Mr. Joe Barbat |
| Founder of Wireless Toyz |
|
MI, United States |
About Mr. Joe Barbat
During a career that spans close to 15 years, entrepreneur and mobile retail specialist Joe Barbat has amassed numerous business awards for both himself and his company, Wireless Toyz.
Michigan native Joe Barbat opened Wireless Toyz in 1996 and has since grown the retail brand into a successful chain of stores, selling wireless phone plans from leading providers, as well as cellular phone and satellite TV and radio devices and accessories. Today, Wireless Toyz is found in 15 states at 100 locations, the majority of which are owned and operated by franchisees with extensive background knowledge of mobile phone technology.
Working on the cusp of the wireless phone revolution, Joe Barbat has garnered praise from his colleagues for taking a promising business model and successfully capitalizing on it. Joe Barbat has earned recognition as one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 Under 40, as well as a 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Joe Barbat’s Wireless Toyz was named to Entrepreneur magazine’s 2007 Franchise 500 and Fastest Growing Franchises lists, as well as Inc. 500’s fastest growing privately held U.S. corporations’ index in 2006.
When not tending to the myriad responsibilities of running a prosperous business, Michigan native Joe Barbat enjoys snowmobiling and playing volleyball, a sport he competes in at tournaments throughout his home state. When vacationing, particularly at his favorite destination of Miami, Joe Barbat spends time researching the latest technology and wireless gadgets. Joe Barbat’s favorite mobile device is his BlackBerry Tour.