Frank T. LaBarbera is a retired oil and gas executive who amassed more than 45 years of
excellence in his fields. At the inception of his career in 1964, after receiving a bachelor’s degree in advertising, he served Roebuck & Company in Lakeland, Florida, as a display man for five years before being hired by Montgomery Ward & Company as a display manager, a position he held for the following six years. From 1975 to 1978, he was an interior designer and sales representative for Badcock Furniture Corporation, having thereafter served as a fleet and leasing salesman for the Lakeland Ford Company until 1981. For the subsequent 19 years, he was a sales representative at Neumann Oil Company in Tampa, Florida, and at Ward Oil Company from 2000 to 2005. At the conclusion of his career in 2011, he served J.H. Williams Oil Company as a sales representative for six years.
Appreciating the opportunity to ascend to several positions of increasing responsibility throughout his career, Mr. LaBarbera has also dedicated his time to civic outreach programs and endeavors, including with the Florida and Plant City Jaycees. Following the direction of his many mentors through the Jaycees, he delved into the political realm and was afforded the opportunity to meet many congressmen, senators and presidents, including President Ronald Reagan, who presented Mr. LaBarbera with the flag that flew over the White House. Likewise, he has also maintained involvement with the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club and Elks Club, serving in executive roles.
Demonstrating versatility in his profession, Mr. LaBarbera has contributed a number of articles to the Florida Jaycees Magazine and the Elks Club. A past president of Success Technologies Ltd. as well, he sat on the Polk County Bicentennial Steering Committee in the mid-1970s and has been a founder, board member and chairman of the Plant City Christmas Parade since 1965. Further, he has contributed as a board member to the Strawberry Festival Parade for several years.
In light of his exceptional contributions to his community and industry, Mr. LaBarbera was named Outstanding Jaycee of the Year by the Plant City Jaycees in 1967 and 1969. He was also recognized as Salesman of the Year by Neumann Oil Company. Highlighted in the first edition of Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America and 24th edition of Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, Mr. LaBarbera is the proud father of three children and grandfather of five grandchildren. He enjoys hunting, fishing and volunteering in his community in his spare time.
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