avenue in Ronkonkoma. For tickets and event information, visit www.afwarehouse.com.